Iron is crucial for creating healthy red blood cells and for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body. During pregnancy, the body's blood volume increases by almost 50%, diluting the red blood cells and leading to a condition known as anemia. While this is a common occurrence during pregnancy, the decrease in hemoglobin levels and associated symptoms can vary significantly among individuals.
Being anemic impacts both the pregnant person AND their baby.
Maternal effects:
Anemia can make you have less energy and feel tired. It can affect your normal daily activities in pregnancy and after birth. It can also increase your risk for postpartum hemorrhage and poor outcomes if you are anemic when giving birth.
Low iron can also affect infant health:
For baby, risks of anemia can include low birth weight, preterm birth, and cognitive effects in childhood.
It is important to discuss anemia symptoms with your provider, they can include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat
- You may look pale
- Poor concentration
- Dizziness and fainting
- Headache
- Feeling cold
- Difficulty sleeping
- Restless legs
Although there is iron in prenatal vitamins and the food we eat, patients often require oral iron supplementation to treat iron deficiency.
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