Anemia in Pregnancy

Anaemia in Pregnancyد.نادية مضر الحلي

Definition: anaemia is a pathological condition in which the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells is insufficient to meet the body needs. The WHO define anaemia as a haemoglobin concentration of < 11.0 g/dL. During pregnancy, although the red cell mass increases, the plasma volume expansion is relatively greater & therefore the haemoglobin concentration falls.

Incidence: 30-50% of women become anaemic during pregnancy, with iron deficiency anaemia being responsible in more than 90% of cases. Incidence of folate deficiency is 5%. This is due to the increased demand for the essential precursors such as iron & folate. Less commonly , it may be due to chronic blood loss or haemolysis.

Clinical features: Anaemia is often asymptomatic during pregnancy, with the diagnosis being made on routine screening. Clinical features include tiredness, dizziness, fainting & lethargy. Pallor may be apparent.

Screening: is by estimating haemoglobin concentration at the beginning of pregnancy & again later in the third trimester.