Anemia in Pregnancy: What it means and how to prevent it

Have you recently been diagnosed with anemia during your pregnancy or are preparing for pregnancy? Anemia in pregnancy is often the result of dilution from the increase in blood volume and an increase in iron needs. It is, therefore, considered iron deficiency anemia. Risk factors that increase your chance of having iron deficiency anemia include smoking, diabetes, previous diagnosis of iron deficiency, being underweight or obese, vegetarian, HIV infection, second or greater pregnancy (especially if the time between pregnancies was less than 6 months), history of abnormal uterine bleeding and inflammatory bowel disease. Everyone will be evaluated for anemia at the beginning of the pregnancy and then again at 28 weeks. We will evaluate more often if needed. We must work to keep or get levels within the normal range to support you and your baby for a healthy pregnancy. Although most people with anemia in pregnancy do not have symptoms, anemia can cause dizziness and fatigue. Below is a list of how to best prevent anemia and helpful hints if you take an additional iron supplement as your provider prescribes. 

• How to prevent anemia:
  • Eat iron-rich foods, such as:
    • Meat
    • Fish
    • Eggs
    • Dried beans
    • Fortified grains
  • Eat foods high in vitamin C, such as:
    • Citrus fruits
    • Fresh, raw vegetables
  • Eat foods high in folic acid, such as:
    • Dried beans
    • Dark, green, leafy vegetables
    • Orange juice
  • Cook with cast iron pots
  • Take prenatal vitamins with iron and folate supplement
• If you do take iron supplements, remember to:
  • Pay close attention to your bowel movements to be proactive in preventing constipation
  • Take with vitamin C (oranges, orange juice)
  • Do not take with dairy or calcium- do not take with milk or with your prenatal vitamin
  • If it upsets your stomach, take it with a small amount of food

Being diagnosed with anemia does not have to be scary – we are here to help you make sense of it and get you on a path to an iron-rich diet.