• Understand physiological changes in pregnancy relating to both cellular and plasma blood components

there are a lot of changes that happen during pregnancy that involve the blood

changes are listed below

Haemoglobin levels decline

Platelets fall

rise in WBCs

rise in MCV (Mean cell vol)

rise in fibrinogen and factors VIII,IX,X

commonly anaemia occurs in pregnancy due to increased iron demands by the fetus

it is common to supplement iron in pregnancy - eg Ferinject is an option

sometimes iron deficiency can be missed as the MCV appears normal (but remember it can be increased by 4fl in pregnancy) so you should check ferritin levels if suspicious of iron deficiency.

good to note

400mcg/day must be taken pre conception as the neural tube is formed weeks 2-4 and it is very important there is not a folate acid deficiency for this. it should continue to be taken into pregnancy.

• Understand how haematological complications of pregnancy present and are managed