Pregnancy and anemia

Pregnancy and anemia

During pregnancy, more iron is needed as blood volume increases by approximately 40%. The blood becomes diluted because plasma volume increases more than the number of red blood cells. Iron is required for the increased production of red blood cells and, in late pregnancy, also for the fetus’s red blood cell production.

Pregnancy anemia is defined as a hemoglobin level below 110 g/L. A hemoglobin level below 80 g/L is considered harmful for both the mother and the fetus. When hemoglobin levels fall below 90 g/L, fetal growth may be affected. There are several possible causes of anemia during pregnancy, including:

• iron deficiency
• folate deficiency
• vitamin B12 deficiency
• anemia related to chronic disease

Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia during pregnancy. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue and an increased heart rate.

Hemoglobin levels are monitored during prenatal care. If necessary, a complete blood count and ferritin levels can also be checked with a blood test. Ferritin reflects the body’s iron stores and is a fairly reliable indicator of iron status.

Anemia caused by iron deficiency during pregnancy is primarily treated with oral iron supplements. The appropriate dosage should be determined individually in consultation with a healthcare professional. Iron deficiency anemia can be prevented by taking iron supplements during the second and third trimesters. However, iron supplementation is not routinely recommended for all pregnant individuals, so it is important to consult a healthcare provider before starting supplementation.

As with all aspects of pregnancy, maintaining a balanced and varied diet is important to ensure adequate iron intake.

Sources: Health Library