Megaloblastic anemia in pregnancy

Clin Obstet Gynecol. 1995 Sep;38(3):455-62. doi: 10.1097/00003081-199509000-00005.

Abstract

Megaloblastic anemia is one of the acquired nutritional anemias that may complicate pregnancy. It is most often secondary to folic acid deficiency because folate requirements are increased during gestation. When the diagnosis of megaloblastic anemia is confirmed, appropriate therapy will initiate a rapid reversal of the anemia process. Because of the association between neural tube defects and folate deficiency, it is recommended that women of reproductive age take folic acid supplementation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Megaloblastic* / diagnosis
  • Anemia, Megaloblastic* / drug therapy
  • Anemia, Megaloblastic* / etiology
  • Female
  • Folic Acid Deficiency / complications
  • Humans
  • Neural Tube Defects / etiology
  • Nutritional Requirements
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic* / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic* / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic* / etiology
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / complications