Iron & Folate Deficiency Anemia In Pregnancy - Causes - Diagnosis - Treatment

Iron Deficiency Anemia In Pregnancy

Causes

• Inadequate diet intake
• Iron loss due heavy menstrual bleeding
• Previous pregnancy
• Poor absorption- only 10% is absorbed normally.
• Continuous loss of blood in conditions like hookworm infection or malaria

• Increased iron demand during pregnancy -

Fetus and placenta	300mg
Maternal Hb mass expansion	500mg
Loss in urine/sweat/gut	200mg
Loss during delivery	150-200mg
Lactation	150-200mg

Diagnosis

It is confirmed on the following blood levels -

• Decreased serum iron and ferritin
• Increased serum transferri