ANEMIA DURING PREGNANCY

 Basic information

description

Anemia during pregnancy is a low level of red cells and hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is the protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen. Common anemias in pregnancy include iron deficiency anemia and folate (folic acid) deficiency. Other anemias are glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, thalassemia, and sickle cell anemia.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Usually no symptoms are apparent.
• Fatigue, weakness, or fainting.
• Pale skin, gums, eyes, and nailbeds.
• Palpitations (awareness of the heartbeat).
• Shortness of breath with activity.

causes

• The anemia usually results from an increased need for iron. Your body is making more blood so it needs more iron. Often the diet alone does not provide enough iron to meet the needs. Also, the growing baby takes all the iron it needs from you, no matter how much you have in your system.
• In some cases, anemia during pregnancy is due to a lack of folic acid or one of the B vitamins. It may also be caused by an inherited medical problem such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia.

risk increases with

• Women who are unable to eat well because of nausea or vomiting.
• Having a multiple pregnancy (e.g., twins) where iron stores are used up more quickly.
• Having two pregnancies fairly close together.
• Diet has insufficient iron content.
• A heavy menstrual flow in the months prior to the pregnancy.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Eat foods rich in iron, such as red meat, dried beans, whole-grain breads and cereals, eggs, or dried fruit.
• Eat foods high in folic acid, such as wheat germ, beans, peanut butter, oatmeal, mushrooms, collards, broccoli, and asparagus.
• Eat foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and fresh, raw vegetables.
• Take prenatal vitamin and mineral supplements, if they are prescribed.
• Get tested for certain anemias if you are at risk. Your obstetric provider will discuss the details.

expected outcomes

Mild cases of anemia should cause no problems. Anemia can be treated with iron supplements or folic acid supplements.

possible complications

• There may be some risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.
• Folic acid deficiency may cause birth defects (neural tube defects).

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your obstetric provider will do blood studies during your pregnancy. These can help diagnose anemia.
• Supplements may be prescribed.

medication

• Iron, folic acid, and other supplements may be prescribed. Take iron supplements 1 hour before eating or between meals. Iron can turn bowel movements black, and often causes constipation. Iron sometimes may be taken with meals if it has caused an upset stomach.
• If you are taking a calcium supplement in addition to an iron supplement, take them at different times of day, as calcium will interfere with iron absorption.

activity

Rest often until the anemia improves.

diet

Eat a healthy pregnancy diet.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member is pregnant and has symptoms of anemia.
• You have diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or abdominal pain during pregnancy.
• You have unexplained bleeding during pregnancy.

Special Notes: