Pregnancy is a wonderful journey, but it can come with its share of health challenges: on that list is anaemia.
A common medical issue faced by expectant mums, anaemia is a blood disorder that results from an iron deficiency.
The condition can make you feel tired, weak, and generally unwell.
In this article, we’ll delve into the causes of pregnancy anaemia, its symptoms, risks, and how you can manage it effectively.
Can Pregnancy Cause Anaemia?
Anaemia is the most common blood disorder in the world, almost 2 billion people have the condition.
It is a nutritional deficiency caused by a lack of iron in the body.
Most of the time, anaemia is the result of poor nutrition, which may explain why it’s much more prevalent in developing countries.
However, certain hereditary conditions can also cause anaemia such as thalassemia, G6PD deficiency, certain irritable bowel diseases like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, and, of course, pregnancy.
Pregnancy increases the volume of your blood, which increases your body’s demand for iron. You need more iron to produce extra blood for your baby and to compensate for any blood loss you may experience during delivery.
This extra need for iron makes pregnant women particularly more prone to getting anaemia.
Under normal dietary conditions, this can be challenging.
It’s not just about the quantity of iron you consume, but also how well your body absorbs it.
For instance, pregnancy hormones can affect iron absorption, making it even harder for your body to get the iron it needs.
This is why monitoring your iron levels and maintaining a balanced diet is crucial during pregnancy.
Your pregnancy symptoms are no help either. Hyperemesis gravidarum, the severe nausea and vomiting you experience while pregnant, can further reduce the iron in your body, putting you at more risk for developing anaemia.
What Are the Symptoms of Pregnancy Anaemia?
Pregnancy anaemia can present with a variety of symptoms, many of which are easy to overlook because they can be mistaken for normal pregnancy symptoms.
These can include fatigue, feeling unusually tired or weak, and general lack of strength.
Dizziness, mood swings or irritability (feeling easily annoyed), are also quite common.
Other signs of anaemia to look for are reduced ability to perform usual activities, noticing more hair falling out than usual, and shortness of breath.
Pale skin and nails, as well as a fast or irregular heartbeat, can also be indicators of anaemia.
Some women might experience restless legs syndrome (RLS), which is a strong urge to move the legs, particularly at night during sleep.
Because these symptoms often overlap with the normal changes of pregnancy, many women may go untreated.
In fact, even in non-pregnant cases, those with anaemia go undiagnosed because they have never sought treatment from a medical specialist.
If an undiagnosed anaemic gets pregnant, this can lead to increased risks for both the mother and the baby.
This is why it is essential to discuss any anaemic-like symptoms that you may have with your healthcare provider before you even start trying to conceive. Just to be on the safe side.
What If You Already Have Anaemia Before Getting Pregnant?
Things get a little bit complicated if you already have anaemia and get pregnant.
However, it is important to understand that this is extremely rare.
For one, iron deficiency makes it difficult, if not impossible, to get pregnant.
Anaemia causes ovulation problems, irregular periods and other reproductive problems.
In fact, if you have Crohn’s disease, an incurable gastrointestinal disorder, you may have anaemia for life.
However, even with a condition like Crohn’s, there may still be times when your condition will go into temporary remission.
This is when you may get pregnant.
But because the iron deficiency in Crohn’s is so severe (even with treatment), the chances of you being able to carry the pregnancy to full term is low indeed, especially without medical supervision.
Severe iron anaemia during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth, which is when delivery occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Pregnancy anaemia may also result in a baby with low birth weight and postpartum depression.
Women who know they have anaemia should work closely with their healthcare provider to manage their condition before and during pregnancy.
This might involve dietary changes, iron supplements, and more frequent monitoring of iron levels to ensure both mother and baby stay healthy.
Pre-pregnancy counselling can be beneficial in such cases, providing tailored advice on nutrition and supplements to optimise iron levels before conception.
However, even with these precautions, mothers with congenital anaemia may still end up passing on their condition to their children.
Do All Pregnant Women Get Anaemia?
Anaemia is quite common during pregnancy.
However. it is quite mild and is usually not life-threatening if caught early and given the proper treatment.
Studies show that about 62.3% of pregnant women experience anaemia, particularly those between 21 and 30 years old.
While not all pregnant women will develop anaemia, it is prevalent enough to warrant attention and preventive measures.
Poor diet is usually the main factor behind anaemia.
However, this is inevitable in those of lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
With the rising cost of food, especially iron rich food like red meat, access to proper nutrition or even supplementation can be challenging.
Other risk factors also increase the chances of getting anaemia during pregancy.
Having multiple pregnancies, for instance, twin, triplet, etc. babies, is one example. This is because there is a greater nutritional demand (not just iron), which can cause a deficiency.
Having consecutive pregnancies within a very short period can also increase your chances of getting anaemia in future pregnancies.
In case you didn’t know, you can still get pregnant even during your postpartum period.
The earliest is 3 weeks or 28 days after the birth of your previous baby.
So be careful about being intimate so soon after delivery, even if you are somehow miraculously healed.
Regular prenatal check-ups are crucial. These appointments often include blood tests to monitor haemoglobin and iron levels, helping to catch anaemia early.
Early detection can make a significant difference in managing the condition and ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
What Are the Dangers of Pregnancy Anaemia?
Iron is one of the most important nutrients in pregnancy.
Your body needs it to make new red blood cells not only for yourself but for your growing baby as well.
You will know immediately if you have anaemia during pregnancy once you notice these very common but often overlooked, warning signs.
The first is weakness and fatigue accompanied by breathing difficulties.
You may experience shortness of breath even with light activity. Noticeable heartbeats or irregular heart rhythms, and trouble falling or staying asleep.
Because red blood cells transport oxygen, a lack of them can cause low oxygen levels.
If you feel like you are always close to losing consciousness or fainting, then this is a sign to get your haemoglobin levels checked.
For the baby, maternal anaemia can cause nothing short of foetal death in severe cases.
Even if the baby survives, they may be delivered preterm or with low birth weight.
These conditions make for a very sickly and unhealthy baby that may require constant medical supervision.
Additionally, anaemia can also complicate labour and delivery.
Women with severe anaemia are more likely to need blood transfusions during or after childbirth.
They may also have a harder time recovering postpartum, as their bodies struggle to replenish lost blood and nutrients.
In severe cases, there is also a risk of postpartum haemorrhage, which can be life-threatening if not managed promptly.
Ensuring adequate iron intake and monitoring can help mitigate these risks.
What Are the Medical Treatments for Pregnancy Anaemia?
The treatment for pregnancy anaemia depends on its severity and the health of the mother.
Mild anaemia is typically managed with oral iron supplements. These can help boost iron levels gradually.
Moderate to severe anaemia may require intravenous (IV) iron therapy, especially if oral supplements are not well-tolerated or effective.
Nutritional support, including folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements, is also essential for the production of healthy red blood cells.
Your doctor will tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs, considering any other health conditions you might have. They may even help you formulate a diet plan.
Regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor your progress and adjust the treatment as needed.
In some cases, your healthcare provider might also recommend iron injections.
These are the only other options if you can’t tolerate the oral version well.
Iron supplements in general can cause digestive issues like nausea or constipation.
For pregnant mums, this can be an added nightmare.
Iron injections, while unpleasant, deliver iron directly into your bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and ensuring quicker absorption.
In addition to these treatments, some doctors might recommend blood transfusions in severe cases.
This is typically a last resort but can be necessary if iron levels are dangerously low and the health of the mother or baby is at risk.
What Lifestyle Changes Can Improve Pregnancy Anaemia?
Lifestyle and dietary changes play a crucial role in managing anaemia during pregnancy.
Adding double-fortified salt (DFS) to your daily diet can increase your iron intake by 10 mg per day.
Consistent use has shown to improve haemoglobin levels.
Including a variety of iron-rich foods in your diet, such as leafy green vegetables, lean meats, beans, and fortified cereals, can help.
Using iron-fortified iodised salt can further improve your iron intake and overall nutritional status.
Pairing iron-rich foods with those high in vitamin C, like citrus fruits, can enhance iron absorption.
For instance, having a glass of orange juice with your iron supplement or iron-rich meal can help your body absorb more iron.
It’s also beneficial to avoid foods high in calcium during meals that are rich in iron, as calcium can inhibit iron absorption.
Instead, consume dairy products and other calcium-rich foods separately from your iron-rich meals.
There’s some research showing that tannins in tea and coffee can interfere with iron absorption.
Therefore, try to limit these beverages or consume them between meals to reduce their impact on iron absorption, just to be safe.
Staying hydrated is another important aspect of managing anaemia.
Dehydration can exacerbate symptoms of anaemia, so ensure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Regular, moderate exercise can also improve blood circulation and overall health, helping to alleviate some symptoms of anaemia.
However, it’s important to avoid strenuous activities that could exacerbate fatigue or other symptoms.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen during pregnancy.
Overcoming Pregnancy Anaemia
Anaemia during pregnancy is a common but manageable condition.
Understanding its symptoms, risks, and treatments can help you take proactive steps to ensure a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby.
Regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and following your healthcare provider’s advice are key to managing anaemia effectively.
Remember, taking care of your health is taking care of your baby’s future.
By staying informed and vigilant, you can navigate the challenges of pregnancy anaemia and enjoy a healthy, happy pregnancy journey.
As always, consult your healthcare provider with any concerns or symptoms to ensure the best care for you and your baby. Stay healthy, mummies!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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