Frequency of Beta Thalassemia in Anemic Pregnant Women

Objective: To determine the frequency of beta thalassemia trait among pregnant women presenting with anemia. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted in Gynecology & Obstetric department, district headquarters hospital Mardan from January 2019 to June 2020. This study includes all pregnant women who presented with anemia and having age 15 to 45 years. Patients with                           known hemoglobinopathies were excluded from the study. Collected data was analyzed using SPSS 20. Results: Mean age of the patient was 27.7 years and mean hemoglobin level was 8.7g/dl. Age distributions showed mother age 15 to 25 years were 40%, 26 to 36 years were 35% and 36 to 45 years were 25%. Thalassemia trait was found in 40% anemic pregnant women. Thalassemia trait percentage was high in mother having age 15 to 25 years. Conclusion: Beta thalassemia trait is a common cause anemia in pregnancy. All pregnant women presenting with anemia should be investigated for it.