Physiological Anaemia of Pregnancy
ANAEMIA
Anaemia is a reduction in the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood; this may be caused by a decrease in red blood cell (RBC) production, or reduction in haemoglobin (Hb) content of the blood.
Sign and Symptoms
• Pallor
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breathe on exertion
• Pale mucous membranes
• Fainting
• Palpitations
• Tachycardia
Cause
• Dietary deficiency
• Numerous pregnancies
• Menorrhage
• Chronic infection
• Antepartum haemorrhage
• Postpartum haemorrhage
Physiological Anaemia of Pregnancy
During pregnancy there is an increase in the maternal plasma volume, by up to 50%.
This haemodilution causes a drop in the Hb. This is NOT pathological.
Iron Deficiency Anaemia
MCV (Mean Cell Volume) and MCHC (Mean Cell Haemogloblin Concentration) are used to indicate the cause of the anaemia
Microcytic anaemia refers to a low MCV
Hypochromic anaemia refers to low MCHC.
MANAGEMENT
• Ideally the iron status should be assessed prior to pregnancy.
• Prescribe supplements where there is a Hb level of 9 -10g/dl.
• Iron supplements can cause gastrointestinal disturbance. Advise women to take iron after meals.
• Avoid taking iron supplements with caffeine e.g. Coffee, Cola, Tea.
• A drink with vitamin C enhances the iron uptake.
NB. Women with adequate iron stores should not take iron supplements. High Hb levels are likely to make RBCs macrocytic and the blood becomes more viscose. This affects uterooplacental blood flow and decrease placental perfusion.
Folic Acid Deficiency anaemia
Folic acid is needed for the increased cell growth in both the mother and the fetus. The MRC Vitamin Study Research Group (1991) found a positive correlation between folate deficiency and the development of neural tube defects in the fetus.
The signs and symptoms are similar to the signs of the minor disorders of pregnancy.
This condition is termed macrocytic or megaloblastic anaemia. The MCV rises
Anaemia is a reduction in the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood; this may be caused by a decrease in red blood cell (RBC) production, or reduction in haemoglobin (Hb) content of the blood.
Sign and Symptoms
• Pallor
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breathe on exertion
• Pale mucous membranes
• Fainting
• Palpitations
• Tachycardia
Cause
• Dietary deficiency
• Numerous pregnancies
• Menorrhage
• Chronic infection
• Antepartum haemorrhage
• Postpartum haemorrhage
Physiological Anaemia of Pregnancy
During pregnancy there is an increase in the maternal plasma volume, by up to 50%.
This haemodilution causes a drop in the Hb. This is NOT pathological.
Iron Deficiency Anaemia
MCV (Mean Cell Volume) and MCHC (Mean Cell Haemogloblin Concentration) are used to indicate the cause of the anaemia
Microcytic anaemia refers to a low MCV
Hypochromic anaemia refers to low MCHC.
MANAGEMENT
• Ideally the iron status should be assessed prior to pregnancy.
• Prescribe supplements where there is a Hb level of 9 -10g/dl.
• Iron supplements can cause gastrointestinal disturbance. Advise women to take iron after meals.
• Avoid taking iron supplements with caffeine e.g. Coffee, Cola, Tea.
• A drink with vitamin C enhances the iron uptake.
NB. Women with adequate iron stores should not take iron supplements. High Hb levels are likely to make RBCs macrocytic and the blood becomes more viscose. This affects uterooplacental blood flow and decrease placental perfusion.
Folic Acid Deficiency anaemia
Folic acid is needed for the increased cell growth in both the mother and the fetus. The MRC Vitamin Study Research Group (1991) found a positive correlation between folate deficiency and the development of neural tube defects in the fetus.
The signs and symptoms are similar to the signs of the minor disorders of pregnancy.
This condition is termed macrocytic or megaloblastic anaemia. The MCV rises