"Strengthening Maternal Health: Comprehensive Nursing Strategies for Preventing Anemia in Pregnancy."

Abstract: Anemia in pregnancy remains one of the most prevalent public health challenges worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It is associated with increased risks of maternal morbidity, adverse fetal outcomes, preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality. Nurses play a pivotal role in the prevention, early detection, and management of anemia during pregnancy due to their continuous and close interaction with women across antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal periods. This review article aims to comprehensively examine evidence-based nursing strategies for preventing anemia in pregnancy. The paper discusses the epidemiology and pathophysiology of anemia in pregnancy, risk factors, screening and assessment methods, nutritional and pharmacological interventions, health education strategies, community-based approaches, and the role of nurses in policy implementation and multidisciplinary collaboration. Emphasis is placed on holistic, woman-centered, and culturally sensitive nursing care to improve maternal and fetal outcomes. The review highlights the need for strengthening nursing-led interventions, improving adherence to iron supplementation, and integrating anemia prevention strategies into routine antenatal care.