Antenatal Mothers Research Articles

A STUDY TO ASSESS THE ATTITUDE TOWARDS DIFFICULTIES FACED DURING ANTENATAL VISITS IN PANDEMIC SITUATION AMONG ANTENATAL MOTHERS AT SMVMCH, PUDUCHERRY.

The COVID-19 pandemic is posing considerable challenges for countries to maintain the provision of high quality, essential maternal and newborn health services. Pregnant women and mothers with newborns may experience difculties accessing services due to transport disruptions and lockdown measures or be reluctant to come to health facilities due to fear of infection. Thus, a modest decline of 10% in coverage of pregnancy related and newborn health-care services were reported due to pandemics. This would result in 28,000 maternal deaths Anxiety and stress are prevalent psychiatric disorders that can result in negative health outcomes in the long run. The risk factors of anxiety and stress are numerous among which personal factors and genetic susceptibility are the main important ones; furthermore, the inappropriate coping with the changing environment has been identied as an important source of stress that causes anxiety as well. Pregnancy is one of the life periods with a high frequency of stress and anxiety disorders, supposed to be triggered by hormonal and physical changes, the fear of the neonate's health, giving birth, and other pregnancy-related factors. Majority of the antenatal mothers 45 (90%) had moderately favourable level of attitude, 4(8%) had unfavourable level of attitude and 1(2%) had favourable level of attitude s and the mean and standard deviation of level of attitude towards difculties faced during antenatal visits in pandemic situation among antenatal mothers is (36.92+6.074) respectively. Therefore the study should be conducted to test the level of attitude about the difculties faced by the antenatal mothers during the pandemic situation in SMVMCH

A Community-Based Trial on The Comparison of Efficacy, Safety and Cost Effectiveness of Ferrous Sulphate and Ferrous Ascorbate for Anaemia in Pregnancy In Madhya Pradesh, India

Background: Anaemia has significant impact on health of the fetus as well as that of mother. Increased need of iron during pregnancy especially after 2nd trimester makes iron supplementation mandatory. Ferrous ascorbate is known to exist intact inside the gastrointestinal tract due to the stable chelation of iron with ascorbate. This compound does not dissociate due to any of the food inhibitors. The aim is to study the effectiveness of Ferrous Ascorbate and Ferrous sulphate in terms of compliance and cost effectiveness of management of anaemia in pregnancy. Methodology: Study design: Quasi Experimental study, Study area: District Vidisha, Study participants: Pregnant women of first trimester registered during the study period in the selected Anganwadis/ Gram Arogya Kendra (GAK), Sample size: 240 antenatal mothers. Results: Baseline mean haemoglobin was 11.31±1.05 gm/dl. The mean increase in Ferrous Sulphate was 0.55 gm/dl, and in Ferrous ascorbate was 1.27 gm/dl. Ferrous Sulphate was less compliant than Ferrous ascorbate, and has higher efficacy and lesser side effects. Only Rs. 10.2 additional cost per antenatal mothers for increase of ≥1gm% in Hb will be borne by government if Ferrous Sulphate is replaced by Ferrous Ascorbate. Conclusions: Study results show statistically significant difference in rise of haemoglobin amongst the antenatal mothers consuming Ferrous ascorbate over Ferrous Sulphate.

Comparative Study of Gestational Age Using Mean Fetal Kidney Length and Other Sonographic Fetal Parameters in Singleton Pregnancy After 24 Weeks

Introduction: To accurately estimate the fetus age and follow up on the growth of different fetal organs, it is vital to know the accurate date of birth. It also helps to prevent prenatal and postnatal complications for the newborn. It is common for antenatal mothers to be unaware of last menstrual period (LMP). In such situations, it would be difficult to calculate the delivery date. According to various studies, up to 30% of women were not sure of their LMP. The treating obstetricians would have to be very careful when the exact LMP is unknown in order to prevent post maturity and prematurity deliveries. Material And Methods: The present study is prospective comparative study of Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Guntur Medical College and Hospital, Andhra Pradesh, India. After 24 weeks of gestational age are included who are at age between 20-35 yrs which is of 200 sample size in the year 2020-21. Clinical assessment of gestational age was done by palpating the fundal height of the patient. Following this using ultrasound, meam fetal kidney length (FKL) along with other fetal parameters were calculated. Result: In the present study, BPD ranged from 28-40 wks, whereas the mean BPD was 35.25+2.67 HC ranged between 27-40 and the mean BPD was 35.35+2.88 MKL ranged between 27-41 and the mean MKL was 35.93+3.49. Upon the composite of multiple parameters GA ranged between 27.8-39.6 and the mean was 3.5.36+2.7. Conclusion: The FKL is very much useful in assessing the gestational age. From our study we state that there is a significant correlation between fatal kidney length and the gestational age. Hence fetal kidney is appropriate in estimation of gestational age.

A study to assess the effectiveness of video assisted teaching programme on knowledge regarding preparation of mother about correct breastfeeding technique among primi antenatal mothers at selected hospital of Indore city

The present study was carried out to find out the awareness of mother related to breast feeding technique. Breastfeeding is the ideal method suited for the psychological and physiological needs of children. Most of the mothers don't know the correct technique of breast feeding. This leads to many unnoticed and biased problems in babies and lactating mothers. These include improper nutrition to baby, altered growth, Oral thrush, low secretion of milk, inadequate feeds, nipple problems etc. There are few simple ways to practice the art of breast feeding techniques like starting breast feeding immediately after birth, proper positions, latching up and burping up the baby. Minor problems may occur during breast-feeding. But with proper planning, knowledge, and support, mothers can overcome these challenges and continue breast-feeding. Before the baby is born, attending classes, reading books, and watching videos that demonstrate breast-feeding techniques will help the mothers in promoting breast feeding practice. Materials and Methods: An experimental study with one group pre-test post test design, an evaluator research approach was used to find out the effectiveness of video assisted teaching on mothers knowledge regarding correct position and breast feeding technique. The sample consist of 60 mothers who were admitting in SAIMS Hospital, Indore city. The samples were chosen by convenient purposive sampling technique. The data was collected prior and after the structured teaching programme by a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. The knowledge gained through video assisted teaching was found to be highly effective in gaining knowledge. The t- value found to be 28.9with standard error 0.271. The mean pre test 4.75 and post mean test 12.62. The demographic variable such as age, educational status, job, source of information and nutritional status found to be significant. The video assisted teaching programme was found to be effective in teaching the primigravida mother about the breast feeding technique, it found to be effective for mothers. It was well appreciated and accepted by the mother. The more researches on failure to thrive will find better outcome for obstetrics and gynaecology department.

Prevalence of thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia carriers among antenatal women– A first study from Telangana population

Beta thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia (SCA) are highly prevalent and inherited preventable blood disorders that require lifelong blood transfusions and contribute to infant and childhood morbidity and mortality. It is mandate to prevent these disorders to save the children from life long suffering by initiating stringent screening programs. A total of 2478 antenatal women visiting Modern Govt. Maternity hospital (MGMH), Petlaburz, Hyderabad (2000) and Primary Health Care centers of Balanagar (254) and Rajapur (224) in Mahbubnagar district were screened for thalassemia and SCA using Complete blood count followed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography to detect the carrier status. Husbands were screened in case of carrier women and if both the couple were carriers then they were advised for prenatal diagnosis. Out of the 2478 antenatal mothers screened, a carrier frequency of 3.05% and 4.6% was detected for different types of hemoglobinopathies from MGMH and PHC’s respectively. Of the different types of thalassemia, beta thalassemia was the predominant one with a frequency of 2.15% from MGMH and 2.9% from PHC’s. Three couples were found to be thalassemia carriers and went for prenatal diagnosis. In all the three cases the fetus was found to be normal and they are continuing with the pregnancy. The present study is the first one to report the carrier frequency of thalassemia and SCA among antenatal women from Telangana population. This study warrants the need for screening antenatal women for these disorders during their early trimester in order to reduce the incidence of affected births.

Estimating the levels of β HCG during second trimester to alert hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

ding Author principalnursing@saveetha.com ABSTRACT Back Ground: The current study aims to estimate the levels of β HCG among antenatal mothers during second trimester to alert hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. Methods And Materials: The quantitative approach with prospective cohort study was conducted in the host institution of Saveetha Medical College And Hospitals. A total of 100 study participants were recruited using purposive sampling technique based on the inclusion criteria, the demographic and clinical data was collected by using a self-structured questionnaire and the levels of serum βHCG was estimated during13-26 weeks and the development of gestational hypertension was monitored for all the study participants by following them till 27-38 weeks of gestation Results: The outcome of study results identified that, the mean score of serum β-HCG levels was 99784.51±168540.29.The minimum score was 34765.0 and the maximum score of 1383678.0. The median was 69056.0. Majority of second trimester mothers with elevated Serum β-HCG levels had an elevated levels of proteinuria, systolic and diastolic pressure associated with pedal edema during their third trimester of pregnancy. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a positive association between increased second trimester Serum β-HCG levels and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.

The Effect of Sickle Cell Hemoglobinopathy on Pregnancy, Labor, Puerperium, and Fetal Outcome: A Retrospective Cohort Study From a Single Centre.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major risk factor as far as pregnancy and obstetric complications are concerned. It possesses major perinatal and postnatal mortality. The management of pregnancy along with SCD requires a multispecialty team consisting of hematologists, obstetricians, anesthesiologists, neonatologists and intensivists. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of sickle cell hemoglobinopathy on pregnancy, labor, puerperium, and fetal outcome in the rural and urban localities of Maharashtra, India. The present study is a comparative retrospective analysis of 225 pregnant women with SCD (genotype AS and SS) and 100 age- and gravida-matched pregnant women with normal hemoglobin (genotype AA) as a control who were treated between June 2013 to June 2015, in Indira Gandhi Government Medical College (IGGMC), Nagpur, India. We analyzed various data regarding obstetrical outcomes and complications in sickle cell disease mothers. Out of 225 pregnant women, 38 (16.89%) were diagnosed with homozygous sickle cell disease (SS group) while 187 (83.11%) were diagnosed with sickle cell trait (AS group). The most common antenatal complications weresickle cell crisis (17; 44.74%) and jaundice (15; 39.47%) in the SS group whereas pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) was noted in 33 (17.65%) in the AS group. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) was recorded in 57.89% of the SS group and 21.39% of the AS group. A higher chance of emergency lower segment cesarean section (LSCS; 66.67% in the SS group and 79.09% in the AS group) was recorded as compared with the control group at 32%. In order to minimize risks to the mother and fetus and for better outcomes it is prudent to manage pregnancy with SCDvigilantly in the antenatal period. In the antenatal period mothers with this disease should be screened for hydrops or bleeding manifestations such as intracerebral hemorrhage in the fetus. Better feto-maternal outcomes can be achieved by effective multispecialty intervention.

Perinatal anxiety and depression amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Pregnancy and COVID-19 increase the risk of mental health conditions. The stress of pregnancy, childbirth, and uncertainty about the global pandemic has negatively impacted the obstetric population. To study the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of anxiety and depression (Point Prevalence) in antenatal and postnatal mothers using the EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale) scale and GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder)-7 scale at Dubai Hospital, UAE. Cross-Sectional Observational Study. Of the 784 women approached, 438 gave consent to participate in our survey, and 43.6% of the women screened positive for depression by the EDPS scale with a cutoff of 10 or more as significant. 42% of the women had a GAD-7 score of 5 or more indicating anxiety. 32.4% of the women had both anxiety and depression. 7.5% had considered self-harm in the last 14 days. 15% had COVID-19 during this pregnancy. The 11.87% who had COVID-19, but prior to the pregnancy, had a higher mean EDPS and GAD-7 score than others. Surprisingly, the women who had COVID-19 during pregnancy had statistically significant (p < 0.05) lower EDPS and lower GAD-7 scores. University graduates had significantly (p < 0.05) higher EDPS and GAD scores. Women of middle eastern ethnicity (50% positive for depression and 48.5% positive for anxiety) were more prone to depression and anxiety compared to South Asian (29% positive for depression and 25.2% positive for anxiety) and African women (39.6% positive for depression and 43.4% positive for anxiety). There was no statistically significant difference between antenatal and postnatal patients for the prevalence of anxiety or depression. The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with an increase in depression and anxiety in pregnant and postnatal women. Women who were more concerned about the effects of the pandemic had higher mean EDPS and GAD scores. Additional psychological support for women is necessary during the pandemic for maternal perinatal well-being.

Prevalence and control of Malaria in Pregnant Antenatal Mothers at Main Hospital, Iganga District, Eastern Uganda.

Malaria is a protozoal disease caused by Plasmodium spp parasite transmitted by an infected female mosquito as it bites the human host. It is one of the most common causes of infectious disease related deaths in the World with Africa bearing the largest proportion of the world's malaria burden because the region hosts the anopheles mosquito which is the most efficient malaria vectors, and also due to lack of the basic infrastructure and resources necessary for efficient and sustainable control of the malaria disease. Despite the wide control strategies, occurrence of malaria is on the increase with an estimated incidence rate of 37% globally and 42% in Africa. In Uganda, malaria is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality and is responsible for 40% of all outpatient visits, 25% of all hospital admission and 14%of all hospital deaths. The study objective was to determine the prevalence of malaria and associated control methods among pregnant women attending focused antenatal care at Iganga Main Hospital, Iganga District. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in June 2017 at Antenatal Care Clinic, Iganga Main Hospital, and Iganga District, Uganda. Quantitative data was collected by means of questionnaires covering a study population of 126 pregnant mothers where a systematic random sampling method was used. 52/126 (41.3%) were found positive to malaria parasites and majority of pregnant women were aged 20-30 years, these had highest infection rate of 44.2% (38/86),with primigravidas having the highest infection rate of 54.8%. It was also observed that according to gestational age of pregnancy, women of first trimester had the highest prevalence of 68.3% (28/41). The study showed that the most common barrier method used to prevent malaria was treated mosquito nets with 76/126 (60.3%). In general, pregnant mothers had fair knowledge about malaria control methods. Despite focused antenatal care and the awareness on malaria control methods, a malaria prevalence of 41.3% was scored. Therefore interventions aimed at social and behaviour change are necessary to address the gaps highlighted by the study. Keywords: Malaria, mosquito, Plasmodium, mosquito nets

Effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding lamaze technique among antenatal mothers in selected maternity hospitals Bangalore

Objectives of the study1)To assess the existing knowledge regarding Lamaze technique among antenatal mothers in selected maternity hospitals at Bangalore. 2)To evaluate the effectiveness of structured teaching program on knowledge regarding Lamaze technique among antenatal mothers in selected maternity hospitals at Bangalore. 3)To find an association between post-test knowledge scores regarding Lamaze technique and selected socio-demographic variables among antenatal mothers in selected hospitals at Bangalore. Method: Evaluative approach is adopted for this study as its aim is to test the hypothesis that establishes a relationship between Lamaze technique and reduction in labour pain. A pilot study was conducted with six samples in the selected hospital to refine the methodology and to find the feasibility of the study. The setting of the study is selected tertiary care hospital, Bangalore. The main study samples were about 60 in number. Non probability convenient sampling technique was used to select the samples. Research design adopted for this study was pre-experimental, one group pre-test post-test design. Lamaze technique which includes Lamaze breathing techniques, partner massage, imagery and visualization, pushing techniques, focal point imagery, movements and relaxation techniques was given to the antenatal mothers. An opinionative on Lamaze technique was administered after the delivery process among antenatal mothers.Result: The overall mean percentage knowledge score in the pre-test and post-test were 27.5% and 87.60%, respectively. Enhancements in mean percentage score were found to be 60.1%. The statistical paired‘t’ test indicates that enhancement in the mean percentage knowledge score was found to be significant at 0.05 level for all the aspects under study. The association found to be partly significant between post-test knowledge scores and selected socio-demographic variables at 0.05 level (p<0.05).Intrepretation and Conclusion: The data was analyzed by applying Descriptive and Inferential statistics. The study findings suggested that structured teaching programme is an effective instructional method in improving the knowledge regarding Lamaze technique among antenatal mothers.HypothesesH1: The mean post-test-knowledge score among antenatal mothers regarding importance of Lamaze technique will be significantly higher than their pre-test knowledge score.H2: There will be significant association between post-test knowledge score and selected socio-demographic variables among antenatal mothers regarding importance of Lamaze technique.

Effectiveness of Nurse-Directed Exercises on Pelvic Girdle Pain and Functional Status among Antenatal Mothers in Tertiary Care Hospital- A Quantitative Research

Introduction: Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that leads to significant disabilities in day-to-day activities during pregnancy. PGP increases with advancing pregnancy. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of nurse directed exercises on PGP and functional status among antenatal mothers. Materials and Methods: A quantitative research approach- true experimental research (two group pre-test post-test) design was adopted. By simple random sampling technique, with permuted block method, 108 antenatal mothers who attended the antenatal Out Patient Department (OPD) in Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Pillaiyarkuppam, Puducherry, India, at 27 weeks of gestation were selected as a sample. The study has been carried out from 30th March 2022 to 14th May 2022. The numerical pain rating scale and pelvic girdle questionnaire was used. Group-I received nurse directed exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing, Kegel’s exercise, squatting exercise, child pose exercise etc., Group-II received routine care such as diet counselling, personal cleanliness, care of breast, immunisation, rest and sleep, dental care, and avoidance of travelling. Post-test was done at 31 weeks of gestation. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation and inferential statistics like Independent t-test, Spearman correlation coefficient, Kruskal-Wallis test was used. Results: Nurse directed exercises were more effective method in reducing the PGP level (4.26 vs 3.02) and improving the functional status (61.059 Vs 55.680) among antenatal mothers with PGP. There was a significant association between the PGP with nature of work (p-value-0.001) and previous history of abdominal or pelvic surgery (p-value 0.0102). Conclusion: Nurse directed exercises were more effective in alleviating the PGP level and helps in improving the normal daily activities of antenatal mothers with PGP.

Birth Order and Congenital Anomalies: A Retrospective Follow up Study

Introduction: Congenital anomalies, a leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality, are vital areas of study in prenatal medicine to explore the relationship between congenital anomalies and birth order among antenatal mothers. Methods: This retrospective follow-up study was conducted in a first referral hospital in Bangalore, India between July 2021 and June 2022. Data from 1,432 antenatal mothers were analyzed, focusing on socio-demographic characteristics, congenital anomalies, and birth order. Congenital anomalies were diagnosed based on established medical criteria through detailed examination of antenatal scans and medical records. Descriptive statistics with Odds ratio with 95% CI were employed to assess associations between variables. Results: The study showed variations in the incidence of congenital anomalies with birth order, with first-borns presenting the highest incidence at 42.8%. Anomalies were predominantly observed in the maternal age group of 22–25 years (50%) and in non-consanguineous pregnancies (81%). Renal anomalies were the most prevalent, constituting 59.5% of the total anomalies. Conclusion: The variations observed in anomaly incidences based on birth order emphasize the need for further research in this area and the development of targeted preventive strategies and interventions to mitigate the risk of congenital anomalies in different birth orders.

A Study to Assess the Knowledge of Antenatal Care among Antenatal Mothers in a Tertiary Hospital of North Goa

A Study to Assess the Knowledge of Antenatal Care among Antenatal Mothers in a Tertiary Hospital of North Goa

A study to examine the relationship between mothers’ psychosocial status and pregnancy outcome

Introduction: Pregnancy is the most wonderful experience of a woman’s life. A mother’s physical fitness is just as important as her mental health. A non-experimental and correlational study was conducted to examine the relationship between mothers’ psychosocial status and pregnancy outcome among 50 antenatal mothers in their third trimester. The aim: of the study is to assess the psychosocial status of antenatal care (ANC) mothers, assess the pregnancy outcome, and find out the correlation between psychosocial status and pregnancy outcome. Result: In this study, using the ALPHA scale to assess the psychosocial status of antenatal mothers, the majority of them had a higher psychosocial score, and some had a middle psychosocial score, but none had a low psychosocial score. Conclusion: From this study, we conclude that there was an association between psychosocial status and pregnancy outcome.

A study to examine the relationship between mothers’psychosocial status and pregnancy outcome

Introduction: Pregnancy is the most wonderful experience of a woman’s life. A mother’s physical fitness is just as important as her mental health. A non-experimental and correlational study was conducted to examine the relationship between mothers’ psychosocial status and pregnancy outcome among 50 antenatal mothers in their third trimester. The aim: of the study is to assess the psychosocial status of antenatal care (ANC) mothers, assess the pregnancy outcome, and find out the correlation between psychosocial status and pregnancy outcome. Result: In this study, using the ALPHA scale to assess the psychosocial status of antenatal mothers, the majority of them had a higher psychosocial score, and some had a middle psychosocial score, but none had a low psychosocial score. Conclusion: From this study, we conclude that there was an association between psychosocial status and pregnancy outcome.

Foetal Cardiac Dimensions in 18-40 Weeks of Gestation from Tamil Nadu, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Foetal echocardiography helps in the identification of congenital anomalies of the heart and arrhythmias. It is usually done from 18 to 22 weeks of gestation but it can also be done as early as 12-13 weeks of gestation through transvaginal ultrasound. Measurement of cardiac dimensions in the foetus plays a major role in the early detection of cardiac defects including hypoplastic right and left heart. In addition, the measurement of foetal cardiac dimensions is useful in the evaluation of foetuses with heart failure due to foetal anaemia, which is secondary to Rh alloimmunisation or Bart’s disease. Aim: To construct a reference centile curve for foetal cardiac dimensions from 18 to 40 weeks of gestation for the Indian population residing in Tamil Nadu state. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study performed between January 2020 and July 2021. A total of 345 antenatal mothers, who came to the Department of Radiology, SRM Medical College and Research Centre, Chennai, India, for for routine anomaly and growth scans were included in the study. Cardiac longitudinal and transverse diameters were measured on 2D images, when the heart was maximally distended in a fourchamber view at the end of the diastole. Left atrial longitudinal and transverse diameters, right atrial longitudinal and transverse diameters, left ventricular longitudinal and transverse diameters, right ventricular longitudinal and transverse diameters interatrial septum thickness interventricular septum thickness cardiac longitudinal and transverse diameters were measured. Results: The mean values at 18 and 40 weeks of gestation for left atrial longitudinal and transverse diameters, right atrial longitudinal and transverse diameters, left ventricular longitudinal and transverse diameters, right ventricular longitudinal and transverse diameters, interatrial septum thickness, interventricular septum thickness, cardiac longitudinal, and transverse diameters were 0.73,0.65,0.72,0.66,0.83,0.62,0.75, 0.62,0.1,0.1,1.71,1.72 cm and 2.22,1.71,2.31,1.9,3.21,1.71,3.3, 1.84,0.3,0.3,5.02,3.84 cm, respectively. Conclusion: The normal reference ranges for foetal cardiac dimensions can be a useful tool in the early identification of cardiac remodeling in congenital heart disease.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Anemia among Antenatal Mothers Registered at a District Hospital in North India: A Cross-sectional Record Based Study

Background Anemia is the most common disorder which contributes significantly to high maternal mortality. Despite the availability of low-cost effective interventions for prevention and treatment of anemia among pregnant women its prevalence is still high.Objective This study aimed to check the prevalence of anemia and its associated risk factors among pregnant women attending a secondary level health care center in North India.Method A cross-sectional record-based study was carried out at a District Hospital in North India to study the prevalence and risk factors of anemia among the registered antenatal females.Results Mean age of antenatal females was 27.68plusmn4.59 years Range 18 ndash 45 years. Around 89.38 females were fully immunized with tetanus toxoid TT 8.94 had taken only one dose and 1.68 were unimmunized. About 96.08 of pregnant women had taken iron folic acid IFA supplementation. 78.77 delivered normally while one-fifth delivered through lower segment Caesarean section LSCS. 20 of registered females delivered neonates with low birth weight. 97.21 pregnant mothers were found to be anemic. 19.55 59.22 and 18.44 pregnant women had mild moderate and severe anemia respectively. Moderate anemia was highest in second order pregnancies while severe anemia was highest in third order pregnancies. Severe anemia was higher among caesarean deliveries 28.95 in comparison to normal deliveries 15.60. There was statistically significant difference between hemoglobin levels of women who delivered low birth weight and those who delivered normal weight babies p0.017 and also between females who had received TT and those who were unimmunized p0.002.Conclusion Anemia in pregnancy continues to be a major public health challenge. Rigorous efforts for implementation of various maternal health schemes at grass root level are imperative to reduce its catastrophic consequences.

Determinants of Iron–Folic Acid Supplementation Compliance among Pregnant Women Attending Primary Health Center: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Intermittent iron and folic acid supplementation (IFAS) is advised in areas where the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women is 20% or higher. Effectiveness and successful interventions of national strategy will depend on compliance to IFAS. This study was conducted to determine the proportion of antenatal mothers compliant to IFAS and to identify the factors affecting it. Methods: A cross-sectional study among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic was done from September 2020 to February 2021 at an Urban Primary Health Centre, Imphal East. Patient aged ≥18 years, completed 12 weeks of pregnancy and started IFAS were consecutively enrolled according to the outpatient department registration list and interviewed using a pretested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were performed for determining the association between selected variables, taking P &lt; 0.05 for statistical significance. Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional ethics committee. Results: Of 142 participated, 97 (68%) were compliant to IFAS. Women who were multigravida (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.038–0.48), self-purchased IFAS (AOR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.054–0.47) were found less likely to be compliant to IFAS. Women of good knowledge score (AOR: 6.4; 95% CI: 1.7-23.8) regarding anemia and IFAS were more likely to be compliant. Conclusion: Almost one-third of participants was compliant to IFAS and associated with knowledge, educational level, and mode of obtaining IFAS. Thus, highlighting the need to scale up health awareness on IFAS and antenatal care coverage of antenatal IFAS supply through community-level workers.

Maternal Iron-Folate Adherence and Perceptions on the Management of Anaemia among Anaemic South Indian Pregnant Women

Background: Anaemia is a very common nutritional disorder in pregnancy that causes several maternal and foetal complications. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice on the management of anaemia among anaemic pregnant women in RGGW&amp;CH, Puducherry. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 anaemic pregnant women. Data were collected from the mothers by using a structured questionnaire to assess their knowledge, a five-point Likert scale to assess attitude and checklist to assess practice regarding the management of anaemia, and Medical Adherence Rating Scale – 5 (MARS-5 Scale) used to assess the adherence to iron-folate supplements. The collected data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics. Results: The results showed that 86.7% of mothers had moderate knowledge, 75% of mothers had a positive attitude, 69.2% had moderate practice, and 72.5 % of good adherence to IFAS supplementation Conclusion: The researcher concluded that anaemic mothers had a moderate level of perceptions on the management of anaemia and good adherence to iron-folate therapy. This shows the need for health education for anaemic mothers to improve anaemia status among anaemic antenatal mothers.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Malaysian Antenatal Mothers in North-East Peninsular Malaysia : A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Study

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Malaysian Antenatal Mothers in North-East Peninsular Malaysia : A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Study