A pregnant woman displays signs of microcytic, hypochromic anemia. What is the most likely type of anemia she has?

The presentation of microcytic, hypochromic anemia in a pregnant woman strongly indicates iron deficiency anemia. During pregnancy, there is an increased demand for iron due to the growing fetus and expanding maternal blood volume. This demand often exceeds the available stores, leading to a deficiency.

In microcytic anemia, the red blood cells are smaller than normal (microcytic) and typically appear pale (hypochromic) due to reduced hemoglobin content, which is characteristic of iron deficiency. In this context, the body struggles to produce adequate amounts of hemoglobin because there isn't enough iron available to create it.

Folic acid deficiency, while also a concern during pregnancy, typically results in macrocytic anemia. Thalassemia can present with microcytic anemia as well but would typically have a family history or other specific lab findings supporting that diagnosis. Hereditary spherocytosis results in a different red cell morphology and typically leads to normocytic anemia, not specifically microcytic.

Thus, the signs of microcytic, hypochromic anemia in this scenario point specifically towards iron deficiency anemia as the most likely type.