Anemia in Pregnancy Nursing Management

Description

1. Hemoglobin value of less than 11 mg/dL or hematocrit value less than 33% during the second and third trimesters
2. Mild anemia (hemoglobin value of 11 mg/dL) poses no threat but is an indication of a less than optimal nutritional state.
3. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common anemia of pregnancy, affecting 15% to 50% of pregnant women. It is identified as physiologic anemia of pregnancy.

Etiology

Causes of anemia include:

1. Nutritional deficiency (e.g., iron deficiency or megaloblastic anemia, which includes folic acid deficiency and B12 deficiency). This can be a lot to get your head around, but if you do a quick search into something as simple as lactoferrin anemia, you’ll be able to further your knowledge in this field. You never know, this information may come in handy one day.
2. Acute and chronic blood loss
3. Hemolysis (e.g., sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G-6-PD])

Pathophysiology

1. The hemoglobin level for nonpregnant women is usually 3.5 g/dL. However, the hemoglobin level during the second trimester of pregnancy averages 11.6 g/dL as a result of the dilution of the mother’s blood from increased plasma volume. This is called physiologic anemia and is normal during pregnancy.
2. Iron cannot be adequately supplied in the daily diet during pregnancy. Substances in the diet, such as milk, tea, and coffee, decrease absorption of iron. During pregnancy, additional iron is required for the increase in maternal RBCs and for transfer to the fetus for storage and production of RBCs. The fetus must store enough iron to last 4 to 6 months after birth.
3. During the third trimester, if the woman’s intake of iron is not sufficient, her hemoglobin will not rise to a value of 12.5 g/dL and nutritional anemia may occur. This will result in decreased transfer of iron to the fetus.
4. Hemoglobinopathies, such as thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and G-6-PD, lead to anemia by causing hemolysis or increased destruction of RBCs.

Assessment Findings

1. Associated findings. In clients with a hemoglobin level of 10.5 g/dL, expect complaints of excessive fatigue, headache, and tachycardia.
2. Clinical manifestations:

• Signs of iron deficiency anemia (hemoglobin level below 10.5 g/dL) include brittle fingernails, cheilosis (severely chapped lips), or a smooth, red, shiny tongue.
• Women with sickle cell anemia experience painful crisis episodes.

Nursing Management

1. Provide client and family teaching. Discuss using iron supplements and increasing dietary sources of iron as indicated.
2. Prepare for blood-typing and crossmatching, and for administering packed PBCs during labor if the client has severe anemia.
3. Provide support and management for clients with hemoglobinopathies.
   • In a client who has thalassemia or who carries the trait, provide support, especially if the woman has just learned that she is a carrier. Also assess for signs of infection throughout the pregnancy.
   • In a pregnant client with sickle cell disease, assess iron and folate stores, and reticulocyte counts; complete screening for hemolysis; provide dietary counseling and folic acid supplements; and observe for signs of infection.
   • In a pregnant client with G-6-PD, provide iron and folic acid supplementation and nutrition counseling, and explain the need to avoid oxidizing drugs.