Overview of Anaemia During Pregnancy 

Anaemia in pregnancy is characterised by a lower-than-normal level of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood. It can occur when a pregnant woman doesn't have enough iron to produce an adequate amount of healthy red blood cells. One may have deficit iron levels, particularly during the third trimester of pregnancy, which can lead to anaemia when the body's iron demand exceeds its supply. To ensure the health of both the mother and the developing baby during pregnancy, it is essential to identify and treat anaemia.

Generally, mild anaemia is common in pregnancy due to increased blood volumes. On the other hand, low levels of vitamins and iron in the body may cause severe anaemia. Furthermore, if a pregnant woman experiences severe anaemia during the second and third trimesters, it increases the likelihood of preterm delivery or giving birth to a baby with low birth weight.

Here's everything you need to know about symptoms, cause, treatment and complications of anaemia in pregnancy.

Types of Anaemia in Pregnancy

Several types of Anaemia may develop during pregnancy such as Physiological anaemia, iron, folate and vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia, etc.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia 

When the body does not have enough iron to produce sufficient amounts of haemoglobin, iron deficiency in pregnancy occurs. It is basically a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. But in the case of iron deficiency Anaemia, the blood cannot carry enough oxygen to tissues throughout the body.  Iron deficiency is the most common cause of Anaemia in pregnancy. 

Physiological Anaemia

Physiological anaemia in pregnancy refers to the normal decrease in haemoglobin levels during pregnancy due to the increase in plasma volume that dilutes the red blood cells. This occurs because the body needs to supply oxygen and nutrients to the growing foetus, and the increased plasma volume helps facilitate this process. It is a common and normal occurrence during pregnancy.

Folate-Deficiency Anaemia

One body requires extra folate during pregnancy, but sometimes they do not obtain sufficient amounts from their diet. In such cases, the body cannot produce enough normal red blood cells to effectively transport oxygen to tissues throughout the body. Folic acid, a synthetic supplement, is used to address this deficiency. Insufficient folate levels can directly contribute to specific congenital disabilities like neural tube abnormalities (such as spina bifida) and low birth weight.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anaemia

Insufficient intake of vitamin B12 during pregnancy can hinder the body's ability to produce healthy red blood cells, which is crucial for maternal and foetal well-being. Pregnant vegan women, who don't include meat, poultry, dairy products, and eggs in their diet, face an increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. This deficiency can potentially contribute to the development of birth defects like neural tube abnormalities and heighten the likelihood of preterm labour. Consequently, they often require vitamin B12 shots to address this nutritional requirement.

Symptoms of Anaemia in Pregnancy

The most common sign & symptoms of anaemia in pregnancy may include:

• Mouth ulcers
• Lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath.
• Weakness
• Pale skin, lips, and nails

Symptoms of severe anaemia in pregnancy:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Low blood pressure
• Trouble concentrating

In the early stages of anaemia, one may not have any obvious symptoms and many of the symptoms are often similar to general pregnancy symptoms as well. It is important to undergo regular blood tests during prenatal appointments to keep a check on anaemia.

Causes of Anaemia in Pregnancy

Multiple factors contribute to the development of anaemia during pregnancy. Possible causes of anaemia include:

• Iron deficiency
• Folate deficiency
• Sudden heavy blood loss
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Long-term (chronic) diseases include conditions like chronic kidney disease, cancer, ulcerative colitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Problems with bone marrow such as lymphoma, leukaemia, myelodysplasia, multiple myeloma, or aplastic anaemia.

There are also some risk factors that increase the chances of anaemia in pregnancy:

• Multiple pregnancy
• Not consuming enough iron
• Having back-to-back pregnancies with minimal time passing in between
• Experiencing a heavy menstrual flow before pregnancy
• Vomiting often because of morning sickness

Consulting a medical practitioner regarding the risk of anaemia and ensuring that testing is conducted during the initial prenatal appointment is essential.

How to Manage Anaemia in Pregnancy?

The suggested management for anaemia during pregnancy depends on the severity of the issue. It may include:

• Moderate Anaemia: To manage anaemia in pregnancy, healthcare providers typically prescribe a daily supplement that contains iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid. These nutrients help the body produce healthy red blood cells and can alleviate symptoms such as weakness and fatigue. 
• Severe Anaemia: In some cases, if the blood levels are significantly low, one might require a blood transfusion. This involves receiving donated blood to restore the necessary blood levels. Changes in blood levels can sometimes necessitate this procedure.

Other than this, a person should aim to consume at least 30 milligrams of iron daily, equating to three servings of iron-rich foods. If they are unable to meet this requirement through their diet, they should consult their physician about taking an iron supplement. This can help ensure they get enough iron to maintain healthy blood levels and reduce the risk of anaemia.

When to See an OB/GYN?

It is recommended to see an OB/GYN for regular prenatal check-ups throughout the pregnancy. During these visits, the healthcare provider will perform routine blood tests to monitor haemoglobin levels and check for anaemia. 

If an individual is concerned about anaemia during pregnancy, booking diagnostic tests at Max Lab can help alleviate their concerns and provide valuable health information. Diagnostic tests conducted at Max Lab can detect anaemia at an early stage, assess the type and severity of anaemia, and assist healthcare professionals in developing a customised treatment plan. This, in turn, can lead to improved overall health outcomes for both the mother and the baby.