MCV TestingMCV measures the volume occupied by a single red blood cell or the average size of an individual red blood cell. MCV = Total Volume of Blood/Total Number of Red Blood Cells It is an essential component of a complete blood count (CBC) that is expressed in femtoliters. MCV in PregnancyMCV levels increase by approximately 4 fL throughout pregnancy, reaching a peak between 30 and 34 weeks. This is explained by an increase in the production and release into circulation of larger immature red blood cells. This does not indicate a cobalamin (vitamin B12) or folate (vitamin B9) deficiency issue unless the increase is greater than 4 fL or if there are other symptoms. If a woman experiences postpartum hemorrhage, it may impact the red blood cell indices, including MCV. With blood loss and hypoxia, immature red blood cells are produced and released, increasing the MCV value. Iron deficiency from blood loss can also cause a sharp decrease in MCV after immediate blood loss recovery. High MCV in PregnancyAn elevated MCV is a marker for macrocytic anemia.
Macrocytic anemia is divided into two distinct categories: megaloblastic and non-megaloblastic. Megaloblastic anemia means there are very large blood cells but not very many of them, and they are deformed. Megaloblastic anemia is caused by deficiency or impairment of the utilization of vitamin B12 or folate. This is the primary cause of macrocytic anemia and should be tested in these cases. Often, this is due to genetics. Non-megaloblastic anemia means the blood cells are very large, there are not many of them, and they are not deformed. It may result from liver dysfunction, alcoholism, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), or hypothyroidism. Most Common Causes of High MCV in Pregnancy
Low MCV in PregnancyMCV is a marker for microcytic anemia. You’ll see different resources saying anywhere from <80 fL to <85 fL is diagnostic for microcytic anemia in pregnancy, due to the normal increase in MCV. Microcytic anemia is defined as the presence of smaller-than-normal RBCs or less RBC production. Microcytic anemia is divided into three subtypes.
Most Common Causes of Low MCV in Pregnancy
Want to Know More...Check Out My Advanced Lab Analysis in Pregnancy Practitioner Course MEAC Continue Education Credits Available Copyright © 2024 Functional Maternity, all rights reserved. The content in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.
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Hi There!I'm Sarah Thompson, the author of Functional Maternity, and the upcoming book Beyond Results - A practitioner's Handbook to Effective Functional Lab Analysis in Pregnancy. Lab Tests
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