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
