Effect of Maternal Anemia on Fetal Doppler Indices during the Last Trimester of Pregnancy

Abstract

Anemia is one of the most commonly encountered medical disorders during pregnancy. In developing countries it is a cause of serious concern as, besides many other adverse effects on the mother and the fetus it contributes significantly to high maternal mortality. According to United Nation declaration 1997, anemia is a major public health problem that needs total elimination. It is estimated that globally two billion people suffer from anemia or iron deficiency. According to world Health Organization estimates, up to 56% of all women living in developing countries are anemic. According to WHO, hemoglobin level below 11g/dl in pregnant women constitutes anemia and hemoglobin below 7g/dl is severe anemia. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (1990) defined anemia as hemoglobin level less than 11g/dl in the first and third trimester and less than 10.5g/dl in second trimester.