A 32 week pregnant primigravida presented with dyspnoea. Her hemoglobin is 10 mg%. What is the minimum hemoglobin levels in pregnancy below which anemia can be diagnosed?
9 mg %
10 mg %
11 mg %
12 mg %
According to the standard laid down by WHO, anaemia in pregnancy is present when the haemoglobin concentration in the peripheral blood is 11 gm/100 ml or less. During pregnancy plasma volume expands (maximum around 32 weeks) resulting in hemoglobin dilution. For this reason, haemoglobin level below 10gm/dl at any time during pregnancy is considered anemia (WHO - 1993, CDC 1990). Hb level at or below 9gm/dl requires detailed investigations and appropriate treatment. Ref: Text Book of Obstetrics by D.C.Dutta, 6th edition, Page 262