Background:
Iron deficiency is defined as a condition in which Hemoglobin (Hb) level in the body is lower than normal, which results in decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells to tissues1. It affects all age groups, but pregnant women and children are more vulnerable. Stevens et al.,2 reported that the global prevalence of anemia in non-pregnant women, pregnant women and children is 29, 38 and 43%, correspondingly.
According to the WHO guidelines, anemia in pregnancy is defined as a hemoglobin level < 11 g/dL in the first trimester and less than 10g/dl in the second and third trimesters 3.The prevalence of anemia is an important health indicator.
Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are a global health problem affecting developing and developed countries. Pregnant women were identified as a risk group due to adverse outcome on pregnancy, maternal and fetal outcome Pregnant women with IDA are at a higher risk of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), receiving blood transfusion, and heart failure. In addition, Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia IDA during pregnancy can be considered as a risk factor for preterm delivery, low birth weight, perinatal, and neonatal mortality Maternal iron deficiency, with or without associated anemia, has an adverse effect on fetal iron status because decreased maternal hemoglobin concentration is associated with decreased fetal iron stores.
Physiologically, plasma volume expands by 25–80% of pre-pregnancy volumes
between the second trimester and the middle of the third trimester of pregnancy 4. This induces a modest decrease in Hb levels during Pregnancy which is called
physiological hemodilution. Previous studies show that the best time to investigate any risk factors associated with anemia maybe up 20 weeks of gestation 5.
anything deed is performed by any Muslim is classified according to Islamic law as either essential (Wajib), recommended (Sunnah), permissible (Harus), offensive (Makruh) or unlawful (Haram). He/she gets reward accordingly 6. Fasting in the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar is one of the five
fundamental pillars of Islam and is an essential (Wajib) act whose performance is rewarded by Allah and nonperformance punished 7. However, there are a few categories of people who are exempted from this religious obligation which include children under the age of puberty, mentally incapacitated, old frail elderly, acutely unwell, travellers, menstruating women and pregnant.
GOAL OF THE STUDY
- The present study was carried out to examine the knowledge, beliefs, attitude, and practices of pregnant Muslims regarding fasting during the month of Ramadan and to determine the association of demographic variables (Age, Parity, Educational Status, Duration of Pregnancy, Co-morbidities) with the frequency of fasting.
- The prospective observational study is undertaken to estimate the prevalence and to study maternal and early neonatal morbidity and mortality associated with anemia in a pregnant woman.