Anemia during the pregnancy affects nearly half of pregnant women worldwide. A study in Multan, Pakistan, involving 385 women, explored this issue using a cross-sectional design. Researchers collected data on socio-demographics, obstetric history, prenatal care, and clinical symptoms. Blood tests revealed that 77% of the participants suffered from iron deficiency anemia (IDA).The study identified the key risk factors for IDA, including high gravidity, short intervals between births, poor diet, and low socioeconomic status. These factors contribute significantly to the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in this region. Furthermore, the study found a strong association between anemia and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as higher rates of preterm delivery and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). These findings underscore the critical need for effective interventions to address this health issue. Iron supplementation and improved antenatal care are essential strategies to enhance maternal and fetal health. The study emphasizes that addressing nutritional deficiencies and improving healthcare access for pregnant women, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, can significantly reduce the incidence of anemia and its associated complications. In conclusion, this study highlights that higher gravidity and shorter birth intervals increase anemia risk, which is linked to higher rates of preterm delivery and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Targeted interventions like iron supplementation and improved antenatal care are essential to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes the widespread issue of anemia during pregnancy in Multan, Pakistan and the urgent need for targeted measures to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes through better nutrition and healthcare services.

Keywords

Anemia, pregnancy, Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA), preterm delivery, Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), hematological changes.