Anemia increased the risk of postpartum hemorrhage and death
Anemia in women during pregnancy is a serious risk factor that increases the likelihood of bleeding after delivery. In addition, women with anemia have an increased risk of death.Scientists from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine analyzed the results of the WOMAN-2 study and found that women with moderate to severe anemia have an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage. The findings are published in The Lancet Global Health.
A 10 g/L decrease in hemoglobin levels before delivery increased the risk of postpartum hemorrhage by 23-29%. The risk of death in severe anemia was 7.25 times higher than in moderate anemia.
Data from 10,561 women who participated in the WOMAN-2 study with moderate to severe anemia who delivered naturally in hospitals in Pakistan, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia were alizzed. The mean age of the participants was 27.1 years. The mean hemoglobin level before delivery was 80.7 g/L. Clinically significant bleeding after delivery was recorded in 742 women (7%). The risk of bleeding was 11.2% among participants with severe anemia and 6.2% among those with moderate anemia. Fourteen women died, 68 were in critical condition or died.