Objective(s):

• To assess the frequency of maternal anemia and its association with obstetrics and neonatal adverse outcomes.
• To evaluate the effects of maternal hemoglobin levels during the third trimester on pregnancy outcomes and fetal development.
• To assess the association between anemia severity with pregnancy outcome and newborn mortality and morbidity.

Methodology:

This is a prospective, cohort study, conducted at Lifeline maternity hospital, Karachi. All pregnant females visiting the antenatal clinic during the third trimester were included in the study, blood count was measured from mother during third trimester and from neonates 24 hours after birth. SPSS 23 was used to enter and analyze the data.

Results:

260 pregnant females in their 3^rd trimester were included in this study, the mean age was 32.4 ±4.8, The association between maternal anemia with pediatric hemoglobin levels mean values indicated normal mean Hb in neonates born to non-anemic mothers with 15.4 ± 2.7 g/dL, Assessment of fetal outcome was documented at the end of 03 months follow-up, overall results indicated 61(%) Respiratory infection was reported in 29(%), other infections in 37(%), while the prolonged illness was reported in 16(%). NICU stay immediately after birth was reported in 47(%), while excessive hospitalization was documented in 9(%), the excessive need for medication was reported in 17(%) of children, and 6(%) of mortalities were documented from study participants.

Conclusion:

In Pakistan, there is a high frequency of maternal anemia, particularly during the third trimester, which harms the health of both the mother and the fetus. Severe maternal anemia is linked to an increased risk of poor maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes. Preventive interventions for severe anemia in pregnant women should be investigated.

Keywords: Maternal anemia, Pregnancy outcomes, maternal mortality, neonatal mortality