An-Najah Staff

Iron-deficiency anemia is a health problem that often goes untreated, especially in developing countries, where it can be most dangerous. Many severe health complications of iron-deficiency anemia are evident in pregnancy. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that an average of 56% of pregnant women in developing countries is anemic. This percentage ranges from 35% to 75% in specific areas, and is much higher than the 18% of anemic pregnant women in developed countries. Iron deficiency during pregnancy is known to be caused by combination of factors such as previously decreased iron supply, the iron requirements of the growing fetus, and expansion of maternal plasma volume. While plasma volume and red cell mass are both known to expand during pregnancy, plasma volume swells to a greater extent, therefore diluting the maternal hemoglobin concentration (Hb). It is necessary to take this into consideration when diagnosing anemia in pregnant women. Effective diagnosis has been achieved by accurate laboratory tests of hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.