The association between haemoglobin levels in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes

BackgroundLow haemoglobin has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Our study aimed to assess the association of haemoglobin (Hb) in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, and restoration of low Hb levels, with pregnancy outcomes in Australia.MethodsClinical data for singleton pregnancies from two tertiary public hospitals in New South Wales were extracted for 2011–2015. The relationship between the lowest Hb result in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy and adverse outcomes was determined using adjusted Poisson regression. Those with Hb ResultsOf 31,906 singleton pregnancies, 4.0% had Hb ConclusionsWomen with both low and high Hb in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy had higher risks of adverse outcomes than those with normal Hb. Restoring Hb after 20 weeks did not improve most adverse outcome rates but did reduce risk of transfusion.