Correlation between blood groups and blood hemoglobin levels in pregnant females of rural area of Himachal Pradesh

Introduction: Anemia is a major concern during pregnancy especially in rural areas where females are nutrient deficient. Apart from nutritional deficiency there are many causes of anemia like anemia of chronic diseases, thalassemia, neoplasia etc. Many studies in the past revealed a correlation between blood groups and hemoglobin levels. In this study we have tried to establish the correlation between blood groups and hemoglobin among pregnant females in rural population of Himachal Pradesh. Objective: To find out the correlation of hemoglobin level and blood groups during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: Blood groups and hemoglobin levels are investigated during antenatal checkup. We have taken data of 120 pregnant females visited to the OPD for routine antenatal checkups. Result: Among studied population A positive is the commonest blood group followed by B positive while anemia is most prevalent in B positive blood group. Conclusion: Anemia is a major concern among pregnant females as it effects the outcome of pregnancy. Many females have to go under caesarean section due to anemia related complications. So this study of correlation between blood groups and hemoglobin levels help to screen the pregnant females prone for anemia during first visit itself so that the treatment and the follow-up can be done as per the requirement of the patient.   Keywords : Blood groups, Hemoglobin levels, Pregnancy, Rural population.