Physiological Anemia
→ The ↑ in plasma volume (30-40%) is much more than the ↑ in red cell mass (10-15%) leading to hemodilution and an apparent ↓ in Hb level called as physiological anemia of pregnancy.
→ This hemodilution during pregnancy serves to reduce maternal blood viscosity, thereby enhancing placental perfusion and facilitating nutrient and oxygen delivery to the fetus.
→ Characteristics of physiological anemia:
- Starts at 7th – 8th weeks
- Maximum by 32 weeks
- Does not go below 11 gm%
