Anaemia

Question 1

Risk factors for anaemia in pregnancy

Answer 1

Preexisting anaemia 
Anaemia in previous pregnancy 
Low iron diet 
Malabsorption e.g coeliacs, chron's, UC and previous bowel surgery 
Having twins/triplets
<20 years old
<1 year post partum

Question 2

Complications of anaemia in pregnancy

Answer 2

SFD
Premature baby
Reduced milk production
Baby has anaemia
Postnatal depression 
Blood transfusion requirement

Question 3

Treatment for anaemia in pregnancy

Answer 3

Increase oral intake
Less than 36: iron tablets and recheck Hb in 2-4 weeks
More than 36: IV iron

Question 4

Side effects of IV iron

Answer 4

Hypotension

Anaphylaxis

Question 5

Blood tests for anaemia in pregnancy

Answer 5

Hb
Ferritin as Hb can be normal in early pregnancy but if iron stores are low, anaemia in pregnancy highly likely
MCV to determine cause of anaemia