Anemia in pregnancy: Causes, symptoms, and treatment
Verified by Dr. Vandana Gawdi, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.
Anemia is a condition in which the blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body’s tissues, so anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and other health problems.
Anemia is common in pregnancy, affecting up to half of all pregnant women. This is because the body needs more iron to produce the extra blood needed for the growing baby. If a pregnant woman does not get enough iron or other nutrients, she may develop anemia.
Causes of anemia in pregnancy
- Iron deficiency anemia: This is the most common type of anemia in pregnancy. It is caused by a lack of iron in the body. Iron is needed to produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
- Folate deficiency anemia: Folate is a B vitamin that is essential for the development of red blood cells. If a pregnant woman does not get enough folate, she may develop anemia.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia: Vitamin B12 is another B vitamin that is essential for the development of red blood cells. If a pregnant woman does not get enough vitamin B12, she may develop anemia.
- Sickle cell anemia: Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder that causes the red blood cells to be sickle shaped. Sickle-shaped red blood cells are more likely to break down, which can lead to anemia.
- Thalassemia: Thalassemia is another genetic blood disorder that causes the body to produce too few red blood cells. This can lead to anemia.
Symptoms of anemia in pregnancy
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Pale skin
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
- Cold hands and feet
Treatment of anemia in pregnancy
- Treatment for anemia in pregnancy depends on the underlying cause. If a pregnant woman is iron deficient, she will be advised to take iron supplements. If she is folate or vitamin B12 deficient, she will be advised to take supplements of these vitamins.
- If a pregnant woman has a genetic blood disorder, such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia, she will need to be closely monitored by her doctor. Treatment for these conditions may include blood transfusions, bone marrow transplant and other medications.
Prevention of anemia in pregnancy
- Diet: The best way to prevent anemia in pregnancy is to eat a healthy diet and take prenatal vitamins. A healthy diet for pregnant women should include plenty of iron-rich foods, such as red meat, poultry, fish, beans, and lentils. It should also include foods that are high in folate, such as green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and fortified cereals.
- Supplements: Prenatal vitamins contain iron, folate, and other essential nutrients that are important for pregnant women and their babies. All pregnant women should take a prenatal vitamin, even if they are eating a healthy diet.
If you are pregnant and concerned about anemia, talk to our expert, Dr. Vandana Gawdi, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.
Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.