Abstract

EFECT OF MATERNAL HEMOGLOBIN ON ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS OF PRE- TERM NEWLY BORN BABIES

Dr. Atyaf Abdul Ameer Abdullah Alameer* and Dr. Aseel Muneer Anwer Al-Qaraghuli

ABSTRACT

Maternal Anemia: Anemia is defined as a condition in which there is a reduction in the number of circulating red blood cells or hemoglobin per unit of blood.[1] During pregnancy, anemia may occur most commonly due to iron deficiency or acute blood loss.[2] In a typical gestation with a single fetus, a need for an additional 1000 mg of iron is induced by the pregnancy, an amount that often exceeds the iron stores of most women.[2] In addition to this additional draw on iron stores, a reduction in the amount of hemoglobin available per g/L of blood results from natural processes that occur during pregnancy. During pregnancy, blood volume increases above non-pregnant levels, causing a modest fall in hemoglobin levels in healthy women who are not deficient in iron or folate.[2] This occurs because “a relatively greater expansion of plasma volume compared with the increase in hemoglobin mass and red blood cell volume results in plasma- dilution, an effect that accompanies all normal pregnancies” ..These changes in blood volume occur for three reasons; first, to meet the demands of the enlarged uterus, second, to protect the mother, and in turn the fetus, against the damaging effects of impaired venous return in the supine and erect positions, and third, to safeguard the mother against adverse effects of blood loss associated with delivery.

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