§ Anemia during pregnancy and the postpartum period
By the second trimester of pregnancy, at least a mild degree of maternal anemia (defined as a hemoglobin concentration or hematocrit below the lower limit of normal for healthy adult females) is almost universal. Significant anemia (defined as a hemoglobin concentration <10 g/dl) occurs with a prevalence ranging between 2% and 26%, depending upon the population studied. In all populations, but particularly in the less-developed countries of the world, anemia is a major contributor to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.
Lab tests:
CBC and Automated Differential
Blood Smear with Interpretation
Reticulocyte count
Iron and TIBC
Serum B12 vitamin
Erythrocyte folate level
Bone marrow studies
