Anemia during Pregnancy

Anemia is a condition in which the concentration of red blood cells, or hemoglobin, in the blood is below normal. Hemoglobin is a substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues of the body. Anemia results when enough oxygen does not reach these tissues.

Anemia is common during pregnancy because the woman’s body needs more blood volume and blood cells to provide nutrition to the fetus. The fetus needs iron and folic acid as it is developing. Your body may not produce enough red blood cells because of this. Also, during pregnancy, the liquid part of the blood (plasma) increases by about 30–50%, and the red blood cells increase by only 20%. This lowers the concentration of the red blood cells and creates a natural anemia-like situation.

What are the causes?

The most common cause of anemia during pregnancy is not having enough iron in the body to make red blood cells (iron deficiency anemia). Other causes may include:

• Folic acid deficiency.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Certain prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
• Certain medical conditions or infections that destroy red blood cells.
• A low platelet count and bleeding caused by antibodies that go through the placenta to the fetus from the mother’s blood.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Mild anemia may not be noticeable. If it becomes severe, symptoms may include:

• Feeling tired (fatigue).
• Shortness of breath, especially during activity.
• Weakness.
• Fainting.
• Pale looking skin.
• Headaches.
• A fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations).
• Dizziness.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

• Your medical history and a physical exam.
• Blood tests.

How is this treated?

Treatment for anemia during pregnancy depends on the cause of the anemia. Treatment can include:

• Dietary changes.
• Supplements of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid.
• A blood transfusion. This may be needed if anemia is severe.
• Hospitalization. This may be needed if there is a lot of blood loss or severe anemia.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Follow recommendations from your dietitian or health care provider about changing your diet.
• Increase your vitamin C intake. This will help the stomach absorb more iron. Some foods that are high in vitamin C include:
  • Oranges.
  • Peppers.
  • Tomatoes.
  • Mangoes.
• Eat a diet rich in iron. This would include foods such as:
  • Liver.
  • Beef.
  • Eggs.
  • Whole grains.
  • Spinach.
  • Dried fruit.
• Take iron and vitamins as told by your health care provider.
• Eat green leafy vegetables. These are a good source of folic acid.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have frequent or lasting headaches.
• You look pale.
• You bruise easily.

Get help right away if:

• You have extreme weakness, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
• You become dizzy or have trouble concentrating.
• You have heavy vaginal bleeding.
• You develop a rash.
• You have bloody or black, tarry stools.
• You faint.
• You vomit up blood.
• You vomit repeatedly.
• You have abdominal pain.
• You have a fever.
• You are dehydrated.

Summary

• Anemia is a condition in which the concentration of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood is below normal.
• Anemia is common during pregnancy because the woman’s body needs more blood volume and blood cells to provide nutrition to the fetus.
• The most common cause of anemia during pregnancy is not having enough iron in the body to make red blood cells (iron deficiency anemia).
• Mild anemia may not be noticeable. If it becomes severe, symptoms may include feeling tired and weak.