The Association Between Obesity and Anemia With Pregnancy and Childbirth Outcomes

Background and Purpose: Obesity and anemia are among the main challenges and health care issues related to pregnancy around the world, which can affect the outcomes of this period. This study aimed to determine the association between obesity and anemia with pregnancy and childbirth outcomes in women referred to the health care centers of Tonkabon City, Iran, in 2023. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the records of 240 pregnant women were examined using a simple random sampling method. Data, including demographic information, pregnancy, body mass index (BMI) and hemoglobin concentration, were collected using a checklist from the Parsa (electronic health event file and referral) system. Hemoglobin concentration <11 g/dL in the first trimester and <10.5 mg/dL in the second trimester was considered anemic and BMI >30 kg/m2 was considered obese. Data analysis was performed using statistical SPSS software, version 24 with descriptive and inferential statistical methods (the chi-square test and t-test). P<0.05 were considered significant. Results: About 55.6% of women were overweight and obese. Also, 14.4% in the first trimester and 40.4% in the second trimester had anemia. The relationship between the number of pregnancies with BMI and birth weight with hemoglobin concentration in the first trimester was significant (P<0.001). The average difference of variables with BMI in two groups of normal weight and obese women in the history of stillbirth (P=0.001), abortion (P=0.046), birth weight (P=0.046) and gestational diabetes (P=0.005). Conclusion: Obesity and anemia affect health status during pregnancy. Since obesity and iron deficiency anemia are preventable, the provision of simple preventive solutions by the health system, such as taking supplements, nutrition, and a proper lifestyle before and during pregnancy, should be considered.