Diagnosis of anemia in pregnancy

Anemia in pregnancy is a worldwide health and social problem. While some degree of dilutional anemia is very frequent and can be considered part of the normal physiology of pregnancy, iron deficiency anemia is likewise common during pregnancy but can have serious adverse health consequences for the mother and child. Thus, it is mandatory to perform a prompt diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia distinguishing it from physiologic anemia, as well as to identify other less common causes of anemia that may require treatment. In this narrative review, we summarize the main diagnostic, clinical and therapeutic characteristics of the most important types of anemia during pregnancy.