What finding would indicate potential anemia in a pregnant woman during routine assessments?

Low hemoglobin levels are a key indicator of potential anemia in a pregnant woman during routine assessments. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. During pregnancy, it's common for a woman's blood volume to increase, which can dilute hemoglobin levels. A measurement that shows lower-than-normal hemoglobin levels suggests that there may not be enough red blood cells to adequately supply oxygen, which is critical for both maternal health and fetal development. Monitoring hemoglobin levels is essential for identifying anemia so that appropriate interventions can be undertaken, improving outcomes for both the mother and baby.

Other factors like elevated blood pressure, an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or a high platelet count do not directly indicate anemia and may serve as markers for different health concerns or conditions unrelated to red blood cell mass. Hence, they are not definitive indicators of anemia in this context.