A pregnant woman can easily become anemic as her blood supply increases by nearly fifty percent. She needs extra iron to make the protein (hemoglobin) in red blood cells which carries oxygen to other cells, as well as to support the fetal baby and placenta.
The risks of iron deficiency apply primarily to the pregnant woman, as the baby gets its share first. If iron levels become too low, however, the risks of preterm birth or low birth weight increase. The baby may be born with low iron stores and risk developing anemia during infancy. The mother's risk of maternal hemorrhage and susceptibility to infection also increases.
A woman whose diet is rich in iron-containing foods is more likely to have adequate stores to last throughout her pregnancy. If her diet is lacking, however, she may run out and become anemic.
Symptoms of Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Besides a positive test result, an iron-deficient woman may feel tired, weak, or dizzy, or she may experience heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or trouble concentrating. A woman with severe anemia may experience a condition called pica in which she craves ice, paper, or clay.
Treatment of Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Anemia is commonly treated with iron supplements. To maximize absorption, supplements should be taken on an empty stomach with a food or beverage containing vitamin C, but not with calcium-containing foods or antacids. Calcium hinders iron absorption.
Common side effects of iron supplement treatment include constipation, nausea, and dark stools. Some women are able to reduce these symptoms by using a time-release supplement or by taking supplements in smaller doses throughout the day. For women who remain anemic despite supplements, intra-muscular iron injections may be given.
Iron-rich foods to add to the diet include red meats, liver, eggs, dried beans, cashews, dried fruits, potatoes, and leafy green vegetables. Additionally, cooking with cast-iron cookware increases the iron content of foods.
Other Types of Anemia
Vitamin B12 and folate (folic acid) deficiencies are sometimes associated with iron-deficiency anemia and may also require treatment with supplements. Folic acid and iron are found in the same types of foods. Vitamin B12 is found in animal products.
Vegan women are at increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Symptoms include tingling in the hands or feet, decreased sense of touch, difficulty walking, clumsiness or stiffness of the arms and legs, dementia, hallucinations, and paranoia.
Adequate sources of iron, B12, and folic acid in the diet provide the best prevention against developing anemia during pregnancy. When pre-pregnancy stores are inadequate treatment is important for a healthy full-term pregnancy and birth outcome.
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