ABSTRACT

A cross sectional study was carried out on (n=60) pregnant women attending clinics at federal medical centre Umuahia. The study was designed to examine their body mass index, iron status of pregnant women at different trimesters. Body mass index was determined by anthropometry method, food intake was determined by 24 hours dietary recall while iron status was assessed using haematocrit measurement. The study reviewed that the mean body mass index (BMI) value for these pregnant women was 24.16 ± 0.81 for first trimester, 26.21 0.05 for second trimester and 27. 12 0.42 for third trimester thus these show that the BMI increase at different trimester. These revealed that as the pregnancy progresses the BMl increases. The mean height value were 157.8 0.48 for first trimester, 157.8 ± 0.45 for second trimester and 156.8 0.45 for third trimester showing that no increase in height at different trimester. The mean body weight were 61 .53 2.47 first trimester, 64.00 2.31 second trimester and 67.971 .39 third trimester, these show increase in weight at different trimester, with greater increase at third trimester. The mean values of their weight varied in all trimester indicating weight gain as the foestus in the uterus grew. The mean value of iron status using haematocrit measurement was 33.32 ±2.02 first trimester, 33.88 ± 2.06 second trimester and 33.70k66. These pregnant women met their iron status requirement. The mean of their baby's weight was 3.26 0.35 kg, show that their babies weight was adequate.