How to Spot: Anemia in Pregnancy

Anemia occurs in up to one-third of women during the third trimester of pregnancy. During pregnancy, the amount of blood in a woman’s body increases by about 20 to 30%. This increases the supply of iron and vitamins that the body needs to make hemoglobin. Many pregnant women lack the sufficient amount of iron needed for the second and third trimesters. When the body needs more iron than the available amount, this leads to anemia.

 

Pregnant women in the risk group

All pregnant women are at risk of becoming anemic. However, the risk is higher if:

 

• The woman is pregnant with multiples.
• The woman vomits frequently due to morning sickness.
• The woman had anemia before pregnancy.
• The woman has heavy pre-pregnancy menstrual flow.
• The woman has had two pregnancies within a short frame of time.

 

Symptoms of anemia in pregnancy

• Progressive paleness or yellowing of skin, lips, and nails
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heartbeats
• Difficulty in concentration
• Chest pain
• Cold hands and feet

 

Types of anemia in pregnancy

• Iron-deficiency anemia: This is the most common type of anemia among pregnant women. Approximately 15-25% of all pregnancies experience iron deficiency. This happens when the body doesn’t have enough iron to produce adequate amounts of hemoglobin which is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to other organs. When a pregnant woman suffers from iron-deficiency anemia, the blood can’t carry enough oxygen to the tissues of the body.

 

• Folate-deficiency anemia: Folate or folic acid is a type of vitamin B needed for the body to produce new cells including healthy red blood cells. Pregnant women need extra folate. However, sometimes diets and folic acid supplements are not enough. Lack of adequate amounts of folate makes the body unable to produce enough normal red blood cells to transport oxygen to the tissues.

 

• Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia: As iron and folate are needed for red blood cells formation, vitamin B12 is essential too. Women who don’t eat meat, poultry, dairy products, and eggs have a greater risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency. The deficiency in this vitamin disables the body’s production of healthy cells. This might lead to preterm labor.

 

Treatment of anemia in pregnancy

• Take at least three servings/day of iron-rich foods if you suffer from iron deficiency. This includes lean red meat, poultry, and fish, leafy dark green vegetables like spinach, broccoli, lentils, beans, and eggs.

 

• Add folate-rich food to your diet. If your anemia is due to a deficiency in folate, you have to consume foods like leafy green vegetables and beans.

 

• Take iron and folic acid supplements under your doctor’s supervision. You might also need to add vitamin B12 if this is the reason for the anemia.

 

• Include foods high in vitamin C in your diet. Foods high in vitamin C help the body absorb iron. Include foods like citrus fruits and their juices – without adding sugar – such as strawberries, kiwis, tomatoes, and bell peppers.

 

Risks of anemia in pregnancy

Risks of severe or untreated iron-deficiency anemia:

 

• Preterm or low birth weight baby
• Blood transfusion upon losing a significant amount of blood during labor
• Postpartum depression
• Transfer of anemia to baby
• Delay in baby’s development

 

Risks of severe or untreated folate-deficiency anemia:

 

• Preterm or low birth weight baby
• Defects in baby’s spine or brain

 

Risks of severe or untreated vitamin B12-deficiency anemia:

 

• Defects in baby’s spine or brain

 

Further reading:

• How to Spot Series: Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children
• What Happens If I’m Pregnant After 40
• Is it Normal for Your Hair to Fall Out During Pregnancy?

Sources used in this article:

 

• Anemia in pregnancy – WebMD
• Anemia and Pregnancy – American Society of Hematology
• Anemia in pregnancy – MSD MANUAL Professional Version
• Iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy: Prevention tips – Mayo Clinic
• Anemia during pregnancy – American Pregnancy Association

 

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