Episcopal Health Services (EHS) is committed to the comfort, health and safety of you and your baby throughout pregnancy and beyond. The Labor and Delivery obstetrics team has extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of pregnancy-related conditions, including anemia. Episcopal Health Services is also designated Baby-Friendly, reflecting our adherence to evidence-based care and internationally recognized best practices.
What Is Anemia?
Anemia is a blood disorder characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body’s organs and to the developing baby during pregnancy. Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells.
While the body typically obtains iron through diet, pregnancy significantly increases blood volume, resulting in a greater demand for iron. If iron intake is insufficient, anemia may develop. Although mild anemia is relatively common during pregnancy, severe anemia can lead to serious health complications for both the mother and the baby. For this reason, regular prenatal care visits are essential for early detection and appropriate treatment.
Are there Different Types of Pregnancy-Related Anemia?
Anemia may occur in one of four forms during pregnancy:
- Anemia of pregnancy: reduced red blood cells
- Iron deficiency anemia: low iron levels resulting in reduced red blood cells
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency: low levels of vitamin B-12 resulting in reduced red blood cells
- Folate deficiency: low levels of vitamin B-9 resulting in reduced red blood cells
Am I at Risk for Anemia During Pregnancy?
Iron deficiency affects more than 50 percent of pregnancies, with approximately 12 percent progressing to iron-deficiency anemia. In addition to increased blood volume, several factors may increase the risk of developing anemia, including:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding prior to pregnancy
- A history of anemia
- Gastrointestinal conditions such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease
- Multiple gestation pregnancies, such as twins
- Closely spaced pregnancies
- Persistent nausea or frequent vomiting during pregnancy
- Inadequate intake of iron-rich foods, which may be more common in vegetarian or vegan diets
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Anemia?
Anemia may be present if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Craving or chewing ice (a condition known as pica)
- Shortness of breath
- Tongue pain
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Pale skin
- Involuntary lower-leg movements
- Difficulty concentrating
Because some of these symptoms may be mistaken for normal pregnancy-related changes, it is important to contact Episcopal Health Services promptly if any of these symptoms occur.
How Does Anemia Affect Me or My Baby?
Untreated anemia can increase maternal risk of:
- Preterm delivery
- Excessive blood loss and reduced ability to fight infection
- Fatigue that may complicate postpartum recovery
- Postpartum depression
- Cardiovascular complications such as arrhythmia or heart failure
For the baby, anemia may increase the risk of:
- Low birth weight
- Anemia during infancy
- Stillbirth or neonatal death
Maintaining regular prenatal appointments allows your healthcare provider to identify symptoms, order diagnostic blood tests and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
How Is Anemia Treated?
Treatment recommendations depend on the severity of anemia and the timing of diagnosis. Your Episcopal Health Services provider may recommend:
- Mild to moderate anemia: Prenatal vitamins and iron supplements
- Supplements may be taken multiple times daily or in extended-release form and are often combined with vitamin C to enhance absorption
- A stool softener may be recommended if constipation occurs
- History of gastric or small bowel surgery: Iron sucrose injections
- Severe anemia: Blood transfusion
Can I Reduce My Risk of Anemia During Pregnancy?
You may be able to reduce your risk by:
- Consuming iron-rich foods such as meat, fish and poultry, or plant-based sources including legumes, leafy green vegetables and iron-fortified breads, cereals and pastas
- Eating foods high in folic acid, including beans, peas, citrus fruits and fortified grain products
- Taking a prenatal vitamin containing iron or an iron supplement as recommended by your healthcare provider
Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance on protecting your health and your baby’s health. If symptoms persist or do not improve, you may be referred to a hematologist for further evaluation and specialized care.
Why Choose Episcopal Health Services for Anemia Care?
Episcopal Health Services is dedicated to comprehensive, coordinated care for expectant mothers and their babies. Our Baby-Friendly designation reflects our commitment to evidence-based and compassionate care. All members of our Labor and Delivery team are board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and EHS is affiliated with Cohen Children’s Medical Center, which features a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
For more information about Obstetrics and Gynecology services at Episcopal Health Services, please call 718-869-7382.
To schedule an appointment, call 718-869-7690, or click here to find an Obstetrician or Gynecologist at Episcopal Health Services.