Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Question 1

What is iron deficiency anaemia?

Answer 1

• mineral iron is present in all cells and carries oxygen to the tissues from the lungs in the form of hb
• total body iron is determined by intake, loss and storage
• any iron not used is stored as ferritin
• normal absorption mechanisms in the gastrointestinal system of the body are required to maintain the balance between functional iron (hb) and stored iron levels
• the main factor controlling iron absorption is the amount of iron stored in the body and the type of iron in one’s diet
• anaemia results in a reduction in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood
• it results fro an increase in iron requirements or inadequate iron absorption

Question 2

What are some of the signs and symptoms?

Answer 2

• mild tiredness
• palpitations
• breathlessness
• pallor

Question 3

What are some of the possible causes?

Answer 3

• pregnancy
• menstruation
• growth
• diet low in haem iron
• malabsorption

Question 4

What is the treatment?

Answer 4

• encourage iron-rich foods in the diet

- iron supplementation

Question 5

What is the issue with anaemia in pregnancy?

Answer 5

• anaemia in the 3rd trimester increases the risk of poor recovery from blood loss at birth
• tachycardia
• shortness of breath
• maternal exhaustion

Question 6

What is the role of the midwife?

Answer 6

• ensure cause of anaemia has been assessed by referral
• ensure ferrous sulfate has been prescribed
• advise to take on an empty stomach with orange or apple juice
• refer to consultant unit if severely/chronically anaemic
• encourage consumption of iron-rich foods
• screen all women at booking and at 28wks
• women with known anaemia need testing at each antenatal visit