Anemia during pregnancy

Anemia means your red blood cell level is low. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Anemia can happen when you're pregnant because your body is working hard to make more blood to help your baby grow. Anemia during a healthy pregnancy is common.

Sometimes anemia during pregnancy can be caused by other problems, such as not having enough iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12.

When you have anemia, you may feel dizzy, tired, and weak. You may also feel your heart pounding or feel short of breath. It may be hard to focus and think clearly.

Cravings for nonfood items such as dirt, ashes, clay, or chalk can be a sign that you don't have enough iron in your blood (iron deficiency anemia).

As a routine part of your prenatal visits, your doctor will take some of your blood to test. Tests may include a complete blood count (CBC) to look at your red blood cells.

• If your doctor recommends a prenatal vitamin or iron supplement, take it as directed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your supplements.
• If your doctor tells you to take iron pills:
  • Try to take the pills on an empty stomach about 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. But you may need to take iron with food to avoid an upset stomach.
  • Do not take antacids or drink milk or caffeine drinks (such as coffee, tea, or cola) at the same time or within 2 hours of the time that you take your iron. They can keep your body from absorbing the iron well.
  • Be sure to drink plenty of fluids. And include fruits, vegetables, and fiber in your diet each day. This may help with stomach problems caused by iron pills. Problems include heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and cramps.
  • Do not stop taking iron pills without talking to your doctor first. It will take several months for your body to build up a store of iron. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your iron pills.
  • If you miss a pill, do not take a double dose of iron.
  • Keep iron pills out of the reach of small children. An overdose of iron can be very dangerous.
• Eat foods rich in iron. These include red meat, poultry, eggs, beans, raisins, whole-grain bread, fortified cereals, and leafy green vegetables.
• Talk to your doctor about any cravings for ice or nonfood items such as dirt, ashes, clay, or chalk. These cravings can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia.
• Vitamin C may help your body absorb iron. Some people take their iron pills with a glass of orange juice or some other food high in vitamin C.