MoonDragon's Variations of Pregnancy Guidelines
Pregnancy Variations & Anemia

ANEMIA IN PREGNANCY

Normal Hematocrit (hct): The number of red blood cells (RBC) packed by centrifugation in a given volume of blood. In a healthy, non-anemic pregnant woman of about 12 weeks gestation, the hct should be between 39-46%. As blood volume expands during pregnancy, the hct will drop to 30-36% at 28-30 weeks gestation. If the hct is rising as pregnancy progresses, this could be an indication of pending pre-eclampsia and contracted blood volume, polycythemia, or dehydration.

Normal Hemoglobin (hgb): This is the oxygen (O2) carrying capacity of RBCs. This can be easily checked in the client's home using a hemoglobinometer. A healthy, non-anemic pregnant woman should start her pregnancy with her hgb at 13-15.5 gm/100 ml at 12 weeks. Again, this level will drop at least two grams by term (10-12 gm/100 ml at 28 wks+), more if there is a multiple gestation (more than one baby). The baby will also be storing iron, especially in the last 3 months of gestation. Aim is for stabilization, not a rise, unless very low, after 28 weeks.



Marginal Anemia: This is defined as hematocrit (Hct)/hemoglobin (Hgb) less than 35%/12 gm/100 ml.

1. Thoroughly review medical, gynecological and past obstetric history, if any. Be sure to review with client any recent indications of heavy blood loss which may include recent heavy menstrual cycles, miscarriages or abortions, surgeries, accidents or any other possible causes.

2. Check symptoms. This may be an indication of a hidden hemorrhage or other health issues.

3. Review diet and supplements for a iron deficiency and provide counseling as needed.

4. Repeat blood work in 1 - 2 months or as needed.

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Anemia: This is defined as Hct/Hgb less than 32%/11 gm/100 ml.

1. Check medical, gynecological and obstetric history as indicated above.

2. Check symptoms.

3. Review nutrition.

4. Repeat blood work in 1 month.

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Severe Anemia: This is defined as Hct/Hgb less than 30%/10 gm/100 ml.

1. Follow the steps given above.

2. Perform further screening tests to determine or rule out other forms of anemia. Other forms of anemia may include sickle cell anemia, leukemia, aplastic anemia, sickle cell-hemoglobin-C disease, thalassemia.

3. Client should consult with a health care practitioner for further evaluation to rule out other conditions. This could be considered a "high-risk" situation.

MoonDragon's Health Information - Anemia Index

MoonDragon's Health Information - Anemia, Overview & Herbal Recommendations

MoonDragon's Health Information - Anemia, Nutritional & Holistic Herbal Recommendations

MoonDragon's Obgyn Information on Anemia During Pregnancy

MoonDragon's Obgyn Information on Anemia, Folic Acid Deficiency

MoonDragon's Obgyn Information on Anemia, Iron Deficiency

MoonDragon's Obgyn Information - Anemia, G6PD Deficiency

MoonDragon's Obgyn Information - Anemia, Pernicious

MoonDragon's Obgyn Information - Anemia, Sickle Cell

MoonDragon's Health Information - Anemia, Thalassemia

MoonDragon's Nutritional Guidelines & Information

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MoonDragon's Birthing Guidelines - Variations of Pregnancy

MoonDragon's Birthing Guidelines Index

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