Mother's hemoglobin in perinatal and mother health in the highlands: implications in the andean region

Abstract

This review analyzes the importance of hemoglobin levels in pregnant women and its implications in pregnancy. It discuss the use of biomass fuel for cooking and the impact on birthweight, maternal hemoglobin levels and the risk of late fetal death, pre-term delivery, and small for gestational age. Furthermore, the need to correct the cut-off points of hemoglobin level to define anemia at high altitudes is addressed. Current evidence suggests that corrections should not be made and iron supplements should be given to pregnant mothers with moderate or severe anemia. It is discussed whether iron supplementation should change its target population from pregnant women to infants aged 6 to 36 months.