Anaemia in pregnancy

Question 1

When are women screened for anaemia during pregnancy?

Answer 1

At booking
At 28 weeks

Question 2

Why does anaemia commonly occur in pregnancy?

Answer 2

Plasma volume increases which results in a reduction in haemoglobin concentration

Question 3

What are the symptoms of anaemia in pregnancy?

Answer 3

Often asymptomatic
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Dizziness
Pallor

Question 4

What is the normal range for haemoglobin during first trimester

Answer 4

> 110

Question 5

What is the normal range for haemoglobin during second and third trimesters?

Answer 5

> 105

Question 6

What is the normal range for haemoglobin postpartum?

Answer 6

> 100

Question 7

What does a low MCV and anaemia indicate?

Answer 7

Iron deficiency

Question 8

What does a normal MCV during pregnancy indicate?

Answer 8

Phyysiological anaemia due to increased plasma volume

Question 9

What does a raised MCV and anaemia indicate?

Answer 9

Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency

Question 10

What is the management of iron deficiency anaemia during pregnancy?

Answer 10

Ferrous sulfate 200mg TDS

Question 11

What is the management of B12 deficiency anaemia during pregnancy?

Answer 11

Testing for pernicious anaemia - intrinsic factor antibodies
IM hydroxycobalamin
Oral cyanocobalamin

Question 12

What is the management of folate deficiency anaemia during pregnancy?

Answer 12

5mg folate daily throughout pregnancy