Anemia in Pregnancy

Anemia is one of the commonest medical disorders. It is a pathological condition in which the oxygen carrying capacity of red blood cells is insufficient to meet the body's needs. Nutritional anemia is the most important cause of maternal anemia. Anemia during pregnancy has been reported to increase the risk of small-for-gestational-age birth and low birth weight infants. Strong evidence also exists for an association between maternal anemia and preterm birth and premature rupture of membranes. Moreover, women who suffer from anemia during pregnancy are more liable to have heavy bleeding at the time of birth. Severe anemia may weaken uterine muscle, contributing to postpartum hemorrhage and subsequent maternal mortality. Appropriate preconception evaluation and antenatal follow up, together with iron supplementation programs should be implemented to minimize the prevalence of anemia and its adverse maternal and fetal effects.