Define Anaemia in Pregnancy?
Anaemia is the most common complication and is often compounded by low socio- economic status. However, it is seen frequently in upper income women too in the absence of poverty. In majority of cases, the anaemia is of nutritional origin, the main cause being dietary iron deficiency which may date back to pre pregnancy years. Acute blood loss caused by haemorrhage is a related cause. Folate deficiency, which is less common, results in megaloblastic anaemia. Although it can exist singly, it usually occurs with iron deficiency. Anaemia caused by other factors is less common.