Anemia is more common during pregnancy than when you are not pregnant. The reason is the increased volume of blood in your body. Iron is needed to make hemoglobin to carry oxygen in the red blood cells. Your growing baby and the placenta also need iron to grow properly. A deficiency in iron is the main cause of anemia.
Anemia can have several affects on your baby and your body. If you are anemic, you are at a higher risk of having preterm labor or a low birth weight baby. The baby’s iron level may also be low at birth as a result of anemia. You may experience problems during the birth, if you lose a lot of blood.
I was anemic during my last pregnancy and needed IV iron after my c section. Some women may need blood transfusions if too much blood is lost. In addition, you are at risk of infection if you are anemic during pregnancy. Low iron levels make it more difficult for your body to fight infections.
Symptoms of iron deficiency can include feeling very tired, weakness, dizziness, trouble concentrating and a pale complexion. Many of these symptoms occur naturally during pregnancy, so it can be difficult to tell just from symptoms. Some women with low iron have no symptoms at all. For this reason, your blood will be tested during pregnancy.
Your blood will be tested for iron at your initial doctor’s visit and again early in the third trimester. If you iron level is low, you will be told to take iron supplements. The amount of extra iron you need will depend on the results of your blood test. Take iron pills with orange juice to help the body absorb the iron. Don’t take them with milk because calcium actually prevents the absorption of iron.
Preventing anemia is important for all pregnant women. The best way to prevent low iron is to eat a diet that includes iron rich foods. Some iron rich foods include: red meat, tofu, beans, whole grain breads, green vegetables, fortified cereals and raisins. Be sure to include these in your diet every day to help prevent anemia resulting from low iron.
For more great information on anemia, read the blog Understanding Anemia.