Prevention of Anaemia in Pregnancy: A Five-year Scoping Review

Abstract

: Approximately 50% of pregnant women globally suffer from pregnancy-related anaemia, which is a serious issue for reproductive health and can lead to a number of complications, including low birth weights, premature deliveries, foetal deformities, and feto-maternal mortality. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the suggested strategies to prevent anaemia in pregnancy through a 5-year scoping review (November, 2017 to November, 2022). Methods: A comprehensive list of keyword combinations linked to anemia prevention in pregnancy and pertinent approaches to inform the search strategy were evaluated. Significant events, including pregnancy and anemia, were cross-referenced with the frequency and variability of terms across time. Literature from Pubmed (MEDLINE), Google Scholar, PLOS One, and Cochrane database were reviewed. Results: Evidence-based preventative therapy options for iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy include prophylactic iron supplementation, food fortification with iron and folate, and health education. There is a wealth of research on the effects of these therapies on the occurrence of anaemia during pregnancy. However, these prospects are endangered by several variables, such as inadequate health facilities, low maternal health literacy, low utilisation of maternal health care in developing countries, a dearth of resources for health education, and lack of a government policy that prevents anaemia during pregnancy. Conclusion: If the highlighted challenges are appropriately addressed through the provision of health education material, the effectiveness of anaemia prevention in pregnancy could be sustained.