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.
D000328:Adult; D004911:Erythrocyte Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005296:Ferrous Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D010953:Plasma Volume; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy
D005296:Ferrous Compounds; D005492:Folic Acid