Anemia in pregnancy

ABSTRACT: Anemia, the most common hematologic abnormality, is a reduction in the concentration of erythrocytes or hemoglobin in blood. The two most common causes of anemia in pregnancy and the puerperium are iron deficiency and acute blood loss. Iron requirements increase during pregnancy, and a failure to maintain sufficient levels of iron may result in adverse maternal–fetal consequences. The purpose of this document is to provide a brief overview of the causes of anemia in pregnancy, review iron requirements, and provide recommendations for screening and clinical management of anemia during pregnancy. Nonmembers: Subscribe now to access exclusive ACOG Clinical content, including: ACOG Clinical is designed for easy and convenient access to the latest clinical guidance for patient care. Developed with members’, physicians’, and women’s health care professionals’ needs in mind, user-friendly features include: • Easy, advanced search function to find the most relevant guidance • Enhanced document presentation • Advanced features and functionality You’ll find clinical content written and peer reviewed by experts and valuable information that spans guidance on the diagnosis and management of the full spectrum of obstetric and gynecological conditions and clinical management issues. Note for Life Fellows: Annual membership dues are waived but there is a discounted annual subscription fee of $95 for access to publications such as the Green Journal, Practice Bulletins, and Commi...

When you're pregnant, you may develop During pregnancy, your body produces more blood to support the growth of your baby. If you're not getting enough iron or certain other nutrients, your body might not be able to produce the amount of red It's normal to have mild anemia when you are pregnant. But you may have more severe anemia from low iron or vitamin levels or from other reasons. Anemia can leave you feeling tired and weak. If it is severe but goes untreated, it can increase your risk of serious complications like preterm delivery. Here's what you need to know about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of anemia during pregnancy. Types of Anemia During Pregnancy Several types of anemia can develop during pregnancy. These include: • Iron-deficiency anemia • Folate-deficiency anemia • Here's why these types of anemia may develop: Iron-deficiency anemia. This type of anemia occurs when the body doesn't have enough iron to produce adequate amounts of In iron-deficiency anemia, the blood cannot carry enough oxygen to tissues throughout the body. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of Folate-deficiency anemia. Folate is the vitamin found naturally in certain foods like green leafy vegetables A type of B vitamin, the body needs folate to produce new cells, including healthy red blood cells. During pregnancy, women need extra folate. But sometimes they don't get enough from their diet. When that happens, the body can't make enough normal red blood cells to transport oxygen...

Anemia is a medical condition in which there are not enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues in the body. When the tissues do not receive an adequate amount of oxygen, many organs and functions are affected. Anemia during pregnancy is especially a concern because it is associated with low birth weight, premature birth, and maternal mortality. Women who are pregnant are at a higher risk for developing anemia due to the excess amount of blood the body produces to help provide nutrients for the baby. Anemia during pregnancy can be a mild condition and easily treated if caught early on. However, it can become dangerous, to both the mother and the baby, if it goes untreated. Types of anemia during pregnancy There are over 400 different types of anemia, but some are more prevalent in pregnancy. The most commonly experienced types of anemia during pregnancy are: Iron-deficiency anemia This is the leading cause of anemia in the United States, and consequently, the most common type of anemia during pregnancy. Approximately 15% to 25% of all pregnancies experience iron deficiency. Iron is a mineral found in the red blood cells and is used to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, as well as helps the muscles store and use oxygen. When too little iron is produced, the body can become fatigued and have a lowered resistance to infection. Folate-deficiency anemia Folate refers to Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia Vitamin B-12 is also a necessary vitamin f...

Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to your tissues. During pregnancy, the volume of blood in your body increases, and so does the amount of iron you need. Your body uses iron to make more blood to supply oxygen to your baby. If you don't have enough iron stores or get enough iron during pregnancy, you could develop iron deficiency anemia. Severe iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth (when delivery occurs before 37 complete weeks of pregnancy). Iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy is also associated with having a low birth weight baby and postpartum depression. Some studies also show an increased risk of infant death immediately before or after birth. You are at increased risk of developing anemia during pregnancy if you: • Have two closely spaced pregnancies • Are pregnant with more than one baby • Are vomiting frequently due to morning sickness • Don't consume enough iron-rich foods • Have a heavy pre-pregnancy menstrual flow • Have a history of anemia before your pregnancy • A rapid heartbeat • Low blood pressure • Difficulty concentrating Keep in mind, however, that symptoms of anemia are often similar to general pregnancy symptoms. Regardless of whether or not you have symptoms, you'll have blood tests to screen for anemia during pregnancy. If you're concerned about your level of fatigue or any other symptoms, talk to your health care provider. Good nutrit...

During the last half of Although iron is found in many foods, it is hard to absorb, making it difficult for your body to get enough to meet its needs during pregnancy. When you don't have enough iron in your diet, you make fewer red blood cells, which is called anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is very common and is easy to correct. Your body also needs a nutrient called folate to make healthy blood cells. Folate is easily absorbed and found in most green vegetables. Causes of Anemia • Poor intake of iron- and folate-rich foods • Increased destruction of red blood cells that can occasionally occur during illness Anemia Signs and Symptoms Often, women with anemia don't have specific symptoms. If anemia is severe, you may feel tired and weak. Preventing Anemia • Eat iron-rich foods such as meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dried beans and fortified grains. The form of iron in meat products, called heme, is more easily absorbed than the iron in vegetables. If you are anemic and you ordinarily eat meat, increasing the amount of meat you consume is the easiest way to increase the iron your body receives. • Eat foods high in folic acid, such as dried beans, dark green leafy vegetables, wheat germ and orange juice. • Eat foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and fresh, raw vegetables. • Cooking with cast iron pots can add up to 80 percent more iron to your food. • Take your prenatal multivitamin and mineral pill which contains extra folate. Iron Supplements Because it is difficult...