Anemia occurs when your body doesn't have enough red blood cells or the hemoglobin levels are below normal. This is a common condition, especially during pregnancy, where we proactively monitor your health by conducting blood tests at your initial prenatal visit and again at the beginning of the third trimester. These tests measure hemoglobin and hematocrit levels to ensure everything is on track.

For non-pregnant men, a normal hemoglobin level is typically more than 13.5 grams/100 ml, while in women, it's more than 12.0 grams/100 ml. During pregnancy, according to the American College of Ob-Gyn (ACOG), we consider hemoglobin levels below 11 grams/100 ml and hematocrit levels under 33% as indicative of anemia.

If you're struggling to meet your iron needs through diet alone, consider speaking with your doctor about taking an iron supplement. Should you experience any gastrointestinal issues, carbonyl iron is a great option - it’s naturally regulated by your body and might ease potential side effects associated with increased iron intake.

Causes of Anemia During Pregnancy

• Iron-deficiency anemia
• Anemia from blood loss
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Folic acid deficiency
• Back-to-back pregnancies
• Inherited anemias (like sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and Fanconi anemia)

Several factors increase the risk of iron-deficiency anemia, including diets low in iron-rich foods (like clams, oysters, liver, beef, shrimp, turkey, enriched cereals, beans, and lentils), diets lacking enhancers of iron absorption (such as orange juice, broccoli, and peppers), and diets high in foods that reduce iron absorption (like dairy, soy products, spinach, coffee, and tea). Other risks include eating nonfood substances (pica), gastrointestinal issues affecting absorption, heavy menstruation, short gaps between pregnancies, and significant blood loss during delivery.

Potential Complications of Anemia During Pregnancy

Iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of:

• Low birth weight
• Preterm delivery
• Perinatal mortality
• Postpartum depression
• Challenges in mental and psychomotor development in children

Recognizing Anemia Symptoms

Symptoms of moderate to severe anemia, typically with hemoglobin levels below 8.0, may include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Breathlessness
• Fainting
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Pale skin
• Low blood pressure
• Increased heart rate

Anemia is commonly experienced during pregnancy due to blood dilution, as blood volume increases significantly by the 28th week of pregnancy. Ensuring optimal iron levels also aids in faster postpartum recovery. Without adequate iron, you are more vulnerable to heavy post-delivery bleeding and may have an increased chance of needing a blood transfusion.

Impact on Baby: Maternal Anemia

Research from a 2019 Swedish study highlighted that anemia detected before 30 weeks of pregnancy can heighten the baby’s risk of developmental concerns like autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities.

Upon an anemia diagnosis, further tests such as serum ferritin, transferrin levels, total iron-binding capacity, hemoglobin electrophoresis, and stool for blood analysis will help uncover specific causes and guide your treatment plan.

Fueling Your Body: Foods to Enhance Iron Levels

• Legumes
• Organ meats (especially chicken liver)
• Whole grains
• Black rice
• Beans
• Dark leafy greens
• Figs
• Seeds
• Nuts (especially almonds)
• Eggs

Folate-rich foods are equally essential, so consider incorporating options like asparagus, barley, beef, brewer’s yeast, brown rice, cheese, chicken, dates, green leafy veggies, lamb, lentils, legumes, liver, milk, oranges, split peas, root vegetables, salmon, tuna, wheat germ, and whole grains into your diet.