Anemia and Pregnancy Flashcards
What are the important components of blood
white cells
platelets
plasma
red blood cells
What is the life span of RBC cells?
120 days
What protein chemical does RBC have?
hemoglobin
What does hemoglobin contain?
iron
What is Anemia?
when you have too few rbc in the body
What are the predisposing factors for anemia?
twin or multiple pregnancy
smoking
use of anticonvulsant meds
heavy menstrual flow before pregnancy
What are the signs and symptoms of anemia?
pale skin, lips, nails, underside of eyelids fatigue labored breathing tachycardia headaches
What are the types of anemia?
iron deficiency
folic acid deficiency
What is the most common type of anemia during pregnancy?
iron deficiency anemia
what is the percentage of complications of pregnancies due to iron deficiency anemia
15-25%
Characteristics of iron deficiency anemia
microcytic
hypochromic anemia
What does microcytic mean?
small rbc
what does hypochromic anemia mean?
less hemoglobin that average in the rbc
What are the risk factors for iron deficiency anemia?
low iron in diet
heavy menstrual periods
low socioeconomic level
being pregnant less than 2 years before the current pregnancy
What is the effect of iron deficiency anemia in mothers?
pica
extreme fatigue
poor exercise tolerance
What is the effect of iron deficiency anemia in the fetus?
poor growth
low birth weight
preterm birth
How can you prevent iron deficiency anemia?
prenatal iron supplementation of 27
having diet high in iron
what is the drug used for iron deficiency anemia?
ferrous sulfate/gluconate 120-200 mg/day
What is folic acid deficiency anemia?
a megaloblastic anemia that is apparent in the 2nd trimester
What are the predisposing factors for folic acid deficiency anemia?
having multiple pregnancies
2 degree hemolytic illness
those taking hydantoin
intake of oral contraceptives
What are the complications for mothers with folic acid deficiency anemia?
early miscarriage
premature separation of placenta
What are the complications for the fetus with folic acid deficiency anemia?
Neural tube defect
cleft lip
atrial septal defect
What are some preventions for folic acid deficiency anemia before pregnancy?
taking 400ug of folic acid supplement daily
eating folic rich foods
What are some preventions for folic acid deficiency anemia before pregnancy?
taking 600 ug folic acid supplements daily
taking vitamins designed for pregnancy
what are the diagnostic tests for anemia?
blood test that look at the RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit iron, and folic acid levels
