Postpartum Anaemia

Question 1

Postpartum Anaemia

Answer 1

Hemoglobin of less than 100 g/l in the postpartum period

Question 2

Investigations

Answer 2

Bloods - FBC, Fe

Question 3

When is the FBC checked

Answer 3

Checked the day after delivery if there has been:

• Postpartum haemorrhage over 500ml
• Caesarean section
• Antenatal anaemia
• Symptoms of anaemia

Question 4

Management of postpartum anaemia

Answer 4

Hb under 100 g/l – start oral iron (e.g. ferrous sulphate 200mg tds for three months)

Hb under 90 g/l – consider an iron infusion in addition to oral iron

Hb under 70 g/l – blood transfusion in addition to oral iron

Question 5

When is iron infusion considered

Answer 5

Poor adherence to oral treatment
Cannot tolerate oral iron
Fail to respond to oral iron
Cannot absorb oral iron (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease)

Question 6

Contraindications for iron infusions

Answer 6

Active infection