The effect of maternal iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy on infants’ anthropometric indices at birth

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition, Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.

2 Student Research Committee, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran

10.22038/ijogi.2025.76520.5936

Abstract

Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common problems during pregnancy and an important risk factor for the health of mother and fetus. Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by lack of iron intake, absorption impairment, and loss of iron or increased need for it. The present study was conducted with aim to investigate the effect of maternal iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy on infants’ anthropometric indices at birth.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018-2019 on 630 mothers referred to the health care centers in Zahedan and their infants. The data collection tool was a researcher-made form which recorded the maternal and infant demographic information, maternal iron deficiency anemia, and infants’ anthropometric indices at birth. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 22) and Chi-square and t-tests. P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in the studied mothers was 18.9%. There was a significant relationship between maternal iron deficiency anemia and infants’ birth weight (P<0.05). However, there was no significant relationship between maternal anemia with infant’s length size and head circumference at birth (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Given the clear effects of maternal iron deficiency anemia on the health of infants, it seems necessary to pay more attention to maternal nutrition during pregnancy and to be careful about the timely use of iron supplements in pregnant women.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility
Volume 27, Issue 10
December 2024
Pages 17-28

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