The role of gestational weight gain rate in the development of maternal iron deficiency anaemia

Abstract

Aims: Our aim is to analyze the effect of weight gain rates on the development of anaemia in a homogeneous group of pregnant women taking similar nutritional supplements in our own society and to emphasize the importance of weight control based on this hypothesis. Methods: The study was conducted retrospectively with 127 pregnant women between 20 and 40 years old. Pregnant women in normal weight and having body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 were included in the study. These women were divided into two groups according to the amount of weight they gained during pregnancy: those who weighed less than 11 kg and those who gained 11 kg or more. Ages of patients, number of pregnancies and births, 1st and 3rd trimester weights, 1st and 3rd trimester weight differences, 1st and 3rd trimester hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) measurements were recorded. The correlation of changes between weight gain and blood parameters was evaluated. Results: No statistically significant change was observed between the 1st and 3rd trimester Hgb and Hct averages of pregnant women who gained less than 11 kg during pregnancy. 3rd Trimester Hgb, Hct averages of the pregnant group who gained 11 kg or more were found to be statistically significantly lower than the outset Hgb, Hct averages (p=0.001, p=0.001). No statistically significant difference was observed between the 1st Trimester and 3rd Trimester MCV averages of the <11 kg difference and >11 kg difference groups (p=0.271, p=0.183). No statistically significant difference was observed between the 1st trimester ferritin averages of the <11 kg difference and >11 kg difference groups (p = 0.055). 3rd trimester ferritin averages of the >11 kg difference group were found to be statistically significantly lower than the <11 kg difference group (p =0.016). Conclusion: As a result of our study, we can say that rapid weight gain during pregnancy deepens anaemia. Randomized studies continue to be the best source of evidence in testing hypotheses mentioning that early use of iron supplements and strengthening weight control may reduce the risk of IDA.