Effect of maternal anemia on fetal doppler indices during the last trimester of pregnancy

ABSTRACT

Background: 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. Maternal anemia is frequently associated with premature delivery, reduced neonatal weight, infant iron deficiency, neonatal death, and low APGAR scores at 1 min. It is also suspected to reduce the oxygen supply to the growing fetus, leading to the redistribution of fetal blood flow