Anaemia in Pregnancy: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatments

Anaemia is a common problem that affects a lot of women who are about to give birth. It occurs when the red blood cell or haemoglobin count is lower than your body needs. As during pregnancy, your body is accommodating for two, the chances of developing anaemia increase. This can result in various complications if not treated well in time.

It is essential to recognise the symptoms of anaemia in pregnancy, such as exhaustion and dizziness, for timely intervention. Iron deficiency is the first indicator, making it crucial for pregnant women to monitor their health closely. As a result, it’s better to have knowledge of the causes and treatments of anaemia in pregnancy to effectively manage and prevent it. This guide will teach you to learn about all these things and explain how to treat anaemia in pregnancy.

A] What Is Anaemia During Pregnancy? 

During pregnancy, your body creates more blood to support your growing baby. But, sometimes your body can’t deliver sufficient healthy red blood cells due to various causes. Because of this, your tissues and foetus receive less oxygen, which leads to a high risk of pregnancy anaemia. Addressing anaemia during early pregnancy care can reduce the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby during pregnancy and delivery.

B] Who Is At Risk?

During pregnancy, there are several factors that can increase the risk of anaemia, these factors include:

1. History Of Heavy Bleeding 

Anaemia is more likely to occur during pregnancy in women who have a history of heavy menstrual periods or bleeding disorders. Excessive blood loss can reduce the body’s iron stores, reducing the haemoglobin levels.

2. Short Interpregnancy Interval 

Getting pregnant again shortly after a previous pregnancy can strain the nutrient reserves in the body, including iron. A short time between pregnancies may not allow sufficient time to rebuild the body’s iron reserves.

3. Iron-deficient Diet

Poor dietary intake of iron-rich foods can lead to anaemia during pregnancy as iron-rich food is necessary to produce red blood cells.

4. Pregnant With More Than One Baby 

Carrying twins or multiple babies can increase the demand for nutrients. The body needs to produce more blood to support multiple foetuses, which can impact iron shortage if food intake is insufficient.

5. Severe Vomiting 

In the starting stage of pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum) persistent nausea and vomiting can lead to dehydration and nutrient deficiencies. This can cause the development of anaemia if not managed well and effectively.

C] Causes Of Anaemia 

Sickliness during pregnancy can begin for different reasons, mainly because of a lack of fundamental supplements required for red platelets. The most common type of anaemia during pregnancy includes Iron deficiency anaemia, folate deficiency anaemia, and vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia.

1. Iron Deficiency Anaemia

This is the most common type of anaemia during pregnancy. Iron is a crucial part of haemoglobin; the protein in red platelets that sends oxygen to tissues. A woman’s blood volume significantly increases during pregnancy to support the growing foetus, which increases the need for iron.

Pregnant women need around 27 milligrams of iron daily, if the diet does not provide sufficient iron, or if the body cannot absorb enough iron, iron deficiency anaemia can develop. Low iron symptoms during pregnancy include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. It is better to treat anaemia immediately to stay away from complexities.

2. Folate Deficiency Anaemia 

Folate is also known as vitamin B9 and is essential for the production and maintenance of new cells. The body requires more folate during pregnancy to support the developing foetus. A diet low in folate can lead to folate deficiency anaemia.

This condition can cause sicknesses, feeling weak, and shortness of breath. Folate deficiency can increase the risk of birth defects in the baby’s brain and spine. Therefore, pregnant women need to get enough folate through their diet or supplements.

3. Vitamin B12 Deficiency 

Vitamin B12 plays an important role in producing red blood cells and the proper functioning of the nervous system. A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to megaloblastic anaemia, where red blood is bigger than normal and not completely developed.

Women who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet are at higher risk of lacking vitamin B12 as this vitamin is mostly found in animal products. The symptoms of lack of vitamin B12 include exhaustion, constipation, loss of appetite, and shivering in hands and feet. Getting vitamin B12 is important for the health of both the mother and baby.

Understanding these causes of anaemia and addressing them through proper nutrition and medical care is crucial for maintaining the health of pregnant women and the developing child.

D] Symptoms Of Anaemia During Pregnancy 

It is crucial to recognise the symptoms of anaemia during pregnancy to treat it well. Here are a few common symptoms to look for:

1. Low Energy & Weakness

Typically, this is the initial symptom. You could feel continuous exhaustion without the stamina for even regular work. Basic exercises can also leave you feeling drained.

2. Fatigue

Fatigue is closely related to low energy, but more than just feeling tired. It’s a deep exhaustion that can cause trouble focusing on anything or even completing household tasks.

3. Shortness Of Breath 

Simple tasks such as going upstairs or taking a walk can result in you feeling short of breath. This occurs when your body lacks sufficient oxygen-rich red blood cells to deliver to your tissues, making it harder for your lungs to struggle during pregnancy.

4. Skin Paleness

The absence of red blood cells can cause an identifiable whiteness in your skin, especially your palms, lips, and the inward coating of your eyelids. This is because the skin in these areas is thinner and has more blood vessels that can be seen, and make it look pale.

5. Dizziness

Anaemia can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, this can happen while standing up rapidly or even while sitting or resting. The brain does not receive enough oxygen which results in feeling dizziness.

6. Irregular Heartbeat 

Your heart tries to fulfil the absence of oxygen by beating quicker to circulate more blood all through your body. and this can result in noticeable fluttering or feeling sensation in your chest.

7. Headaches 

During pregnancy, headaches can occur for a variety of reasons. One of the reasons could be a lack of oxygen reaching the brain. Women facing headaches should check their iron levels and treat anaemia in pregnancy.

E] Treatment And Prevention 

Fortunately, there are successful tactics for both treatment and prevention, that let you experience a healthy pregnancy:

1. Prenatal Vitamins 

Numerous prenatal (pre-birth) vitamins including iron, vitamin 12, and folic acid, a standard ingredient. It’s important to Take constant prenatal medicine to reduce the risk of anaemia.

2. Iron Supplements 

Taking iron supplements is recommended for pregnant women who have a lack of iron. These supplements help to increase the red blood cells and support the production of haemoglobin. Make sure to consult with a private gynaecologist and suitable treatment options.

3. Proper Nutrition 

A well-balanced diet of iron and other supplements is crucial to prevent anaemia. Foods high in iron include meats, poultry, fish, legumes, and green vegetables. Combining these with vitamin C sources enhances iron levels. Additionally, high folate and B12 foods to eat during pregnancy support healthy red blood cell production to keep you safe from anaemia.

4. Regular Medical Checkups 

Regular prenatal check-ups monitor the mother and baby’s health status. During these visits, healthcare specialists can conduct pregnancy testing and blood tests to detect anaemia earlier. Early detection can help you prevent it on time. Make sure to regularly schedule an appointment with a specialist gynaecologist for personalised care.

Conclusion 

Anaemia during pregnancy is a common and manageable condition. Regular checkups & recognizing symptoms early can prevent anaemia. Following these simple steps can be helpful such as using prenatal vitamins, iron supplements, and maintaining a nutrient-rich diet. At Womens Healthcare, we are a trusted private gynaecologist in London and help expectant mothers from early pregnancy care to aftercare.