A Comparison Between Two Strategies for Postpartum Anemia Diagnosis and Follow up After Vaginal Deliveries

A Comparison Between Two Strategies for Postpartum Anemia Diagnosis and Follow up After Vaginal Deliveries - Hemoglobin Screening in High Risk Population Versus by Symptoms

Anemia diagnosis by hemoglobin level monitoring in women after vaginal delivery by symptoms versus screening of women at increased risk for post-partum anemia.

Anemia is common following delivery. It is associated with some serious complications including increased risk for syncope and in severe cases even cardiogenic shock. Yet, anemia-associated symptoms might manifest relatively late after the patient have lost a fair amount of blood, which was not diagnosed early enough. To date, there are not acceptable guidelines for monitoring hemoglobin levels after delivery. Theoretically, there are 2 approaches for hemoglobin monitoring - one by taking hemoglobin levels in order to diagnose anemia in patients reporting anemia-associated symptoms. The other approach is by screening of women at increased risk for post-partum anemia. In the present study we aimed to compare those 2 approaches.

Inclusion Criteria:

• pregnant women after vaginal delivery

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnant women with known sensitivity to the product iron sucrose
• pregnant women after cesarean section