According to the WHO classification of anaemia in pregnancy, haemoglobin below which level defines severe anaemia?

• A Below 10 g/dL
• B Below 9 g/dL
• C Below 5 g/dL
• D Below 7 g/dL ✓

Explanation

The WHO grades anaemia in pregnancy as mild (haemoglobin 10 to 10.9 g/dL), moderate (7 to 9.9 g/dL), and severe (below 7 g/dL). A haemoglobin below 5 g/dL is sometimes termed very severe anaemia in Indian guidelines but is not part of the WHO grading. Severe anaemia carries increased risks of cardiac failure, preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality, so identification at the 7 g/dL cutoff guides transfusion decisions in a stable patient.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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