Anaemia is one of the most common nutritional deficiency diseases observed globally. It has been estimated that nutritional anaemia affects almost two-thirds of pregnant women in developing countries. This study was conducted between January 2016 to June 2017 at Government maternity hospital, Hanamkonda, Telangana state after obtaining permission from hospital ethics committee.  The aim of this study was to know the prevalence of anaemia and its effects in pregnant women. Pregnant women of all trimesters, aged between 18-36 years were included in this study. The mean height was 150.35±5.36 cm and mean weight 40.8±14.6 kgs. Most of people (46%) of people were belongs 2^nd pregnancy, 40% were of 1st and 14% were belongs to 3^rd pregnancy. pregnant woman was considered anaemic if haemoglobin was <11 g/dl. Severity of anaemia was measured as follows: mild if Hb was 9.0–10.9 g/dl; moderate if Hb was 7.0–8.9 g/dl; and severe if Hb was <7.0 g/dl. Most of patients (62%) were suffering with anaemia. About 33% of patients were anaemic throughout pregnancy. Severe anaemia was observed in 12 patients. Most of pregnant mothers were delivered through caesarean section and normal delivery is noted in only 33% of pregnant people.  The mean gestation of the babies born to anaemic mothers was lesser (37 wks) compared to babies born to non-anaemic mothers (39 wks). Babies born to the anaemic mothers remained lighter (2.6 kgs) compared to their counter parts (3.2kgs).

Keywords: Anaemia, Pregnancy,  low birth weight, prevalence.

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Dr B. Vijayalaxm

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