During pregnancy, anemia is very common. The mother’s body needs more iron to produce red blood cells that carry oxygen to the baby and to her own tissues. If you don’t consume enough iron, your stores become depleted and hemoglobin drops, causing anemia.
Symptoms may include extreme fatigue, weakness, dizziness, palpitations, pale skin, and shortness of breath, especially in the third trimester. Anemia also increases the risk of preterm birth and low birthweight.
Preventing and treating anemia is essential for both mother and baby. Below, Dr. Edith María Ramos Reyes explains its causes, risk factors, and the best treatment options: dietary changes, iron supplements, and, in severe cases, transfusions.
What is anemia in pregnancy and why does it occur?
Gestational anemia is diagnosed when hemoglobin is below: <11 g/dL in the first and third trimesters, <10.5 g/dL in the second trimester. During pregnancy, blood volume increases by up to 50%, so about 30 mg of iron daily is needed. If you don’t meet this demand through diet, your stores will be exhausted.
- Mild: 10.1–10.9 g/dL
- Moderate: 7.1–10 g/dL
- Severe: <7 g/dL
Risk factors and symptoms
Multiple pregnancies, short intervals between pregnancies, low‐iron diets, or chronic diseases (such as kidney problems) increase the risk. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Dizziness and palpitations
- Pale skin and brittle nails
- Shortness of breath during activity
Only a blood test can confirm the diagnosis; that’s why good prenatal care is crucial.
Prevention: Diet and Supplements
Include heme iron (lean meat, liver) and non‐heme iron (legumes, leafy greens) in your diet, paired with vitamin C to improve absorption. Avoid taking calcium at the same time as iron.
Practical recommendations:
- 30 mg of elemental iron daily on an empty stomach
- 500 mL of orange juice daily with meals
- 100 g of spinach and 150 g of lentils per week
Do not self‐medicate; always consult your doctor.
Treatments by severity
For mild to moderate anemia:
- Oral iron supplements (30–60 mg Fe²⁺ daily)
- Fortified foods and diet therapy
In severe anemia (<7 g/dL) or with cardiac symptoms, a red blood cell transfusion under obstetric and hematological supervision may be necessary.
Ingenes Support
At the Ingenes Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, with over 15,000 pregnancies managed, we provide early detection and personalized prevention and treatment plans for you and your baby.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does anemia affect fetal development?
Yes. If severe, there is a risk of preterm birth and low birthweight because the fetus receives less oxygen. Timely diagnosis and treatment with iron, along with good prenatal follow‐up, reduce these complications.
2. Is it safe to take iron supplements throughout pregnancy?
Generally yes, as long as you’re supervised by a specialist. You start with 30 mg/day and adjust based on your hemoglobin levels and tolerance. If you experience side effects (constipation, nausea), you can change the formulation or split the dose.
3. Which foods help absorb iron better?
Vitamin C enhances non‐heme iron absorption. Add citrus fruits, strawberries, or peppers to your iron‐rich meals, and avoid tea, coffee, or calcium‐rich foods at the same time.
4. Is a transfusion always necessary in severe anemia?
Not always. The decision depends on your symptoms, hemoglobin level, and how quickly it drops. If you tolerate oral or intravenous iron treatments, these are preferred over transfusion. However, in cases of cardiovascular or fetal risk, transfusion is the fastest and safest option.
Sources
- World Health Organization. (2021). Anaemia. https://www.who.int/health-topics/anaemia#tab=tab_1
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Practice Bulletin No. 233: Screening and Management of Iron Deficiency Anemia.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. (2022). Iron Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
- MedlinePlus. (2023). Iron Deficiency Anemia.
Remember that every body is unique. If you have questions or want to improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy, see a reproductive medicine specialist. We’re with you on this journey!