Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the hemoglobin levels during the first trimester of pregnancy with gestational diabetes incidence in pregnant women.
Materials and methods: This is a prospective cohort study on 700 pregnant women with gestational ages of 1-13 weeks. Sampling was performed using the convenience method. For each pregnant woman, the hemoglobin level of the first trimester of pregnancy was measured. All the cases were followed up to delivery due to gestational diabetes.
Results: Hemoglobin levels were categorized into three groups (< 1.1, 1. 71-1.24, > or = 1.25 g/L). The data were extracted using the SPSS, and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistical tests revealed a significant difference among the three groups in hemoglobin levels and gestational diabetes incidence (p < 0.001). Women with higher hemoglobin levels were at an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes (RR = 3.94, 95% C = 1.73-8.95).
Conclusion: It appears that hemoglobin level during the first trimester of pregnancy may be considered as a selective screening factor for gestational diabetes.