An observation on pregnancy outcomes in relation to haemoglobin levels.

The relations between maternal haemoglobin levels in pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes were examined. The data source for the examination was medical records of 460 singleton deliveries. The high haemoglobin level was associated with increased incidence of toxaemia. Both high and low haemoglobin levels were associated with increased risk of preterm delivery. The mean birth weight of term babies was higher in the low haemoglobin level and was not affected by toxaemia. It is concluded that the high haemoglobin level during pregnancy should be considered another perinatal risk factor.