Abstract

RISK OF MATERNAL MORTALITY IN WOMEN WITH SEVERE ANAEMIA DURING PREGNANCY AND POSTPARTUM

*Abokresh Eisha G. A., Mohamed Hamed F. A.

ABSTRACT

Anemia is a significant health issue that plagues nearly half of all pregnant women in low- and middle-income nations, yet we still lack a clear understanding of its true toll on disease and maternal mortality. Post-partum anemia, in particular, is a pervasive challenge across the globe, with staggering prevalence rates in developing countries that can soar between 50% and 80%. This post-partum phase kicks off right after the placenta is delivered and stretches out for 42 days, marking a critical window for the health and survival of both mother and newborn. In this study, our mission is to delve into the mortality risks faced by women grappling with severe anemia during both pregnancy and the post-partum period. We conducted our research at the Zliten Medical Center, encompassing a diverse group of 1,520 patients over thetimeframe of March 2024 to June 2025. Within the context of developing countries, it's crucial to note that the primary culprits behind post-partum anemia often include pre-existing iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia exacerbated by acute blood loss during delivery, coupled with infections like malaria and intestinal worms. Furthermore, factors such as hemoglobinopathies, poor socio-economic conditions, and nutritional deficiencies also play a significant role. Among those affected, we found that 30.65% of our maternal population is under the age of 19, while the age group of 20 to 35 accounts for 51%.

Keywords: Anemia, iron-deficiency, postpartum and risk factors.