Assessing the Impact of Maternal Anemia on Pregnancy Outcomes in a Community Health Centre in Hapur District, Uttar Pradesh, India

Background: Maternal anaemia affects approximately 37% of pregnant women worldwide and is associated with negative pregnancy outcomes. The burden is similarly high in Hapur district, India. This study aims to explore the relationship between maternal haemoglobin levels and various pregnancy outcomes, including birth weight, preterm birth, and maternal complications, to address a gap in existing data. Methods: Data were collected from 1232 labouring women at a secondary healthcare facility. The prevalence of anaemia was assessed, and its potential effects on birth weight, foetal well-being, preterm labour, and maternal complications were analysed. Correlation analysis was conducted to examine the association between maternal haemoglobin levels and birth weight. Results: Nearly 90% of the women in labour were found to be anaemic, with moderate anaemia being the most common (62%). Anaemic mothers had higher rates of low birth weight (LBW) infants, and a weak positive correlation was observed between maternal haemoglobin levels and birth weight. Rates of adverse outcomes such as stillbirth, prematurity, and maternal complications were similar between anaemic and nonanaemic groups. Conclusion: Maternal anaemia is strongly associated with low birth weight, which increases the risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality. While iron deficiency remains a major cause, other contributing factors such as parasitic infections, micronutrient deficiencies, and genetic influences must also be addressed. Strengthening interventions such as iron and folic acid supplementation is crucial to reducing low birth weight and achieving global health targets by 2025.