MATERNAL ANAEMIA AND NEONATAL OUTCOME IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN SUDAN

Background and Objective: Anaemia during pregnancy is a major public health problem that contributes to both maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality.

Methods: This was a prospective, case control study conducted in Omdurman maternity hospital.The study was conducted during the period March –May 2013. One hundred and ninety anaemic and one hundred and ninety nonanaemic mothers were included in the study. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire containing maternal and neonatal data. Data was analyzed using SPSS program. Chi square was used to study the correlation between anaemia in pregnancy and the outcome of the babies.

Results: Prevalence of anaemia among mothers was 22.8%. In the anaemic group, 5.2% of the babies had anaemia. Low birth weight, prematurity and low Apgar score increased significantly as compared with the non anaemic group.

Conclusion: Prevention and treatment of maternal anaemia has a positive impact on the outcome of the baby, thus strategies need to be planned and implemented to improve haemoglobin level of pregnant women.