FREQUENCY OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA AS A RISK FACTOR FOR PRETERM LABOUR

Abstract

Background:
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains the most common nutritional deficiency among pregnant women globally and is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for adverse obstetric outcomes, including preterm labour. Identifying its frequency in high-risk obstetric populations is essential for developing timely preventive strategies.

Objective:
To determine the frequency of iron deficiency anemia among women presenting with preterm labour.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted over six months, 28 September, 2024 to 27th march 2025 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan. A total of 116 pregnant women aged 18–35 years, with singleton pregnancies and gestational age between 20 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks, were included using non-probability consecutive sampling. Women with comorbid conditions such as placenta previa, fibroids, urinary tract infection, or hypertension were excluded. Baseline demographic data were recorded, and blood samples were analyzed for hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) to diagnose IDA. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results:
The mean age of participants was 27.6 ± 4.2 years, with a mean gestational age of 32.1 ± 3.8 weeks. Iron deficiency anemia was detected in 29.3% of women. The highest frequency of anemia was observed in the poor socioeconomic group (38.5%) and among those presenting earlier in gestation (40% in 20–28 weeks). Statistically significant associations were noted between IDA and both socioeconomic status and gestational age.

Conclusion:
A considerable proportion of women with preterm labour were affected by iron deficiency anemia. Targeted screening and nutritional interventions during antenatal care may reduce the burden of preterm deliveries linked to anemia.