When maternal anemia is diagnosed before midpregnancy, it has been associated with an
increased risk of preterm delivery. Maternal anemia detected during the later stages of
pregnancy, especially the third trimester, often reflects the expected (and necessary)
expansion of maternal plasma volume. Third-trimester anemia usually is not associated with
increased risk of preterm delivery. High hemoglobin concentration, elevated hematocrit and
increased levels of serum ferritin late in pregnancy, however, all have been associated with …