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. 2013 Apr 5;29(3):158–163. [Article in Spanish] doi: 10.1016/S0212-6567(02)70528-3

Prevalencia de anemia del embarazo y análisis de sus factores condicionantes

Prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy and analysis of the underlying factors

GH Marín 1,*, P Fazio 1, S Rubbo 1, A Baistrocchi 1, G Sager 1, A Gelemur 1
PMCID: PMC7684053  PMID: 11879602

Abstract

Objective

To determine the prevalence of anaemia and to evaluate the factors that condition its occurrence.

Setting

Out-patient clinics in the La Plata area, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Design

Observational and prospective study

Participants

All the pregnant women consulting for the first time, excluding those with prior pathology or regular use of medical drugs.

Measurements

Anaemia was defined at values of Hb < 11 g/dl. Questionnaires were administered for general data and the type of nutrition, and a complete haematological report was compiled.

Results

1218 pregnant women started the study. Anaemia was detected in 196 of them (16%), with average Hb 9.88 g/dl. Between normal and anaemic pregnant women, the following differences were found between the first and second consultations: weight (64.44 vs 59.50, p < 0.00001), family income (US$744.36 vs 568.28, p < 0.0001), kilocalories ingested (2,488.44 vs 2,204.28, p = 0.01), percentage of proteins in diet (15.73 vs 13.69, p = 0.002), and weekly iron consumption (15.24 mg vs 13.04, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Pregnant women run a greater risk of suffering anaemia if they have diets of < 1800 kcal, < 13% proteins, less than 7 mg of iron per week, and haemic iron < 10%; and family income below US$400. Ensuring a proper diet and improving the social and economic conditions of this population group will reduce the risk of anaemia during pregnancy and its perinatal consequences.

Key words: Pregnancy, Nutrition, Anaemia

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