Decline in antenatal anaemia in Tamil Nadu

Chennai: According to the National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS4), the number of pregnant women in the ages of 15 to 49 years in the state who are anemic has declined to 44.4 per cent, from the figures of the last NFHS3, for the years 2005-2006, which stood at 54.7 per cent.

“Though the declining number is a result of the extensive programmes for screening and ante-natal checkups at PHCs and sub-centers across the state, the numbers are still high. One of the reasons for falling numbers of anemic pregnant women is Tamil Nadu has better healthcare access compared to other states in the country,” said Dr Sheela Gopinath, district project coordinator officer, District Family Welfare Bureau.

The number of anemic women during pregnancy has declined but overall, the number of women in the ages of 15 to 49 years in the state who are anemic has seen a slight increase from 53.2, as per NFHS3 to 55.1.

According to Dr Sheela Gopinath, midwives in rural areas play a significant role of ensuring that a large number of women undergo antenatal screening, and are given iron and folic acid supplements.

To correct low haemoglobin in pregnant women, they are administered intravenously sucrose, parenteral iron and also undergo a blood transfusion.

“It doesn’t stop at antenatal care. Despite educating the masses about healthy food and regular checkups, once the woman gives birth, the postnatal checkups are not undergone by most. There are supplements for 3-6 months after childbirth and she could have menstrual issues,” she continued.

The strong foothold of awareness of anaemia is set in schools and through the adolescents, said Dr K. Kolandasamy, director, Directorate of Public Health.

“De-worming medicines are being given to children and pregnant mothers after their first trimester. At the school level, with the mid-day meals, iron and folic acid supplements are provided. One of the reasons for the prevalence of anaemia is the lack of proper diet. We have been spreading awareness on that as well – like promoting small millets, saying no to junk food and usage of jaggery instead of sugar,” he said. When adolescents, who are given iron supplements, have access to nutritious food and have proper sanitation facilities become mothers there is no prevalence of anaemia among them.

“Nowadays, children are becoming the agents of change. With our awareness being spread to rural areas, it is the children who press their parents against open defecation and to get toilets built.”

Severe anaemia could lead to abortion or death of mother

Severe anemia, which is the condition of having less than 4 g/dl of iron protein (haemoglobin) in blood, causes hypoxia, which could lead to abortion.

“Mild anaemia doesn’t necessarily affect the baby or mother but due to severe and very severe anaemia, dangers looms on both mother and the child,” said Dr Ravindranath, of Doctors Association for Social Equality.

Due to less oxygen being supplied to the baby, there are high chances of abortion, low birth weight, the birth of a baby of a smaller size and premature births.

“As far as the mother is concerned, hypoxia could lead to heart failure, postpartum bleeding and there are high chances of death,” he continued.
Even though the lack of proper nutrition leads to anaemia in most cases, lack of proper sanitation causes hookworm infestation.

“The hookworm sucks blood from a human and leads to lower RBCs. So, proper and clean sanitation facilities are a must, along with awareness on the intake of iron-rich food,” he added.