Iron Deficiency Anaemia In Pregnancy

Iron deficiency anaemia can occur in pregnancy since the expectant mother's blood volume expands to accommodate the physiological changes that are occurring in her body. This allows the unborn baby to produce their own entire blood supply and therefore doubles the mothers need for iron.

If the mother doesn't have enough iron stores or if they don't get enough iron during pregnancy, then they can develop an iron deficiency anemia.

Risk factors for developing anaemia in women

Women have an increased chance of developing an iron deficiency anaemia as opposed to men. The following are the main reasons behind this.

• Having a heavy pre-pregnancy menstrual flow.
• Having two or more pregnancies close to one another.
• Being pregnant with 2 or more babies.
• Vomiting frequently due to morning sickness.
• Not consuming enough iron.

Symptoms of anaemia during pregnancy

The following are symptoms experienced by pregnant women and should be discussed with a healthcare practitioner if they are present.

• Becoming increasingly pale.
• Excessive weakness and fatigue.
• Shortness of breath.
• Experiencing heart palpitations.
• Lightheadedness or dizziness.
• Pica - craving non-food items such as sand, dirt or chalk.

READ Could You Be Anemic? Symptoms Of Anemia In Women

Complications of anaemia

The following will explain the complications that can be caused by an iron deficiency anaemia.

Pregnancy complications

Babies, who are born to mothers with an iron deficiency anaemia that isn't optimally treated, are more likely to experience the following issues:

• To be born prematurely.
• To have a low birth weight.
• Do less well in mental ability tests compared to other children.
• Have low iron level issues themselves.

Tiredness

Patients with an iron deficiency anaemia can feel tired and lethargic, and this can result in excessive sleepiness and decreased work productivity.

Increased risk of infections

Iron deficiency anaemia had been clinically proven to affect an individual's immune system, therefore making one more vulnerable to acquiring an infection.

Heart and lung problems

Adults can develop an abnormally fast heartbeat (tachycardia) or heart failure which can affect one's breathing.

Managing anaemia during pregnancy

The main source of iron is through one's diet. These dietary sources of iron include animal products such as lean red meat, fish and poultry. Non-meat options for iron intake through diet include legumes, iron-fortified breakfast cereals and vegetables. 

Iron from animal products is more easily absorbed and the absorption rate of this element, from plant-based foods and supplements, is enhanced by consuming drinks or foods that are high in vitamin C (orange juice, strawberries or tomato juice).

READ Study: Iron Deficiency Anemia Increases The Risk Of Stroke

A pregnant women needs 27mg of iron every day and the average dietary intake of iron by these individuals is only about 15mg per day. It's therefore clearly evident that a pregnant mother needs iron supplementation.

A healthcare practitioner would prescribe prenatal vitamins, that typically contain iron, to pregnant mothers. Taking these prenatal vitamins can help prevent and treat anemia during pregnancy and, in some cases, the healthcare provider might end up recommending a separate iron supplement. 

Although it is an essential nutrient during pregnancy, calcium supplementation should be avoided as this can reduce the absorption of iron. Enough calcium is taken in through one's diet, therefore supplementing with it isn't necessary during pregnancy.

Other causes of anaemia should also be excluded by the pregnant patient's healthcare provider, especially if they are using iron supplements and are still experiencing signs and symptoms of anaemia. Issues such as gastric or small bowel surgery will result in decreased absorption of iron and would therefore mean that the patient would need intravenous administration of iron.