Pregnancy Anaemia: Improving Treatment Success with Oral Iron

Abstract

The physiological adaptation of pregnancy brings complex haematological changes. To meet feto-placental requirements, blood plasma volume increases by 30 to 50%.1 This results in haemodilution, as red blood cell mass rises by 15 to 18%. However, those who take regular iron supplements, red blood cell production increases to 25 to 33%.1 The continuum of iron insufficiency ranges from iron depletion to iron deficiency anaemia (IDA).2 Anaemia in pregnancy is defined as a haemoglobin less than 110g/l in the first trimester, and less than 105g/l in the second and third trimester.2