Inclusion and exclusion criteria
chronic illness, NEC, diabetic mellitus
CHRONIC ILLNESS, HYPERTENSION
Pregnant women were identified using urine pregnancy test. The study enrolled pregnant women before 16weeks of gestational age. Pregnant women are recruited at early stage of their pregnancy to effectively observe the effect of NEC on their hemoglobin level. Pregnant women who had chronic illness such as hypertension, diabetic mellitus and mental illness were excluded from the study. Additionally, Women who refused to give verbal consent and who had intention of leaving the study area until delivery were excluded.