How Anaemia in Indian Women Shows Up in Pregnancy Scans

BySamradni Pradhan
Updated: 2 Jan 2026, 2:00 pm
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Sushma K,

Ultrasound scans provide valuable insights about your baby’s health in the womb. You may expect to get details about their growth and development. But you may not know that these scans also indicate whether you have anaemia. It is estimated that 50-55% of Indian pregnancy cases have anaemia, which becomes visible in the routine pregnancy scans. You can learn to recognise the signs of low iron levels so you can take action on time and improve your health for a safe pregnancy.

Pregatips
You may be eager to go to your scans during pregnancy, hoping to see a growing baby. But pregnancy scans also reflect your own health, along with your baby’s growth. The most common condition found in such scans is anaemia. You may not expect it, so it can be surprising to find out.
In this article:
Anaemia appears in the scan in different ways. You can watch out for the signs to be sure and take action accordingly.


What Exactly Is Anaemia and Why Does It Matter in Pregnancy?


Anaemia is a condition in which your body lacks sufficient red blood cells or haemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen. The requirement of blood increases by almost 30-50% during pregnancy to support your baby. Your body will be unable to supply enough oxygen if the haemoglobin levels remain low.

You will notice its effect on the following aspects:

  • Your energy levels
  • Your baby’s growth
  • Your pregnancy scan results


Why Are Indian Women More Likely to Develop Anaemia?


Anaemia is quite common in India due to the following reasons:

  • Low iron intake in the daily diet
  • Heavy periods before pregnancy
  • Vegetarian diets have a lower iron absorption rate
  • Gut issues that reduce nutrient absorption
  • Low vitamin B12 and folate levels
  • Repeated pregnancies with short gaps
So, you are not alone if you are diagnosed with it.


How Do Pregnancy Scans Reveal Signs of Anaemia?


The main focus of pregnancy scans is to see the growth of your baby, but certain patterns can point out low haemoglobin levels.


Can Anaemia Affect Your Baby’s Growth in Ultrasounds?


Your baby may not receive oxygen and nutrients due to low haemoglobin levels. It may appear in the scan in the forms listed below.

Your doctor will compare the growth of your baby with a standard growth chart. Anaemia can be the reason if your baby’s weight is 10% below the normal range.


Does Anaemia Change the Amniotic Fluid Levels?


Severe anaemia may lead to low amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) because the baby may not produce enough urine. This can be visible on scans through the following results:

  • Low AFI (Amniotic Fluid Index)
  • Reduced fluid pockets
An AFI below 5 cm is considered very low and needs close monitoring.


Will Blood Flow Studies in Scans Show Anaemia?


Doppler scans (which measure blood flow) can give early clues, as the scan may show the following aspects in case of anaemia:

  • Increased blood flow resistance in the placenta
  • The baby is working harder to get oxygen
  • Reduced placental efficiency
Doctors check the umbilical artery and the middle cerebral artery (MCA). If there are any changes in the readings, your baby may compensate for low oxygen levels.


Can Anaemia Affect the Placenta’s Appearance on Scans?


The placenta may also change due to anaemia.

  • It may look thicker
  • It will mature earlier than expected
  • The exchange of blood will be less
A prematurely aged placenta may be a sign that your baby is not receiving enough nutrients.


Are There Signs Related to Your Own Health in the Scan Report?


Although scans focus on your baby, your doctor may notice the following signs:

  • Faster maternal heart rate
  • Signs of fatigue or pale appearance
  • Low oxygen saturation levels (checked manually)


When Should You Get Blood Tests for Anaemia?


Ask for a blood test under the following conditions:

  • Your scan shows poor baby growth
  • Your AFI is low
  • The placenta seems abnormal
  • You feel tired or weak
A simple CBC test and serum ferritin test give clear answers. The following haemoglobin levels can give you an idea:

  • 11 g/dL in pregnancy = anaemia
  • <9 g/dL = moderate anaemia
  • <7 g/dL = severe anaemia


What Can You Do If Your Scan Indicates Anaemia?



Practical Steps You Can Take

  • Include iron-rich foods like spinach, jaggery, dates, peanuts, rajma, chole, and ragi.
  • Iron absorbs better when you eat iron-rich foods with vitamin C, such as lemon or oranges.
  • Avoid taking tea or coffee with meals because they interfere with iron absorption.
  • Take prescribed iron tablets regularly.
  • Your doctor may recommend iron through IV if your levels are very low.
  • Include B12 and folate-rich foods (eggs, dairy, sprouts).


What To Do Next: A Simple Checklist


  • Ask your doctor whether your scan suggests anaemia
  • Discuss a CBC and ferritin test
  • Take supplements regularly
  • Eat iron-rich foods daily in your meals.
  • Check your progress in follow-up scans.
  • Rest well and reduce stress for better recovery


How Can You Handle the Emotional Side of Anaemia in Pregnancy?


Finding out you have anaemia through scans can be worrying. You may start blaming yourself for not eating well, but this condition is prevalent in India and is easily manageable.

Talk to your partner about your feelings to get their support. Emotional reassurance from loved ones can reduce anxiety, which in turn supports your health. You and your baby can stay healthy with treatment.

Anaemia is common in pregnancy, especially in India, but pregnancy scans can hint at it early. You can take action when you know the signs, which include low baby growth, low fluid levels, or changes in blood flow from the placenta. You can improve your haemoglobin levels with proper nutrition, supplements, and regular check-ups.

Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on How Anaemia in Indian Women Shows Up in Pregnancy Scans?

  1. Can anaemia affect my baby even if my scan looks normal?
    The scans may not be helpful in detecting mild anaemia, but it can affect your baby. The most accurate way to confirm it is through blood tests.
  2. How long does it take to improve haemoglobin during pregnancy?
    You can see improvement in your haemoglobin within 3-6 weeks if taking iron supplements.
  3. Can anaemia cause early delivery?
    Severe cases of anaemia, if left untreated, may cause preterm birth. You can prevent it with timely treatment.

Related Stories

  1. How Anaemia in Indian Women Shows Up in Pregnancy Scans
  2. Does a Bigger Baby Move Less? Myths vs Reality
  3. A To Z of Pregnancy Supplements: Know Your Prenatal Vitamins
  4. Which Pregnancy Brain Changes Are Temporary — and Which Are Long-Term?
  5. When Pregnancy Brain Usually Starts to Improve
  6. Struggling With Contact Lenses During Pregnancy? Here’s Why It Happens and How To Fix It
How we reviewed this article
Our team continuously monitors the health and wellness space to create relevant content for you. Every article is reviewed by medical experts to ensure accuracy.

Pregnancy Week-by-Week

1 WEEK2 WEEK3 WEEK4 WEEK5 WEEK6 WEEK7 WEEK8 WEEK9 WEEK10 WEEK11 WEEK12 WEEK13 WEEK14 WEEK15 WEEK16 WEEK17 WEEK18 WEEK19 WEEK20 WEEK21 WEEK22 WEEK23 WEEK24 WEEK25 WEEK26 WEEK27 WEEK28 WEEK29 WEEK30 WEEK31 WEEK32 WEEK33 WEEK34 WEEK35 WEEK36 WEEK37 WEEK38 WEEK39 WEEK40 WEEK

More topics on pregnancy