Anemia in Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Anemia during pregnancy is not just a temporary feeling of fatigue—it is a reduction in red blood cells or hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to body tissues. When organs and tissues don’t get enough oxygen, symptoms appear and can affect both mother and baby.

Many pregnant women may attribute fatigue, dizziness, or paleness to normal pregnancy changes, but these can be early signs of anemia, which is common worldwide, affecting about 37% of pregnant women.

Why Anemia in Pregnancy Matters

• The baby depends entirely on the mother for nutrition. Untreated anemia can lead to:

  • Low birth weight.

  • Impaired neurological and immune development.

• Early treatment reduces the risk of bleeding during delivery and protects the mother from serious complications.

• Anemia can be prevented and managed through awareness, regular checkups, and proper nutrition during pregnancy, and ideally before conception.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

1. Persistent fatigue despite rest.

2. Paleness of face, lips, or inner eyelids.

3. Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing or walking.

4. Shortness of breath, especially later in pregnancy.

5. Rapid heartbeat or palpitations.

6. Headaches and difficulty concentrating.

Early detection through a blood test to measure hemoglobin levels is crucial to prevent complications.

Causes of Anemia During Pregnancy

1. Iron deficiency – the most common cause, as the body needs extra iron for both mother and baby.

2. Folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency, often due to poor nutrition or unbalanced diet.

3. Close pregnancies – insufficient time to restore iron stores after a previous pregnancy.

4. Chronic bleeding, such as from gums or hemorrhoids.

5. Multiple pregnancies – twins or more increase iron and nutrient needs.

Prevention Tips

• Start prevention early, ideally before conception:

  • Take iron and folic acid supplements daily.

  • Eat iron-rich foods: red meat, liver, lentils, spinach, legumes, dried fruits.

  • Include vitamin C-rich foods (oranges, bell peppers, tomatoes) to enhance iron absorption.

  • Avoid drinking tea or coffee immediately after meals as they reduce iron absorption.

  • Schedule regular hemoglobin checkups throughout pregnancy.

Treatment and Medical Intervention

1. Oral iron supplements – first-line treatment; take on an empty stomach with vitamin C-rich juice for better absorption.

2. Intravenous iron – used if oral supplements are not tolerated or anemia is severe.

3. Blood transfusion – only for critical cases, e.g., extremely low hemoglobin or severe bleeding.

4. Address underlying causes – treat vitamin deficiencies or chronic illnesses alongside iron supplementation.

Role of the Pregnant Woman in Managing Anemia

• Follow the doctor’s instructions and complete the full course of supplements even if symptoms improve.

• Regular monitoring: check blood during every prenatal visit, especially in the second and third trimesters.

• Healthy diet: include both animal and plant iron sources daily.

• Adequate rest and sleep: fatigue worsens anemia symptoms.

• Emotional support: stress and anxiety can affect nutrient absorption.

• Health education: participate in awareness sessions offered by health centers.

Proper management of anemia in pregnancy ensures the health of both mother and child and reduces risks during delivery.