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Iron-deficiency anaemia in pregnancy — DRCOG MCQ

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HardAntenatal CareIron-deficiency anaemia in pregnancyDRCOG

A 22-year-old woman at 28 weeks has tiredness, haemoglobin 94 g/L and microcytosis on full blood count. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: DStart oral iron replacement and recheck haemoglobin

The best answer is “Start oral iron replacement and recheck haemoglobin”. Start oral iron replacement and recheck haemoglobin is the best answer because the vignette is testing Iron-deficiency anaemia in pregnancy and the recommended approach is consistent with NICE NG201, BNF. The other Specifically, Arrange routine GP review after the next period, Offer empirical antifungal treatment, Advise rest and hydration at home, Repeat the pregnancy test in one week would be suboptimal in this scenario. In DRCOG-style primary care questions, the safest answer is usually the step that matches the acuity and gestation rather than symptomatic treatment alone. Antenatal decisions combine gestation, maternal stability, fetal risk and whether care can safely remain in the community. Screening, diagnostic testing and urgent assessment are not interchangeable. The UK pathway should be followed with clear safety-netting whenever symptoms may evolve before the next routine appointment.

Reference: NICE NG201: Antenatal care: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng201/chapter/recommendations