Dealing with Iron Deficieny Anemia during Pregnancy

If you have iron deficiency anemia, your body lacks healthy red blood cells – the ones responsible for delivering oxygen to your tissue. When you are pregnant, you are more prone to iron deficiency anemia.

Why do you get iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy?

Your body needs iron to produce hemoglobin – an important protein existing in red blood cells. During your pregnancy, your body requires double the amount it usually does because it has to make more blood for your baby. If your body cannot get the iron it needs, you will have iron deficiency anemia.

Will iron deficiency anemia hurt your baby?

Severe anemia during pregnancy is tied to many health complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and postpartum depression. Some studies also found the link between the condition with infant mortality (immediately before or after birth).

Are you at risk of developing iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy?

You are more likely to have iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy if you have:

−Closely spaced pregnancies

−Multiple pregnancy

−Severe morning sickness

−Iron deficiency

−Heavy pre-pregnancy menstruation

−History of anemia

How to know if you have iron deficiency anemia?

Common symptoms of anemia include:

−Fatigue and weakness

−Pale skin

−Changes in heartbeats

−Breathlessness

−Dizziness or lightheadedness

−Chest pain

−Cold hands and feet

−Headache

Those symptoms may be similar to pregnancy symptoms so it may be hard to detect anemia on your own. However, during your prenatal checkups, your doctor will probably order blood tests to screen for anemia and other conditions.

How to deal with iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy?

Taking prenatal vitamins as prescribed by your doctor helps supply your body with the iron it needs, thus reducing your risk of getting iron deficiency anemia. A pregnant woman needs 27 milligrams of iron per day. So, your doctor may give you a separate iron supplement.

You will also benefit from a balanced diet. Great sources of iron include lean red meat, poultry, fish, iron-fortified breakfast cereals, prune juice, dried beans, and peas. To help your body absorb iron better, add a food or drink high in vitamin C such as citrus juices or strawberries. However, if you are taking an iron supplement with vitamin C, avoid calcium. Although calcium has great benefits, it may hinder iron absorption.

If your condition is caused by another underlying disease, your doctor will refer to you a medical expert specialized in treating blood disorders (also known as a hematologist). If your body cannot absorb iron taken orally, you may need parenteral administration.

You might also want to read:

• Anemia and Your Child: Parent FAQs
• Anemia in Adolescents
• Powerful Foods for People with Anemia

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.