Anaemia During Pregnancy: Causes, Risks, And Prevention

What Is Anaemia During Pregnancy?

Anaemia in pregnancy occurs when your body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues and your baby. This can make you feel tired or weak and is one of the most common conditions during pregnancy. Your body needs more iron and vitamins to support the increased blood volume. 

Without enough of these nutrients, anaemia in pregnancy can develop. Understanding the anaemia in pregnancy definition helps you take early steps to manage it and protect both your health and your baby's development.

Types of Anaemia in Pregnant Women Explained

During pregnancy, your body may experience different types of anaemia due to increased nutritional needs. Recognising the type helps your healthcare provider offer the best care.

• Iron-deficiency anaemia: This is the most common type. It occurs when your body doesn’t have enough iron to produce haemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen.
• Folate-deficiency anaemia: Folate is a type of vitamin B needed for healthy cell growth. Low folate can affect your red blood cell production and increase the risk of birth defects.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia: If your body lacks vitamin B12, it can lead to poor red blood cell formation and affect your nervous system.
• Aplastic anaemia: Rare but serious, this happens when your bone marrow doesn’t produce enough new blood cells.

Knowing the specific type ensures timely treatment and reduces the risk of complications.

Common Causes of Anaemia During Pregnancy

Anaemia in pregnancy causes are often related to the increased demands on your body. Several factors may contribute, especially if your diet or health conditions interfere with nutrient absorption.

• Low iron intake: A diet lacking in iron-rich foods can lead to iron-deficiency anaemia.
• Increased blood volume: Your body produces more blood to support your baby, which can dilute red blood cells if iron levels aren’t sufficient.
• Poor absorption: Conditions like coeliac disease or infections can prevent your body from absorbing nutrients effectively.
• Multiple pregnancies: Carrying more than one baby increases the demand for iron and other nutrients.
• Closely spaced pregnancies: Not giving your body enough time to recover between pregnancies can deplete iron stores.

Addressing anaemia in pregnancy causes early can help avoid more serious issues.

Key Symptoms of Anaemia to Watch for in Pregnancy

Sometimes, signs of anaemia in pregnancy can be mild and easily mistaken for common pregnancy symptoms. However, recognising these signs early can help you get proper treatment.

• Fatigue: Feeling more tired than usual or lacking energy.
• Pale skin: Especially noticeable on your face, inside your eyelids, or on your nails.
• Shortness of breath: Even with light activity, you may feel breathless.
• Dizziness or light-headedness: Can occur when you stand up or move quickly.
• Rapid heartbeat: Your heart may beat faster to make up for low oxygen.
• Headaches: Frequent or unexplained headaches may be a symptom.

If you experience any of these signs, let your healthcare provider know for further testing.

Who Is at Risk of Anaemia During Pregnancy?

While anaemia in pregnancy is common, some women are more at risk due to certain health or lifestyle factors. Being aware of these risks helps in early prevention.

• Poor diet: Low intake of iron, folate, or B12 increases your risk.
• Teenage pregnancy: Teenagers may have higher nutritional needs and may be more likely to develop anaemia.
• Multiple pregnancies: Carrying twins or more puts extra demand on your body.
• Frequent pregnancies: Less time between pregnancies can reduce your iron reserves.
• Chronic health conditions: Diabetes, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal issues may affect nutrient absorption.
• Heavy pre-pregnancy periods: Women with heavy periods may start pregnancy with low iron stores.

Being in any of these groups doesn’t mean you’ll develop anaemia—but it does mean extra care and monitoring may be helpful.

Is it Normal to Have Anaemia While Pregnant?

Yes, mild anaemia in pregnancy is quite common. Your body naturally produces more blood during pregnancy, which can dilute the concentration of red blood cells. This mild form is usually manageable and often improves with iron supplements and a balanced diet. 

However, it’s still important to take it seriously, as untreated anaemia can become more severe and lead to other health concerns. Routine blood tests help identify and monitor anaemia in pregnancy, ensuring you and your baby stay healthy throughout.

How Anaemia Can Affect Your Baby During Pregnancy

If left untreated, anaemia in pregnancy may impact your baby’s growth and development. Severe anaemia can reduce the oxygen supply to your baby, which may lead to low birth weight or premature birth. It can also affect your baby’s iron levels after birth, which are important for brain development. 

Some studies suggest that babies born to mothers with severe anaemia may have a higher risk of developmental delays. While this sounds worrying, most cases can be managed well with early diagnosis and treatment, ensuring your baby’s health is protected.

Can Anaemia in Pregnancy Lead to Miscarriage?

In severe and untreated cases, complications of anaemia in pregnancy may include an increased risk of miscarriage. This happens when the body cannot provide enough oxygen and nutrients to support the baby’s growth. However, it’s important to understand that anaemia is only one of many factors that can influence pregnancy outcomes. 

Most women with anaemia go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies when it is managed properly. Regular antenatal check-ups and following your doctor’s advice are key to reducing any risks linked with anaemia in pregnancy.

Diagnosing Anaemia During Pregnancy: What Tests Are Done?

If your doctor suspects anaemia in pregnancy, simple blood tests will help confirm it. These tests are usually part of your routine antenatal care.

• Complete blood count (CBC): Measures haemoglobin levels and the number of red blood cells.
• Serum ferritin test: Shows how much iron is stored in your body.
• Vitamin B12 and folate tests: Identify other deficiencies that may be causing anaemia.
• Peripheral blood smear: Looks at red blood cell shape and size.
• The Beta HCG test and other markers like the triple marker test, the prega pro test, and the prega plus are not for anaemia but may be used alongside other prenatal screenings.

Early diagnosis helps manage the condition before it becomes more serious.

What Counts as Severe Anaemia During Pregnancy?

Severe anaemia in pregnancy is usually defined when haemoglobin levels fall below 7.0 g/dL. This means your body has a very low ability to carry oxygen to your tissues and baby. At this stage, symptoms like extreme fatigue, chest pain, or breathlessness may appear. 

Your doctor may consider more intensive treatments such as iron injections or even a blood transfusion in some cases. Recognising and treating severe anaemia in pregnancy promptly is important to avoid serious health concerns for both you and your baby.

Treatment Options for Anaemia in Pregnancy

Once diagnosed, treatment depends on the cause and severity of the anaemia. The goal is to restore healthy red blood cell levels and improve oxygen delivery.

• Iron supplements: These are commonly prescribed and are safe for most women.
• Folate tablets: Essential if folate deficiency is present.
• Vitamin B12 injections: Used when oral intake or absorption is low.
• Dietary changes: Eating iron-rich foods like spinach, lentils, eggs, and lean meats helps.
• Iron infusions: In more severe cases, iron is given through a drip in a hospital setting.
• Blood transfusion: Rarely needed, but may be recommended for very severe anaemia.

Treatment usually improves symptoms within a few weeks and ensures a healthier pregnancy.

How to Manage Anaemia at Home During Pregnancy

Managing anaemia in pregnancy at home involves a few daily habits that can make a big difference.

• Eat iron-rich foods: Include green leafy vegetables, beans, tofu, and red meat.
• Take your prescribed supplements: Follow your doctor’s instructions for iron or folic acid tablets.
• Avoid tea or coffee with meals: These can reduce iron absorption.
• Include vitamin C: Foods like oranges or tomatoes help your body absorb iron better.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water supports healthy blood function.
• Rest when needed: Fatigue is common, so listen to your body.

These small steps can support your recovery and maintain good health during pregnancy.

Dangers of Untreated Anaemia During Pregnancy

If anaemia in pregnancy goes untreated, it may lead to serious problems such as low birth weight, early delivery, or even heart strain in the mother. In rare cases, it can result in complications of anaemia in pregnancy, like poor recovery after childbirth or increased risk of infection. 

Your baby may also have low iron stores, affecting their development. That’s why identifying and treating anaemia early is so important. Regular check-ups and open communication with your healthcare team can help prevent these issues.

When to Seek Help for Anaemia in Pregnancy

You should speak to your doctor if you feel unusually tired, breathless, or dizzy. If you notice a fast heartbeat, pale skin, or experience chest pain, don’t wait—these could be signs of worsening anaemia. It’s also important to attend all your antenatal appointments, where routine tests can catch anaemia early. 

If you're already diagnosed and your symptoms aren’t improving with treatment, get medical advice. Trust your instincts—your health and your baby’s wellbeing are always worth checking on.

Conclusion

Knowing the anaemia in pregnancy definition helps you take early steps toward a safer, healthier pregnancy. With timely care, most cases can be managed with ease. If you need accurate testing—including a pregnancy test—Metropolis Healthcare offers expert diagnostics, convenient home sample collection, and trusted reports, making it a dependable choice throughout your pregnancy journey.