As per WHO, anemia is considered to exist in pregnancy, if the hemoglobin level is below: March 2007
**Core Concept**
Anemia in pregnancy is a significant public health concern due to its association with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established guidelines for diagnosing anemia in pregnant women based on their hemoglobin levels.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The WHO defines anemia in pregnancy as a hemoglobin level below 11 g/dL. This threshold is based on the median hemoglobin concentration in pregnant women worldwide. The hemoglobin level is a critical indicator of a woman's iron status and her ability to meet the increased oxygen demands of pregnancy. In the absence of anemia, the hemoglobin level is typically above 11 g/dL, indicating adequate iron stores and sufficient oxygen delivery to the fetus.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** A hemoglobin level of 10 g/dL is below the WHO threshold, but this option is likely incorrect due to the specific wording of the question, which asks for the threshold below which anemia is considered to exist.
* **Option B:** A hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL is above the WHO threshold, indicating no anemia, but this option is not the correct answer because the question asks for the threshold below which anemia exists.
* **Option D:** A hemoglobin level of 9 g/dL is below the WHO threshold, but this option is not the correct answer because it is not the specific threshold below which anemia is considered to exist.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The WHO guidelines for diagnosing anemia in pregnancy are based on hemoglobin levels, but it's essential to note that other factors, such as iron deficiency, can also contribute to anemia. A careful clinical evaluation, including a thorough medical history and physical examination, is necessary to diagnose anemia in pregnancy accurately.
**Correct Answer:** C. 11 g/dL