Iron status in late pregnancy is inversely associated with birth weight in Colombia

Objective: Gestational anaemia (GA) is common in developing countries. This study assessed the relationship of late GA and negative perinatal outcomes in participants recruited in a reference maternity unit of the Caribbean region of Colombia. Design: Prospective analytical birth cohort study. Maternal Hb and serum ferritin (SF) levels were measured. GA was defined as Hb levels <6 center dot 82 mmol/l (<11 g/dl), SF depletion as SF levels <12 mu g/l. Birth outcomes such as low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PB) and small for gestational age (SGA) were examined. Setting: Mothers in the first stage of labour, living in urban or rural areas of Bolivar, were enrolled in an obstetrical centre located in Cartagena, Colombia. Blood and stool samples were taken prior delivery. Maternal blood count, SF levels and infant anthropometric data were recorded for analysis. Participants: 1218 pregnant women aged 18-42 years and their newborns. Results: Prevalence of GA and SF depletion was 41 center dot 6 % and 41 center dot 1 %, respectively. GA was positively associated with poverty-related sociodemographic conditions. Prenatal care attendance lowered the risk of PB, LBW and SGA. Birth weight was inversely associated with Hb levels, observing a -36 center dot 8 g decrease in newborn weight per 0 center dot 62 mmol/l (or 1 g/dl) of maternal Hb. SF depletion, but not anaemia, was associated with PB. SGA outcome showed a significant association with anaemia, but not a significant relationship with SF depletion. Conclusions: Birth weight and other-related perinatal outcomes are negatively associated with Hb and SF depletion. Prenatal care attendance reduced the risk of negative birth outcomes.

Automated summary

The study found a negative association between gestational anaemia and serum ferritin depletion with negative birth outcomes. Prenatal care attendance reduces the risk of adverse birth outcomes. Birth weight is inversely associated with Hb levels, while the relationship with SF depletion is not significant.