Anemia in Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

Worried about having anemia during pregnancy? Read on to find out more about the condition and it's simple solution.

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What is the main cause of anemia in pregnancy? How can I fix my anemia during pregnancy? Can an unborn baby be anemic?

Blood is the only viable life-maintaining fluid in the human body. As it runs its course through an extensive network of veins, arteries, and thinner capillaries, it also pumps life into all the body’s organs.

Blood contains haemoglobin red blood cells that transport oxygen throughout the body. Blood loss or a decline in red blood cell count can diminish the capacity of the blood to carry oxygen, reducing the amount of oxygen that the organs receive through it. Such a condition is called anemia.

Anemia in Pregnancy

Pregnancy can cause anemia to manifest. You get anemia if there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells in your blood to provide oxygen to your tissues and the developing fetus.

During pregnancy, your body produces more blood to support the development of your unborn child. If you don’t consume enough iron or other vital nutrients, your body might not be able to make the required quantity of red blood cells to produce this additional blood.

What is the main cause of anemia in pregnancy?

The primary cause of anemia in pregnancy is iron deficiency. As the body undergoes significant changes during pregnancy, the demand for iron increases to support the growing fetus and the expansion of maternal blood volume. When a pregnant woman’s iron intake or absorption doesn’t meet these increased demands, it can lead to iron-deficiency anemia.

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It’s typical to experience mild anemia while pregnant. However, you can develop more severe anaemia due to low iron or vitamin levels or for other reasons. Here are other common reasons why anemia occurs in pregnant women:

  1. Folate Deficiency: Inadequate intake of folate (vitamin B9) can hinder the production of healthy red blood cells.

  2. Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Insufficient vitamin B12 intake can affect red blood cell formation and lead to anemia.

  3. Chronic Diseases: Conditions like sickle cell disease, thalassemia, or chronic kidney disease can contribute to anemia during pregnancy.

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  4. Poor Diet: Inadequate consumption of iron-rich foods can increase the risk of anemia.

  5. Infections: Certain infections, such as malaria, can cause anemia in pregnant women, especially in regions where these diseases are prevalent.

  6. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease can hinder nutrient absorption, leading to anemia.

Understanding these causes and addressing them through proper prenatal care and nutrition can help prevent or manage anemia during pregnancy.

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Types of Anemia in pregnancy

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Various anemias can manifest during pregnancy. These consist of:

1.  Iron-deficiency anemia

This kind of anaemia arises when the body is unable to produce enough haemoglobin due to a lack of iron. Red blood cells contain the protein. It moves oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body’s tissues.

When there is iron deficiency anaemia, the blood cannot carry enough oxygen to the body’s tissues.

Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia in pregnancy.

2. Folate-deficiency anemia

A form of B vitamin called folate is naturally found in some foods, like green leafy vegetables. To create new cells, including healthy red blood cells, the body needs folate.

When a woman is pregnant, she needs more folate. Their nourishment is occasionally insufficient, though. When that happens, the body is unable to manufacture enough robust red blood cells to supply oxygen to every cell in the body. The nutrient folate also exists in synthetic form as folic acid.

Birth problems that can be directly attributed to a folate shortage include low birth weight and malformations of the neural tube (spina bifida).

3. Vitamin B 12 deficiency

The body needs vitamin B12 to produce healthy red blood cells. Women who don’t eat meat, poultry, dairy products, or eggs are more likely to have a vitamin B12 deficit. Preterm labour and neural tube defects are two birth defects that may be more common as a result of this disorder. 

Who Is at Risk for Anemia in Pregnancy 

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Photo by Amina Filkins from Pexels

Women who are expecting are more likely to develop anemia if they:

  • Are strict vegetarians or vegans. They have a higher chance of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency.
  • Are having Crohn’s or celiac disease, or having had weight loss surgery when the stomach or a piece of the stomach was removed.

Iron deficiency anaemia is more likely to occur in pregnant women if they:

  • had two pregnancies close to each other
  • are a mother of twins or more
  • vomit a lot as a result of morning sickness
  • don’t get enough iron from their diets or prenatal vitamins.
  • have thick periods before pregnancy

The possibility of anemia exists for all pregnant women. This explains why they need more iron and folic acid than usual. However, the likelihood is raised if you:

  • are expecting more than one child
  • recently experienced two pregnancies
  • regularly throw up when you’re unwell in the morning.
  • got pregnant at an early age
  • don’t eat enough meals high in iron.
  • were anemic before becoming pregnant

Symptoms of Anemia in Pregnancy

The most typical symptoms of anemia during pregnancy are as follows:

  1. Pale skin, nails, and lips
  2. Being worn down or delicate
  3. Dizziness
  4. Shortness of breath
  5. Rapid heartbeat
  6. Having trouble concentrating

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Effects of Anemia in Pregnancy 

Your risk of these situations is increased if you have severe or untreated iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy.
  • A newborn who is preterm or underweight
  • A blood transfusion (if you lose a significant amount of blood during delivery)
  • Postpartum depression
  • A newborn with anemia
  • A child who is having developmental problems
If your folate deficiency is not corrected, you are at risk of:
  • Preterm or low birth weight babies
  • Giving birth to a child with a serious congenital abnormality of the spine or brain
If your vitamin B12 deficiency is not treated, it may also increase your risk of becoming pregnant and delivering a kid with neural tube defects.

Can an Unborn Baby Be Anemic

Yes, it is possible for an unborn baby to be anemic, although it is relatively rare. Fetal anemia can occur when the baby’s red blood cell production is compromised or when there is a condition known as hemolytic disease, where the mother’s antibodies attack the baby’s red blood cells. 
 
This can happen when the mother’s blood type is Rh-negative, and the baby’s blood type is Rh-positive, or in other blood group incompatibilities. Maternal antibodies can cross the placenta and target the baby’s red blood cells, causing anemia in the unborn baby.
 
Fetal anemia is a serious concern and may require medical intervention, such as intrauterine transfusions. Monitoring and treatment are typically managed by a healthcare provider specialising in high-risk pregnancies.
 

Anemia in Pregnancy: Diagnosis and Treatment

Anemia during pregnancy is typically diagnosed through routine prenatal exams. Your healthcare provider will conduct a blood test to check for anemia. They may perform these tests at various stages of pregnancy to monitor iron levels and ensure timely intervention if anemia is detected.This test often includes assessing two key markers:

  1. Hemoglobin: This component of blood carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body.

  2. Hematocrit: This measurement indicates the percentage of red blood cells in a given volume of blood.

These blood tests provide important information about your iron levels and whether you have anemia.

Treatment for anemia during pregnancy depends on various factors, including your age, overall health, and the severity of the condition.

If you’re diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, treatment typically involves taking iron supplements. These supplements may come in different forms, including time-released options or those taken multiple times a day. To enhance iron absorption, consider taking it with citrus juice, like orange juice.

However, be cautious with antacids, as they can hinder iron absorption. It’s worth noting that iron supplements may cause side effects such as nausea, dark-colored stools, or constipation. Your doctor will tailor the treatment plan to best address your specific needs.

Preventing Anemia in Pregnancy

Usually, anemia in pregnancy is preventable, especially with a diet rich in nourishing foods.
Here are some tips to help you make sure you’re getting the vitamins and minerals you require to keep your red blood cell count in a healthy range.

1. Take prenatal vitamins

Prenatal supplements frequently contain the majority of the micronutrients you need throughout pregnancy, including folic acid and iron.
Prenatal vitamins can be taken once a day as an easy way to supplement a balanced diet with the vitamins and minerals required for proper red blood cell formation. It’s best to start taking a prenatal vitamin at least two to three months before trying to conceive.

2. Take iron supplements

For low iron levels, your doctor may give you an additional iron supplement in addition to your regular prenatal vitamin.
The usual daily need for pregnant women is 27 milligrams of iron. The amount you require must be discussed with your doctor because it depends on the type of iron or iron supplement taken.
 
Additionally, since calcium may impair your body’s ability to absorb iron, you should avoid taking it at the same time as iron supplements.

3. Get proper nutrition

Most people can get enough iron and folic acid while pregnant if they eat the right meals. These are some top places to find these essential minerals:
  • poultry
  • fish
  • unhealthy red meat
  • beans
  • nuts and seeds
  • dark green foliage
  • improved grains
  • eggs
  • bananas and melons among other fruits

In a nutshell, anemia in pregnancy is a common condition that can be effectively diagnosed and managed with the guidance of your healthcare provider. Remember, prenatal care is your best ally in ensuring a healthy pregnancy.

If you suspect anemia or have concerns about your iron levels, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare team. With proper monitoring, treatment, and a little citrus zest, you can help ensure a smooth journey to a healthy and vibrant pregnancy.

Photo by SHVETS production

Republished with permission from theAsianparent Philippines.

Web MD, Raising Children, Healthline

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