gynecology and obstetrics
Anemia in Pregnancy
Key Points
Hemodilution occurs during pregnancy, but oxygen-carrying capacity remains normal throughout pregnancy. The most common causes of anemia during pregnancy are iron deficiency and folate acid deficiency. Anemia increases risk of preterm delivery and postpartum maternal infections. If Hb is < 11.5 g/dL at the onset of pregnancy, consider treating women prophylactically. Treat the cause of the anemia if possible, but if patients have severe symptoms, transfusion is usually indicated. 