In this article:
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
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.
- FGR/IUGR (Foetal Growth Restriction)
- The baby measured smaller than expected
- Reduced abdominal growth
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
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
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
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
- 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?
- 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. - 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. - Can anaemia cause early delivery?
Severe cases of anaemia, if left untreated, may cause preterm birth. You can prevent it with timely treatment.
