Anemia is a condition in which there are not enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your body organs. Anemia is also referred to as low hemoglobin, which can result in tiredness and weakness.
ANEMIA IN PREGNANCY:
A pregnant woman is said to be anemic if her hemoglobin is less than 11 g/dL.
CLASSIFICATION:
- Mild: 9-10.9 g/dl
- Moderate: 7.8-9 g/dl
- Severe: 4-7 g/dl
- Very severe: <4 g/dl
RISK FACTORS FOR ANEMIA:
Women who; are pregnant with twins or more have 2 pregnancies close together have vomiting often due to morning sickness are not having enough iron from their diet.
SYMPTOMS:
- Pale skin, lips and nails
- Feeling tired or weak
- Dizziness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
RISKS OF ANEMIA:
- Severe or untreated iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy can increase the risk of you having;
- A pre-term or low-birth weight baby
- A blood transfusion (if you have severe blood loss during delivery)
- Postpartum depression
- A baby with anemia
DIAGNOSIS:
1: Hemoglobin Test: It measures the amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells that carries oxygen from lungs to tissues in the body.
2: Hematocrit Test: It measures the percentage of red blood cells in a blood sample.
