Health Problem In Pregnant Women Research Articles

Management of Blood sugar levels in hypreglycemia in pregnancy HIP reduces perinatal, infant morbidity &mortality as a results of large prospective cohort learn from Uttar pradesh

Since the last decade, diabetes mellitus has been emerging as an important public health problem in India owing to the increasing prevalence rate. As many studies have indicated, GDM is an emerging public health problem in pregnant women in India. Randon sample survey across many cities of India have shown prevalence rate varies across different cities as shown in Kanpur 13.4%, Haryana 7.1%, Kashmir 3.8%, south India 21%.

Prevalence of hazardous alcohol consumption and associated factors among HIV-positive pregnant women attending public hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia: a multicentred cross-sectional study

BackgroundAlcohol is a major public health problem in pregnant women due to its harmful effects on pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes. Therefore, assessing the prevalence and the factors associated with...

Prevalence of anxiety and depression and their associated risk factors throughout pregnancy and postpartum: a prospective cross-sectional descriptive multicentred study

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression and their associated risk factors throughout the pregnancy and postpartum process using a new screening for the early detection of mental health problems.DesignA prospective cross-sectional descriptive multicentred study. Participants were consecutively enrolled at ≥ 12 weeks’ gestation and followed at three different time points: at 12–14 weeks of pregnancy, at 29–30 weeks of pregnancy, and 4–6 weeks postpartum. All women completed a mental screening at week 12–14 of pregnancy consisting of two questions from the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-2) and the two Whooley questions. If this screening was positive, the woman completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).SettingSeven primary care centres coordinated by a Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department in the city of Terrassa (Barcelona) in northern Spain.ParticipantsPregnant women (N = 335, age 18–45 years), in their first trimester of pregnancy, and receiving prenatal care in the public health system between July 2018 and July 2020.FindingsThe most relevant factors associated with positive screening for antenatal depression or anxiety during pregnancy, that appear after the first trimester of pregnancy, are systematically repeated throughout the pregnancy, and are maintained in the postpartum period were: a history of previous depression, previous anxiety, abuse, and marital problems. In weeks 12–14 early risk factors for positive depression and anxiety screening and positive EPDS were: age, smoking, educational level, employment status, previous psychological/psychiatric history and treatment, suicide in the family environment, voluntary termination of pregnancy and current planned pregnancy, living with a partner and partner’s income. In weeks 29–30 risk factors were: being a skilled worker, a history of previous depression or anxiety, and marital problems. In weeks 4–6 postpartum, risk factors were: age, a history of previous depression or anxiety or psychological/psychiatric treatment, type of treatment, having been mistreated, and marital problems.ConclusionsEarly screening for anxiety and depression in pregnancy may enable the creation of more effective healthcare pathways, by acting long before mental health problems in pregnant women worsen or by preventing their onset. Assessment of anxiety and depression symptoms before and after childbirth and emotional support needs to be incorporated into routine practice.

The effects of pregnancy-related changes in eating attitudes and behaviours on nutritional status.

During pregnancy, the requirements of essential nutrients for the mother and foetus increase. The changes in pregnant women's eating behaviours may vary according to their sociodemographic characteristics. It is important to meet these increased requirements and understand the factors influencing eating habits during pregnancy. This study aimed to determine the effects of changes in pregnant women's eating attitudes and behaviours and their sociodemographic characteristics on their meeting status for nutrient recommendations. Sociodemographic information, eating behaviours, and attitudes of 656 pregnant women were obtained in face-to-face interviews between February and June 2020. Food consumption records were taken with a 24-hour recall method and evaluated according to the estimatedaverage requirementvalue. The average age of pregnant women was 29.0 ± 5.2 years, 28.0% were high school graduates, and 69.2% were non-working. The frequency of intakes below the estimated mean requirement value were iron, folic acid, vitamin B6, niacin, and calcium. It was demonstrated that there was a significant difference in snack consumption based on the working status and nutrition information obtained (P < .05). Getting nutrition information, age, education level, working status, and pre-pregnancy body mass index significantly increased food consumption (P < .05). Inadequate nutrient intake is a common public health problem in pregnant women. It is necessary to identify the sociodemographic characteristics that negatively impact pregnant women's nutritional status and to develop nutrition and health education programs based on these features.

A public health problem in pregnant women: acute toxoplasma infection - a retrospective study of 12 years of data from a training and research hospital in Izmir

Introduction: The aim of this study is to identify the prevalence of acute toxoplasmosis in pregnant patients who are monitored in our hospital and to provide insight into screening and management options by assessing maternal and fetal outcomes. Methods: Pregnants between the ages of 18-49, who were followed up in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Polyclinic/Clinic and Infectious Diseases Polyclinic/Clinic of a Training and Research Hospital between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2021, were included in this study. T. gondii IgM, IgG and avidity tests which were performed for pregnant women were evaluated retrospectively. Results: The study consisted of 7480 pregnants. Three hundred eighty-six (%5.16) of the pregnant women tested positive. Anti-T. gondii IgM seropositivity was found to be most common in the 18-28 age group (7.82%), and this frequency gradually decreased as age progressed. Two of the 122 patients whose polymerase chain reaction for T. gondii was examined from amniotic fluid at the outer center had congenital toxoplasmosis, and these pregnancies were terminated. Conclusions: Pregnant women continue to have a considerable risk of developing acute toxoplasmosis. For this infestation, which still remains on the agenda as a public health problem, every individual who is planning a pregnancy and has not had a serological test before should be screened before pregnancy. Pregnant women should continue to be informed and educated about this parasite, in our opinion.

Maternal Age and Parity As Risk Factors Affecting The Incidence of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnant Women in The Working Area of The Bungus Health Center, Padang City

Anemia is a serious health problem in pregnant women because red blood cells play an important role in distributing supplements and oxygen for fetal development. Based on WHO data (2019), the number of people in the world who suffer from anemia is more than 2 billion people or 30% of the total population. Pregnant women who experience anemia worldwide reach 41.8%. The prevalence of anemia in pregnant women at the Bungus Community Health Center in 2021 is 36% and is the highest incidence of anemia among all community health centers in Padang City. Among the risk factors that cause iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women are age and parity. This research uses quantitative methods through a cross sectional approach with a sample of 67 pregnant women in the Bungus Community Health Center working area. Random sampling technique proportional simple random sampling and data analysis using tests Chi-Square. The results of the study showed that there was a relationship between maternal age (p=0,046) with the incidence of anemia, while parity showed no significant relationship (p=0,119). It is hoped that Bungus Community Health Center officers can increase intensive outreach strategies so that the incidence of anemia in pregnant women can be prevented from an early age.

The Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Mental Health Outcomes in Pregnant Woman: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Pregnancy stress, anxiety, and depression increase the risk of short-term and long-term health problems for the mother and fetus. Mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) is one of the most popular, nonpharmacological interventions used to treat mental health problems. The results of prior research indicate MBI has a less consistent effect on mental health problems in pregnant women. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to clarify and determine the effect of MBI on mental health outcomes in pregnant women. Six databases, including Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, EBSCOhost, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect, were searched from their dates of inception to November 2021. Google Scholar was also used for the literature inquiry. The inclusion criteria followed the PICO (Patient/Problem, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome) model in terms of only including studies that used mindfulness therapy, reported mental health outcomes, and applied randomized controlled trial and quasi-experimental approaches. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was applied to evaluate the quality of the studies. Review Manager 5 software with random effect with a standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to analyze level of effect. Thirteen studies (10 randomized controlled trials and three quasi-experimental studies) were included. MBI was found to have a small effect on mental health outcomes in pregnant women (p < .0001, SMDs = -0.48, 95% CI [-0.74, -0.22], I2 = 87%). Specifically, MBI had moderate effects on stress and anxiety (SMDs = -0.59, 95% CI [-1.09, -0.09], and SMDs = -0.55, 95% CI [-1.00, -0.10], respectively) and no significant effect on depression (SMDs = -0.33, 95% CI [-0.74, 0.08]). MBIs have a small but notable effect on mental health in pregnant women. The high heterogeneity found in this review may reflect the different types and durations of interventions used. Notably, none of the studies in the review examined intervention effects by trimester. Future research should use larger sample sizes and assess the effects of therapy for each trimester of pregnancy.

Correlation between ABO blood group and gestational hypertensive disorder among pregnant women in Abuja, Nigeria

Gestational hypertensive disorder (GHD) is among the major health problems in pregnant women. In this study, we assessed the relationship between gestational hypertensive disorder and ABO blood groups among women who attended the antenatal clinic at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria. Correlational study design was used on a total of 138 patients with sociodemographic characteristics and clinical data such as blood group, gestational hypertensive disorder status, maternal age at pregnancy, and parity were extracted. Descriptive statistics was carried out on the collected data and chi-square test for the test of association or Fisher’s exact where necessary. The maternal age of the women ranged from fifteen to fifty-one years old with a mean age of 30.7 ± 9.8. Clinical information revealed that 17 (12.3%) primigravida and 121 (87.7%) non-primigravida patients. The patients’ distribution by blood group revealed that 33 (23.9%), 32 (23.2%), 47 (34.1%) and 26 (18.8%) belonged to blood group A, B, AB, and O respectively. Our results showed a relationship between blood pressure and the ABO blood group but not significant with χ2 = 12.31 and p = 0.421 with blood pressure of 150/100–154/104 mmHg ranked highest in frequency among all the blood groups. Also, we observed a non- significant relationship between maternal age and the occurrence of GHD at χ2 =19.81 and p = 0.229 which implies that GHD is not associated with age but that blood pressure increases with gestational age. Interestingly, a significant relationship exists between gestational hypertension and parity at χ2 = 26.71 and p = 0.045. Blood group AB was more susceptible to gestational hypertensive disorder whereas blood groups O, A and B were less susceptible to it. We recommend increased awareness of GHD among pregnant women, all health workers, and the general public about its danger to pregnant mothers and fetuses.

EDUCATION AND DENTAL - ORAL HEALTH EXAMINATIONS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN AT THE KAMPUNG SAWAH HEALTH CENTER, CIPUTAT, SOUTH TANGERANG

Oral health of the pregnant mother affects the condition of the baby it contains. Pregnant women who suffer from periodontal infection are at risk of giving birth to babies with low birth weight and are premature. Early pregnancy usually pregnant women experience lethargy, nausea and sometimes until vomiting. The aim of this community service activity is to gain knowledge about the importance of maintaining dental and oral health in pregnant women as well as increasing public knowledge and awareness about procedures for proper and correct brushing of teeth in the Kampung Sawah Community Health Center area, Ciputat, South Tangerang. This research used the counseling method and used questionnaires on 35 pregnant women, aged 20 - 35 years. The initial outreach activity was carried out by explaining and distributing brochures about the symptoms of caries, causes of caries, tips for preventing caries, simulating the correct way to brush teeth, holding a question-and-answer session regarding dental and oral health problems in pregnant women. The conclusion of this paper is that dental and oral health checks must be carried out regularly, both when you feel sick and when there are no complaints.

Serum iodine concentration and its associations with thyroid function and dietary iodine in pregnant women in the southeast coast of China: a cross-sectional study.

Iodine deficiency is a major public health problem in pregnant women. Serum iodine (SI) may represent a useful biomarker for iodine nutrition evaluation. We aimed to assess the relationship between serum iodine concentration (SIC) and urinary iodine concentration (UIC), dietary iodine, thyroid function, and thyroid diseases in pregnant women in the southeast coast of China, and to provide a normal reference range of SIC for pregnant women. A multistage random sampling method was used to select the study population. We collected urine and blood samples from pregnant women and determined UIC and SIC as well as thyroid function using Arsenic-Cerium Catalytic Spectrophotometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and Beckman Coulter Access2 chemiluminescent immunoanalyzer and kit, respectively, and administered a questionnaire on dietary iodine intake in pregnant women. There was a significant negative correlation between SI and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (r = -0.141) and a significant positive correlation between SI and free triiodothyronine (FT3) (r = 0.106), free thyroxine (FT4) (r = 0.236), triiodothyronine (TT3) (r = 0.229), total thyroxine (TT4) (r = 0.433), and dietary iodine intake (r = 0.068). There was a significant difference in SI levels of pregnancy between the second (78.13 μg/L) and third trimester (75.37 μg/L) (p = 0.018). SI levels between inadequate intake (74.58 μg/L) and appropriate intake (77.92 μg/L) groups were statistically different (p = 0.036). Low SIC was a risk factor for the development of hypothyroxinemia (adjusted OR = 3.14, 95% confidence interval: 1.75-5.66). The reference range for SIC in normal pregnant women is 45.03-112.44 μg/L. SI may be a composite indicator of iodine nutritional status and thyroid function.

Effects of Education and Guided Imagery Program on Stress Level and Coping Behaviors Among Pregnant Women at Risk of Preterm Birth.

The rate of preterm birth continues to increase worldwide. Pregnant women at risk of preterm birth experience more stress during pregnancy, which directly impacts their mental well-being and preterm birth situation. Stress management can significantly reduce stress and promote appropriate coping behaviors in pregnant women at risk of preterm birth. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of education and guided imagery program on stress level and coping behaviors among pregnant women at risk of preterm birth. Forty-eight pregnant women who visited the antenatal care unit at Ramathibodi Hospital and were at risk of preterm birth with moderate stress score were included. They were divided into two groups, each comprising 24 participants. The control group received standard nursing care, whereas the experimental group received an education and guided imagery program in addition to standard nursing care. The Perceived Stress Scale-10 and Coping Behavior Questionnaire were used to collect data. The results revealed that the mean stress score in the experimental group after receiving the program was lower than before with statistical significance (t = 7.14, p < 0.001). Moreover, the experimental group had lower stress score (F1,45 = 16.92, p < 0.001) and greater coping behavior score (F1,45 = 7.85, p < 0.01) compared with the control group after receiving the program, and the differences were statistically significant. This research highlights the importance of preventing mental health problems in pregnant women at risk of preterm birth by using an education and guided imagery program to decrease stress and promote appropriate coping behaviors.

Study protocol for improving mental health during pregnancy: a randomized controlled low-intensity m-health intervention by midwives at primary care centers

BackgroundPregnancy-related anxiety and depression has received considerable attention worldwide. Mental health problems in pregnant women already since early weeks of gestation may have important consequences to the fetus. The necessity for more effective health care pathways, including some early interventions that reduce the overall burden of the childbearing situation appears a key factor for a successful birth and care of the baby. The few studies focalized in interventions, are focused on delivery and postpartum, without taking into account the whole maternity process. Current literature recommends the use of interventions based on new technologies for the treatment of mood disorders, already during the prenatal period. There have been scarce well-designed intervention studies that test technological low-intensity interventions by midwives to address pregnant women’s mental health, diminishing anxiety and depression during pregnancy.Methods/designAdult pregnant women (weeks 12–14 of gestation) will be recruited and screened from different primary care centers in Catalonia, Spain. Women who pass the initial mental screening will be randomly allocated to the relaxation virtual reality intervention or control group. The intervention aims to improve mental state of pregnant women during pregnancy, work through breathing, mindfulness and muscle relaxation techniques. Women in the control group will receive standard care offered by the public funded maternity services in Catalonia. The primary outcome measures will include the Edinburg Postnatal Depression (EPDS), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), and the Cambridge Worry Scale (CWS) instruments. Secondary outcome measures will include the Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised (TCI-R) and the Whooley and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 (GAD-2) questions. Routinary pregnancy monitoring measures will be also evaluated.DiscussionThis study aims to test the efficacy of a low-intensity, midwife-led e-health intervention based on new technologies to work on women’s anxiety and depression during pregnancy. We hypothesize that low-intensity mental health intervention during pregnancy, using an e-health (virtual reality) as a support tool, will be effective in reducing of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and improving satisfaction with pregnancy follow-up.Trial registrationClinical Trials ID NCT05756205.

Optimalisasi Kelas Ibu Hamil Sebagai Upaya Deteksi Dini Gangguan Neuromusculoskeletal Ibu Hamil

Indonesia's Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) has yet to reach the SDGs goal by the end of 2030, which is less than 70% achievement targets. One of the reasons for the high MMR is the mother's inability to make decisions if there are problems during pregnancy. Providing knowledge to pregnant women and their families through pregnant women classes as an early detection effort to reduce MMR. Efforts for early detection are neuromusculoskeletal disorders of pregnant women. The purpose of this community service activity is to carry out early detection and increase the knowledge and skills of pregnant women about neuromusculoskeletal disorders in pregnant women. The method is carried out by conducting examinations for pregnant women, health education, and practical demonstrations on how to deal with neuromusculoskeletal disorders in pregnant women. The target of this activity is pregnant women who are in the working area of the Tirto Health Center, with as many as 51 pregnant women. The results of this community service activity are being able to carry out early detection of pregnant women by conducting health checks and increasing the knowledge of pregnant women about neuromusculoskeletal disorders with an average rating score of 23.06%. Pregnant women can practice how to deal with neuromusculoskeletal disorders in pregnant women. The Health Office can work with the Puskesmas and health workers, especially midwives, to carry out routine activities in conducting early detection of health problems in pregnant women through examinations, health counseling, or practice demonstrations on early detection of health in pregnant women.

Faktor-Faktor yang Berhubungan dengan Perilaku Konsumsi Tablet Tambah Darah Pada Ibu Hamil

Anemia is a health problem in pregnant women. Globally, there was 36,5% anemia in pregnant women (2019). Giving blood-added tablets is one of the important efforts to prevent and control anemia due to iron deficiency. Preliminary studies showed that 5 out of 15 pregnant women did not comply to consumed blood-added tablets (33.3%). The study objective was to determine the factors related to the behaviour of consuming blood-added tablets in third pregnant women at RSIA Avisena in 2022. This study has an 84 sample size and purposive sampling techniques. This study used a cross-sectional study design. The consumption of blood-added tablets is a dependent variable. The knowledge, attitudes, side effects, and husband support are independent variables. Collection data used primary data with questionnaires. Data is analyzed with bivariate analysis (the Chi-Square test). There was a relationship between knowledge (PR=3.32; 95%CI=2.03- 5.43) and there was no relationship between attitudes (PR=1.42; 95%CI=0.80-2.51) side effects (PR=1.21; 95%CI=0.78-1.88), husband support (PR=1.28; 95%CI=0.83-1.97). Hospitals should provide a leaflet explaining the tablet to increase pregnant women's knowledge. The hospital can also utilize WhatsApp groups to educate them about the benefits of Fe tablets and remind them to comply with taking Fe tablets.

Mental health-related telemedicine interventions for pregnant women and new mothers: a systematic literature review

BackgroundPregnancy and the postpartum period are times when women are at increased risk for depression and mental problems. This may also negatively affect the foetus. Thus, there is a need for interventions with low-threshold access and care. Telemedicine interventions are a promising approach to address these issues. This systematic literature review examined the efficacy of telemedicine interventions for pregnant women and/or new mothers to address mental health-related outcomes. The primary objective was to analyse whether telemedicine interventions can reduce mental health problems in pregnant women and new mothers. The secondary aim was to clarify the impact of type of interventions, their frequency and their targets.MethodsInclusion criteria: randomized controlled trials, with participants being pregnant women and/or new mothers (with infants up to twelve months), involving telemedicine interventions of any kind (e.g. websites, apps, chats, telephone), and addressing any mental health-related outcomes like depression, postnatal depression, anxiety, stress and others. Search terms were pregnant women, new mothers, telemedicine, RCT (randomised controlled trials), mental stress as well as numerous synonyms including medical subject headings. The literature search was conducted within the databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and PsycINFO. Screening, inclusion of records and data extraction were performed by two researchers according to the PRISMA guidelines, using the online tool CADIMA.ResultsForty four articles were included. A majority (62%) reported significantly improved mental health-related outcomes for participants receiving telemedicine interventions compared to control. In particular (internet-delivered) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy was successful for depression and stress, and peer support improved outcomes for postnatal depression and anxiety. Interventions with preventive approaches and interventions aimed at symptom reduction were largely successful. For the most part there was no significant improvement in the symptoms of anxiety.ConclusionTelemedicine interventions evaluated within RCTs were mostly successful. However, they need to be designed to specifically target a certain mental health issue because there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Further research should focus on which specific interventions are appropriate for which mental health outcomes in terms of intervention delivery modes, content, target approaches, etc. Further investigation is needed, in particular with regard to anxiety.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression during pregnancy: a cross-sectional study.

Uncertainty and restrictions on daily life have increased fear, stress, and depression during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Depression is the most common mental health problem in pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the levels of fear and stress related to COVID-19 experienced by pregnant women, as well as their levels of depression, and to examine the factors associated with depression during pregnancy. This was a cross-sectional, correlational study conducted among 153 pregnant women who visited a maternity hospital in Busan, South Korea. A self-reported questionnaire was used for data collection from December 18, 2021 to March 8, 2022. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression. Pregnant women experienced a moderate level of fear related to COVID-19, with an average score of 21.55±4.90. The average score for depression during pregnancy was 14.86±11.10, with 50.3% of the participants experiencing depression (≥13). The factors associated with depression during pregnancy were fear of COVID-19, contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, being in the third trimester of pregnancy, high stress levels due to difficulties experienced from social distancing measures, and unintended pregnancy. These five statistically significant factors explained 35.0% of variance in depression during pregnancy. Considering the prevalence of depression in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to develop interventions to reduce anxiety by providing correct information and alleviating the stress of social distancing.

Knowledge of the adverse effects of smoking and related changes in smoking status during pregnancy among female smokers: A survey in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

ABSTRACT Smoking during pregnancy causes various health problems in pregnant women and their newborns. We aimed to clarify the association between smoking behavior during pregnancy and knowledge about health risks associated with active and passive smoking during pregnancy among women smokers prior to pregnancy. We conducted a questionnaire survey among women in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia between October and December 2018. Of the 220 women who received the questionnaire, 200 (90.9%) responded; however, due to incomplete data, 49 participants were excluded. Among the 151 participants included in the study, 80 (53.0%) actively smoked during and 71 (47.0%) quit smoking directly before pregnancy. A significant difference in the knowledge of the health risks associated with active smoking between both groups was found (P < 0.001). The likelihood of smoking cessation during pregnancy was higher in women who were more knowledgeable about the health risks of active smoking than in those who were less knowledgeable (odds ratio, 3.824; 95% confidence interval: 1.594–9.171). The prevalence of smoking during pregnancy was associated with a lack of knowledge of the health risks of active smoking. Therefore, measures should be taken to ensure that women are adequately advised about the maternal and fetal health risks associated with smoking during pregnancy and subsequently promote the well-being of both the mother and infant.

Intimate partner sexual violence during pregnancy and its associated factors in Northwest Ethiopian women.

Violence against women is a global problem. In pregnant women, it is a particular concern as a virtue of the additional risks to the unborn child. Of different acts of violence, sexual violence shares the major contribution that results in short and long-term physical, sexual, reproductive, and mental health problems of pregnant women. Little is known about sexual violence during pregnancy in Ethiopia. this study aimed to assess the proportion and factors associated with intimate partners' sexual violence against pregnant women in Northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 409 pregnant women in Debre Markos town from March to April 2018. The study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. A pre-tested and validated questionnaire was used. Binary logistic regression analyses were done to identify associated factors and the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its 95 % confidence interval (CI) at a p-value of <0.05 was used to declare a significant association. Of 409 pregnant women, 19.8% have experienced sexual violence by their intimate partner during their current pregnancy. Accordingly, the major intimate partner sexual violence during pregnancy was having unwanted sexual intercourse due to fear from the partner (13.4%), being forced to do something sexual that is degrading or humiliating (13.0%), and being physically forced to have sexual intercourse (9.8%). Living with her partner/husband (AOR: 3.73, 95% CI: 1.30, 10.69), uneducated educational status of partner (AOR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.06, 5.56), and frequency of alcohol consumption (AOR: 3.20, 95% CI: 1.24, 8.26) were factors associated with increased occurrence of intimate partner sexual violence during pregnancy. The proportion of sexual violence against pregnant women by their intimate partner(s) was found to be common in our study. Socio-demographic and behavioral-related factors were risk factors for sexual violence. As a result, preventive strategies and interventions centering on the empowerment of those facing the greatest barriers to reproductive freedom require a shift from traditional ways of thinking.

Anaemia among Pregnant Women Visiting Obstetric Department of a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Anaemia is one of the common health problems of pregnant women and children in developing countries. Anaemia in pregnancy is related to poor foetal and maternal outcomes contributing to significant morbidity and mortality. Anaemia is a treatable and preventable condition. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of anaemia in pregnant women visiting the Obstetric Department of a tertiary care centre. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the pregnant women visiting the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of a tertiary care centre for their antenatal checkup. The study was conducted from 2 November 2022 to 11 November 2022 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 11(6-11)E2/079/080). Pregnant women with a history of blood transfusion, anaemia of chronic disease like chronic kidney disease, history of recurrent bleeding, and referral cases from other centres were excluded from the study. Serum haemoglobin was used for diagnosing anaemia according to criteria given by the World Health Organization. Convenience sampling was used. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Among 442 pregnant women, the prevalence of anaemia was 24 (5.43%) (3.32-7.54, 95% Confidence Interval). The prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women was lower in comparison to other studies done in similar settings. anemia; maternal-child health services; prevalence.

What is the best treatment for anemia in pregnant women in the third trimester: Ferric carboxymaltose or oral iron therapy?

Objective: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a significant health problem in pregnant women. We aimed to evaluate the effect of gestational IDA and to compare the results of iron therapy in pregnant women. Methods: This retrospective cohort study of pregnant women in the third trimester analyzed the records of 63 women not taking any iron supplements, 70 women receiving intravenous ferric carboxymaltose therapy (FCM), and 73 pregnant women receiving oral iron therapy. It compared maternal and neonatal outcomes of the three groups. Results: The mean age of the 206 pregnant women included in the study was 29.19±4.34 (19-44; min–max). Only 1% of anemic women received a blood transfusion in the postpartum period. There was no difference between the groups' mean age and gestational week. The median values of gravida and parity were the same in all 3 groups (Gravida=2, Parity=1). Maternal hemoglobin (Hb) value of the non-iron group was lower than that of the other groups (p&lt;0.001). Although the mothers' Hb levels at birth were different, the newborns' Hb values were not affected (p=0.547). Neonatal height and weight were lower in the non-iron group than in the FCM and oral iron groups (p=0.048 and p&lt;0.001, respectively). Neonatal head circumference, 1-minute Apgar, and 5-minute Apgar scores were similar in all three groups. Conclusion: FCM is effective in pregnant women with IDA in late pregnancy and women undergoing this treatment deliver healthier newborns.