ANALYTIC STUDY OF SEVERE ANEMIA IN PREGNANCY

Anemia is a major global public health problem and remains particularly prevalent among pregnant women in developing countries. India continues to have a high burden of anemia during pregnancy, with nutritional deficiencies, inadequate dietary iron intake, poor absorption, closely spaced pregnancies, infections, parasitic infestations, and hemoglobinopathies contributing to its occurrence. Iron deficiency is the most common cause, although deficiencies of folic acid and vitamin B12 may also contribute. Anemia during pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes, including increased maternal morbidity and mortality, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, low birth weight, and increased perinatal and neonatal mortality. Despite several national initiatives for anemia prevention and control, the condition remains a significant public health challenge. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the medico-sociodemographic factors associated with anemia among pregnant women and to identify their independent significance through multivariate analysis.