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Red cell mass during and after normal pregnancy
Red cell mass, derived from plasma volume and haematocrit, was calculated serially in 45 healthy women during pregnancy and 4 to 6 months after delivery. Compared to the non-pregnant, postpartum value there was a reduction of approximately 100 ml at 12 weeks gestation. An increase in red cell mass occurred thereafter: at 36 weeks gestation values 180 ml greater than the non-pregnant were found. Iron and folic acid supplements almost doubled this increment to 349 ml of red cells.
Red cell mass, derived from plasma volume and haematocrit, was calculated serially in 45 healthy women during pregnancy and 4 to 6 months after delivery. Compared to the non-pregnant, postpartum value there was a reduction of approximately 100 ml at 12 weeks gestation. An increase in red cell mass occurred thereafter: at 36 weeks gestation values 180 ml greater than the non-pregnant were found. Iron and folic acid supplements almost doubled this increment to 349 ml of red cells.