In March we admitted a pregnant mother from Merti with Anemia (Hb 3 g/dL). She was on approximately her 39th week of pregnacy. The doctors decide to make a transfusion and send her back home to wait for birth to occur naturally. When she was preparing to leave the hospital, she began to go into labor.

During pregnancy a woman’s body produces more blood to support the growth of her baby. If she’s not getting enough iron or nutrients, she may develop anemia.

It’s normal to have mild anemia when you are pregnant, but many woman in remote areas may have more severe anemia from low iron or vitamin levels or from other reasons.

Many women in rural areas of Africa may have anemia due to malnourishment and several other risk factors. Luckily, our staff in Merti were able to readmit her and help her deliver safely. Both mother and baby are happy and in good health.

If anemia goes untreated it can put a woman at risk of serious complications, such as preterm delivery.