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Anemia in Women & Pregnancy: Protecting Two Lives with Timely Care

Anemia in Women & Pregnancy: Protecting Two Lives with Timely Care

What Is Anemia During Pregnancy and Why Does It Matter?

Anemia in pregnancy means your body lacks enough red blood cells to deliver oxygen where it's needed. Here's what every expectant mother should know.

During pregnancy, your blood volume increases by up to 50%[20], but if your body can't produce enough haemoglobin, the protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen, your organs and growing baby may not get what they need. This is Anemia.

The most common cause is an insufficient supply of iron and key vitamins. Without these, your body simply cannot make enough healthy red blood cells, making iron-deficiency anemia the leading nutritional concern in pregnancy.

Types of Pregnancy-Related Anemia Explained[21]

Most common

Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Without enough iron, your body can't produce sufficient Haemoglobin, leaving red blood cells unable to carry oxygen to your tissues.

Birth defect risk

Folate-Deficiency Anemia

Pregnancy raises your folate needs sharply. A shortfall limits healthy red blood cell production and raises the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida.

Diet-linked risk

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia

B12, found mainly in meat, dairy, and eggs, is essential for healthy red blood cells. Vegans and vegetarians face a higher risk during pregnancy.

Who Is Most Likely to Have Anemia During Pregnancy?

Blood volume rises by 20-30% during pregnancy, meaning your body demands significantly more iron to keep up. Some women face a higher risk than others.

Factors That Increase Risk[22]

  • Pregnant with twins or multiple babies
  • Not consuming enough iron
  • Having back-to-back pregnancies with minimal time between
  • Experiencing a heavy menstrual flow before pregnancy.
  • Vomiting often because of morning sickness.

Why Untreated Anemia in Pregnancy Is a Serious Risk

Different nutrient deficiencies during pregnancy can affect both mother and baby in different ways[21].

Iron Deficiency Anemia

  • Preterm birth
  • Low birth weight
  • Higher chance of blood transfusion during delivery
  • Postpartum depression
  • Baby born with anemia
  • Developmental delays in children

Folate Deficiency

  • Preterm birth
  • Low birth weight
  • Increased risk of neural tube defects affecting the baby's spine or brain

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

  • Increased risk of neural tube defects
  • Can impact healthy fetal development during pregnancy

Identifying Symptoms of Anemia in Pregnancy[23]

Energy

Constant Fatigue, Exhaustion

Temperature

Cold Hands & Feet

Respiratory

Shortness of Breath

Balance

Dizziness, Weakness

Heart

Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat

Head

Persistent Headaches

Skin

Pale, Dry or Bruised Skin

Oral

Sore or Swollen Tongue

While anemia commonly affects women and pregnant individuals, the condition can stem from different nutritional, genetic, or health-related factors. Exploring the various types of anemia helps build a deeper understanding of how the condition develops and why early identification plays an important role in effective management and care.

Discover the Different Types of Anemia

Myths And Facts

Myth

Anemia is only a concern in late pregnancy.

Fact

It can occur at any stage of pregnancy and should be monitored throughout.[27]

Myth

Anemia only affects the mother.

Fact

It can impact both maternal and fetal health.[18B]

Myth

Iron deficiency is the only cause of anemia in pregnancy.

Fact

Folate and vitamin B12 deficiency, and other conditions can also contribute.[27]

Myth

Anemia during pregnancy is unavoidable.

Fact

Early detection and treatment can help manage it effectively.[9A]