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What is Anaemia in Pregnancy?
Anaemia during pregnancy occurs when your blood lacks enough red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently. Red blood cells contain haemoglobin, a protein responsible for transporting oxygen from your lungs to your body and your baby. To produce haemoglobin, your body needs sufficient iron and vitamins such as folate and B12. If you don't get enough of these nutrients, you may develop anaemia, which can make you feel tired and weak during pregnancy.Types of Anaemia in Pregnancy
- Iron-Deficiency Anaemia: Iron-Deficiency Anaemia happens when your body does not have enough iron, which is crucial to make haemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen). Without enough iron, your blood cannot deliver oxygen efficiently. This is the most common type of anaemia during pregnancy..
- Folate-Deficiency Anaemia: Folate-Deficiency Anaemia occurs when you lack folate, a B vitamin found in foods like leafy green vegetables. Folate is necessary for making healthy red blood cells, and during pregnancy, your requirement increases. A folate shortage can cause anaemia and increase the risk of birth defects that may include neural tube abnormalities or low birth weight. Supplements containing folate are known as folic acid.
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: It causes problems because vitamin B12 is essential for healthy red blood cell production. If you do not consume enough meat, eggs, dairy, or poultry, you may lack vitamin B12. This deficiency can lead to birth defects, including neural tube problems, and may raise the risk of preterm labour.
Risk Factors for Anaemia During Pregnancy
You may be at a higher risk of developing pregnancy anaemia if you:- Are pregnant with multiples
- Had two pregnancies close together (back-to-back pregnancies)
- Vomit a lot often due to morning sickness
- Are a teenager
- Experienced severe menstrual bleeding before conceiving
- Don't eat enough iron-rich foods
- Don't take your iron supplements
- Had anaemia before pregnancy
What are the symptoms of pregnancy anaemia?
In its early stages, anaemia may not be present with prominent symptoms. Hence, regular blood tests may be recommended by your healthcare provider. The various symptoms of anaemia in pregnancy include:- Pale skin, lips, nails, or palms
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Feeling tired or weak
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Headaches
- Trouble concentrating or difficulty focusing
- Cold hands and feet
- Tongue soreness
- Restless legs or cramps in the legs
Risks of Anaemia in Pregnancy
If untreated, anaemia can affect you and your baby.For you:
- Preterm delivery
- Blood transfusion during birth (if heavy bleeding)
- Postpartum depression
- Low birth weight
- Anaemia after birth
- Neural tube defects (from folate or B12 deficiency)
- Developmental delays
Diagnostic tests to diagnose pregnancy anaemia
Anaemia during pregnancy is diagnosed through blood tests, usually beginning at your first prenatal visit. These tests commonly include:- Haemoglobin test: Measures the amount of haemoglobin in your blood.
- Haematocrit test: Checks the percentage of red blood cells.
Treatment for anaemia in pregnancy
If you are anaemic whilst pregnant, your healthcare provider will prescribe the following treatments:- Prenatal Vitamins: Take your daily prenatal vitamin that includes iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 to help prevent and treat anaemia.
- Iron Supplements: If iron levels are low, your doctor may prescribe extra iron supplements to boost haemoglobin production.
- Folic Acid Supplements: Adding folic acid supplements helps your body make healthy red blood cells and supports your baby's development.
- Vitamin B12 Supplements: If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, supplementation or increasing animal product intake may be recommended.
- Dietary Changes: Include more iron-rich and folate-rich foods like leafy greens, meat, eggs, and dairy in your meals.
- Follow-up Blood Tests: You'll have repeat blood tests to check if your haemoglobin and haematocrit levels are improving.
- Intravenous (IV) Iron Therapy: For moderate to severe anaemia, or if oral iron is not tolerated, IV iron can rapidly increase iron levels.
- Blood Transfusion: Severe anaemia may require a blood transfusion for quick correction and to ensure your and your baby's health.
- Specialist Referral: In complex cases, you may be referred to a haematologist for specialised care throughout your pregnancy.
Preventing Anaemia During Pregnancy
You can often prevent anaemia during pregnancy by following some simple habits:- Eat iron-rich foods such as lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, spinach, kale, iron-fortified cereals, nuts, seeds, and eggs.
- Pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C sources like oranges, strawberries, kiwis, tomatoes, and bell peppers, as vitamin C helps your body absorb iron better.
- Include folate-rich foods in your diet, such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, beans, and fortified breads or cereals.
- Take your prenatal vitamins regularly to ensure you're receiving essential nutrients.
- If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, talk to your doctor about taking a vitamin B12 supplement.
Your healthcare provider will monitor your blood levels with regular tests. Your doctor may also adjust your treatment if necessary. Most women start to feel better within days of starting treatment, and with proper care, you can manage anaemia effectively throughout your pregnancy.
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FAQs on Your Complete Checklist to Tackling Anaemia While Pregnant
- Can anaemia harm my baby?
Yes, severe and untreated anaemia may affect your baby's growth and oxygen supply. Treating anaemia early helps protect your baby's health. - What does untreated anaemia do to your body?
If anaemia is not treated, it can slowly become more severe. Low oxygen in the blood puts extra strain on your organs, making them work less efficiently. Your heart also has to pump harder, which can lead to irregular heartbeats, an enlarged heart, or even heart failure over time.
