Conditions - Anaemia in Pregnancy

Question 1

What is the definition of anaemia in pregnancy?

Answer 1

NICE uses the following cut-offs to determine whether mother needs oral iron therapy

First trimester (w1-12)
•	<110 g/L (or <11g/dL)
Second trimester (w13-26)
•	<105 g/L (or <10.5g/dL)
Third trimester (w27-EOP/PP)
•	<100 g/L (or <10g/dL)

Question 2

What investigations are done for anaemia in pregnancy?

Answer 2

Pregnant women are screened for anaemia the booking visit (often 8-10 weeks) and at 28 weeks

Question 3

What is the management plan for anaemia in pregnancy?

Answer 3

Oral ferrous sulfate (or ferrous fumarate)

• 100-200mg
• Re-check Hb in 2-3 weeks

Treatment should be continued for 3 months after iron deficiency is corrected (+6 weeks postpartum) to allow iron stores to be replenished