PREGNANCY-RELATED CONDITIONS
ANEMIA
Anemia is the decrease of erythrocyte (red blood cell) concentration in the blood. During pregnancy, more maternal blood volume is required to provide blood supply to the placenta and fetus, and therefore plasma volume increases. If a woman does not have sufficient hemoglobin reserves stored in the bone marrow, red blood cell production cannot keep up with plasma production, and therefore red blood cell concentration decreases. Red blood cells carry hemoglobin, which in turn binds to and carries oxygen to the organs. Loss of red blood cells therefore can have serious symptoms and be quite dangerous if left untreated. Moreover, it can cause decreased fetal weight, preterm delivery and postpartum depression. Anemia can have several causes, such as folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency. Most commonly, it is caused by an iron deficiency in the body. Iron is a metal needed to produce hemoglobin in the bone marrow. A lot of pregnant women struggle with anemia. According to WHO data, the prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia in pregnancy is between 5% and 20% in developed countries and can be up to 40% in some developing countries (https://www.who.int/data/gho/indicator-metadata-registry/imr-details/4552). If you are or might be affected by anemia during pregnancy, the information below can help you navigate symptoms and treatments.
Risk Factors
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Frequent vomiting, for instance due to morning sickness (limits uptake of vitamins and other nutrients such as iron)
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Blood loss, for instance due to strong menstrual bleeds
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Two or more pregnancies shortly one after the other
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Multi-gestational pregnancy (twins or triplets, etc.)
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Nutrient-poor diet
Symptoms
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Cold extremities
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Shortness of breath​
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Loss of concentration
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Pale skinn and brittle nails
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Fatigue and dizziness (vertigo)
Treatments
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Dietary changes: Eat foods rich in iron and vitamin C (which has been shown to enhance iron absorption). Iron-rich food are meats and fish, legumes (bean and lentil-type foods), leafy greens (cabbage family). Vitamin C rich foods include a variety of fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruits (oranges, kiwis, etc.), strawberries, blackcurrants, potatoes, Brussels sprouts,
broccoli, and bell peppers. - Iron and vitamin supplements, such as pregnancy vitamins.
- Blood transfusion or IV iron therapy (only in the most serious cases).