Evaluation of the Association Between Maternal Anemia, Oral Mucosal Changes, and Adverse Birth Outcomes Among Pregnant Women.
Preterm birth was observed in 33.3% of anemic pregnant women.
Evaluation of the Association Between Maternal Anemia, Oral Mucosal Changes, and Adverse Birth Outcomes Among Pregnant Women.
Maternal anemia remains a major public health concern associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes worldwide.
This study aimed to evaluate the association between maternal anemia, oral mucosal changes, and adverse birth outcomes among pregnant women.
Were followed until delivery, and birth outcomes, including low birth weight, preterm birth, and stillbirth, were recorded.
Among the 174 enrolled women, 72 (41.4%) were anemic, and 102 (58.6%) were non-anemic.
Mild anemia was observed in 31 (17.8%), moderate anemia in 34 (19.5%), and severe anemia in seven (4.0%) participants.
Oral mucosal changes were significantly more prevalent among anemic women than among non-anemic women (p < 0.001).
Stillbirth was observed in seven (9.7%) anemic participants and two (2.0%) non-anemic participants (p = 0.016).
Maternal anemia was significantly associated with oral mucosal changes and adverse birth outcomes, particularly low birth weight, preterm birth, and stillbirth.
Increasing anemia severity demonstrated a dose-dependent relationship with worsening oral and neonatal outcomes.
Early antenatal hematological and oral screening, along with timely nutritional intervention and appropriate management of anemia, may help improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.