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Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy — DRCOG MCQ

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ModerateAntenatal CareIron deficiency anaemia in pregnancyDRCOG

A 24-year-old woman at 22 weeks' gestation is found to have haemoglobin 92 g/L and MCV 72 fL on routine bloods. She feels tired but has no bleeding, abdominal pain or known haemoglobinopathy history. What is the most appropriate investigation?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Ferritin with haemoglobinopathy screening if indicated

Microcytic anaemia in pregnancy is commonly iron deficiency, so ferritin supports diagnosis, while haemoglobinopathy screening should be considered according to background and local pathway. Colonoscopy is not the first investigation in this stable antenatal presentation. The pearl is that anaemia assessment should identify iron deficiency while not missing haemoglobinopathy.

Reference: NICE NG201; BNF