In this article:
What Is Anaemia In Pregnancy?
Anaemia during pregnancy—and anaemia in general—occurs when there are insufficient red blood cells to transport oxygen to your body's tissues. It is fairly common for individuals to develop anaemia during pregnancy if they do not have enough iron or other essential micronutrients to build the red blood cells required to enhance their blood supply.Anaemia in pregnancy is so common that pregnant women are checked for it at their first prenatal appointment and again in the . The good news is that blood tests detect the majority of anaemia patients. However, if left untreated, anaemia during pregnancy may have a detrimental impact on both you and your baby.Types of Anaemia in Pregnancy
Physiological anaemia: Pregnancy may lead to physiological anaemia, which occurs when there is an excess of plasma but insufficient red blood cell production- Iron deficiency anaemia: Between 15 and 25 per cent of all pregnancies have an iron deficiency, which is a building block material in the production of blood cells. Iron is required to boost blood supply since it transports oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
- Folate-deficiency anaemia: It occurs when women do not consume enough folate to fulfil the increased needs of pregnancy.
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency anaemia: Similar to folate, some women may not consume enough vitamin B12 to satisfy the increasing requirement.
What Causes Anaemia During Pregnancy?
Due to the increase in blood volume during pregnancy, anaemia might develop. Pregnancy-related anaemia may also result from inadequate intake of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid.Anaemia during pregnancy may also result from other causes of anaemia that affect non-pregnant individuals:- Some illnesses, such as thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia
- Donating blood
- A heavy flow of menstruation (pregnancy)
- Polyps and ulcers
Who Is At The Most Risk Of Developing Anaemia During Pregnancy?
Your body's blood volume rises by 20% to 30% during pregnancy. This indicates that to produce more red blood cells, your body needs more iron. Anaemia during pregnancy may be more likely to occur if you are:- Pregnant with more than one child
- Inadequate iron intake
- Having a short interval between consecutive pregnancies
- Having a high menstrual flow prior to becoming pregnant
- Often throwing up due to morning sickness
Is Becoming Anaemic During Pregnancy Normal?
Mild anaemia is common during pregnancy since blood volume rises. Up to 52% of pregnant women in underdeveloped nations do not receive adequate iron throughout pregnancy, making iron insufficiency a common pregnancy condition. Severe anaemia is uncommon.However, in order to safeguard the health of both you and the foetus, treatment is necessary for both moderate and severe anaemia.Risk Factors For Anaemia In Pregnancy
You may have an increased risk of anaemia during pregnancy if you are:- Pregnant with multiples
- Not consuming enough iron-rich meals
- Have an underlying genetic problem, such as sickle cell anaemia or other haemoglobin diseases
- Have a history of heavy periods
- Have had some bariatric operations such as gastric bypass
Signs And Symptoms Of Anaemia During Pregnancy
The great majority of anaemia cases in pregnancy are diagnosed . While some are identified later via blood tests, anaemia seldom worsens considerably during pregnancy.Pica, or the desire to chew on and/or swallow non-food items such as clay, paper, or ice, has also been related to anaemia during pregnancy.Other red flag signs include blood in your stools or dark black faeces (known as melena). These might suggest that your anaemia is the result of internal or stomach bleeding, which can be deadly.Initially, you may not experience any signs of mild anaemia. With time, you could experience:- Exhaustion
- Cold
- Breathlessness
- Weakness or lightheadedness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Headache
- Dry, pale, or prone to bruises
- Tongue pain
- Unintentional movement of the lower leg (restless legs syndrome)
Can Anaemia During Pregnancy Affect The Baby?
If anaemia continues, it will have the strongest effect on your quality of life. If you're profoundly anaemic, you're very tired and sluggish. A shortage of oxygen in your body may also lead to negative foetal outcomes such as premature labour, low birth weight, and even postpartum depression. If your body doesn't have enough oxygen to do the work it needs to, that's not good for you, and it's not good for the baby. Having a baby when you are anaemic might potentially lead to additional complications.How Is Pregnancy-Related Anaemia Diagnosed?
Anaemia may be diagnosed using a blood test known as a complete blood count (CBC). Usually, this blood test is performed at one of your first prenatal visits.The CBC is used by your healthcare practitioner to examine:- The quantity, size, and form of your red blood cells—all of which may reveal the presence of specific diseases like sickle cell anaemia.
- The quantity of iron that your body stores
- If your intake of vitamins B12 and B9 is inadequate
What Constitutes Severe Anaemia?
A CBC reading of 6.5 to 7.9 grams of haemoglobin per decilitre (g/dL) indicates severe anaemia. Your doctor could do a blood transfusion, probably in an outpatient setting, if your findings indicate that you have severe anaemia. You will get a healthy quantity of red blood cells after a blood transfusion.How to Treat Anaemia While Pregnant?
Mild anaemia in pregnancy is quite simple to treat if detected early enough. Your doctor will most likely recommend iron supplements or a prenatal vitamin containing iron.If your iron levels remain low and you are having difficulty digesting the supplements (they may occasionally cause stomach problems such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhoea), you may need an intravenous iron infusion. However, if these therapies do not correct your anaemia during pregnancy, a blood transfusion may be required. You may not be able to avoid anaemia during pregnancy, but there are some healthy preventative activities you can take to help fight it off even before you get pregnant. Consult with your doctor and inform them if you have a family history of anaemia, genetic illnesses, or heavy periods. You may proactively request a blood test.How Soon Will I See An Improvement After Receiving Treatment For Anaemia During Pregnancy?
After using a supplement for iron deficiency, B12 deficiency, or folate deficiency anaemia, you should start to feel better in a few days. Speak with your provider if nothing changes.What Happens To The Body If Anaemia Is Left Untreated?
Anaemia may worsen over time if left untreated. Low blood oxygen levels might damage your organs. Additionally, it makes the heart work harder, which raises the possibility of:- An erratic heartbeat is called an arrhythmia
- Enlarged heart
- Heart failure
How Can Anaemia During Pregnancy Be Avoided?
Consuming at least 30 milligrams (three servings) of iron each day is the best way to avoid anaemia. Consult your doctor about taking an iron supplement if you are unable to get enough iron from your diet.In addition, you must . Prenatal vitamins should ideally be started before becoming pregnant. Iron levels in certain prenatal supplements are low. Therefore, to find out which kind of prenatal vitamin is best for you, see your healthcare professional.Remember that moderate anaemia during pregnancy might occur even if you follow all the recommended precautions. It is caused by the usual increase in blood volume. Consult your healthcare professional if you have any symptoms, such as fatigue or lightheadedness.When Should You Be Concerned About Anaemia?
Consult your physician if you have any anaemia symptoms:- Lightheadedness
- Headaches
- Rapid heartbeat
- Pale skin
- Tongue pain
- Your lower legs move unintentionally
How To Take Care Of Yourself?
When you have anaemia, maintaining a nutritious, iron-rich diet is the best course of action. Get plenty of sleep and drink lots of water. Take an iron and/or vitamin supplement throughout pregnancy. Discuss the appropriate supplement for you with your healthcare physician.Pregnancy causes a 20% to 30% increase in blood volume, which might leave you somewhat anaemic. Anaemia may be prevented and treated by maintaining a diet high in iron, vitamin C, and B vitamins. Additionally, taking a daily prenatal vitamin might be beneficial. Discuss any worries you may have and your risk of anaemia during pregnancy with your healthcare professional.FAQs on Everything You Need to Know About Anaemia in Pregnancy
- What are the different forms of anaemia in pregnancy?There are four types of anaemia that may occur during pregnancy: pregnant anaemia, iron deficiency anaemia, vitamin B-12 deficiency, and folate insufficiency.
- What is the typical haemoglobin level of a pregnant woman?For women of reproductive age, the normal haemoglobin level is between 12 and 16 grammes per decilitre. It has a minimum normal value of 11 grammes per decilitre in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy, and 10.5 grammes per decilitre in the second trimester.