EFFECT OF IRON-FOLIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION (IFA) ON MATERNAL HEMOGLOBIN LEVELS AND FETAL WEIGHT DURING PREGNANCY IN OGBOMOSO, OYO STATE

ABSTRACT Anemia in pregnancy is associated with increased rates of maternal and perinatal mortality, premature delivery, low birth weight and other adverse outcomes. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of IFA on maternal hemoglobin levels and fetal weight gain among pregnant women in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. The study employed a Quasi-experimental design. A total of 42 pregnant women were enrolled, with 30.95% (13 women) receiving IFA supplementation and 69.05% (29 women) receiving MMS. Participants were recruited from Ibrahim Taiwo primary health center, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, and baseline data on maternal age, parity, hemoglobin levels, and fetal weight were collected. The mean maternal age was 27.79 years, and the average parity was 2.18 children. Hemoglobin levels and fetal weight were measured at baseline and after four weeks of supplementation. For data analysis, statistical tests, including paired t-tests, were used to assess changes in fetal weight and hemoglobin levels within and between the two groups.The results indicated a significant increase in fetal weight in the MMS group, rising from 1.99 kg at baseline to 2.66 kg after four weeks of supplementation (p = 0.0001). This contrasted sharply with the IFA group, where a smaller, non-significant increase in fetal weight was observed (from 1.76 kg to 2.24 kg, p = 0.104). These findings suggest that MMS is more effective than IFA alone in promoting fetal growth within a short period. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that IFA supplementation is limited in enhancing fetal weight gain among pregnant women in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive nutrition interventions that integrate education, improved access to healthcare, and targeted supplementation strategies to support maternal and fetal health.