A patient may present with complications of malaria or they may develop suddenly. Acute pulmonary edema, hypoglycemia and anemia are more common in pregnancy. Malaria can cause or aggravate anemia. Hemolysis of parasitised red blood cells. Increased demands of pregnancy.
Profound hemolysis can aggravate folate deficiency.
Anemia due to malaria is more common and severe between 16-29 weeks. It can develop suddenly, in case of severe malaria with high grades of parasitemia. Pre existing iron and folate deficiency can exacerbate the anemia of malaria and vice versa. Anemia increases perinatal mortality and maternal morbidity and mortality. It also increases the risk of pulmonary oedema.