Having Low iron levels in pregnancy is a serious concern since iron plays a vital role in synthesizing hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells (RBCs) that carries oxygen to the body's organs.
It also carries carbon dioxide from the body to your lungs for breathing.
Anemia or low iron levels can cause fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. During pregnancy, the increase in RBCs production, due to the growth of the placenta and fetus, requires higher iron supply.
Without that supply, your body won't function properly, resulting in serious hazards to both the mother and her developing fetus.
In this article, we'll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for low iron levels in pregnancy.
Causes of low iron levels in pregnancy
Throughout pregnancy, the blood volume in your body increases by 20% to 30%, which requires higher iron supply. You may be at higher risk for anemia due to several factors:
- Inadequate dietary intake, especially when not consuming enough iron-rich foods.
- Multiple pregnancies
- Decreased iron absorption
- Heavy menstrual bleeding before, or during pregnancy
- Vomiting often because of morning sickness
Symptoms of low iron levels in pregnancy
Iron is an essential mineral in our body. Sufficient iron levels ensure efficient oxygen delivery to both the mother and her fetus, promoting baby's healthy growth and development.
Adequate iron levels also support a healthy immune system, reducing the vulnerability to infections. So low iron levels in pregnancy can lead to serious complications to both the mother and the baby.
How does anemia affect the pregnant woman?
Low iron levels in pregnancy can lead to several symptoms including:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Increased risk of infections
- Fast heart palpitations
- Cardiac strain; Severe anemia can force the heart to work harder to pump oxygen-rich blood, potentially leading to complications such as heart failure.
- Shortness of breath
- Cold pale skin
- Sore tongue
- Headache
- Postpartum depression; iron deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of postpartum depression.
- Complications during delivery; women with low iron levels are more likely to experience excessive bleeding during childbirth, which can be life-threatening.
- Increase the risk of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, and gestational diabetes.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of low iron levels in pregnancy is the first step in addressing this issue.
In addition to the physical symptoms mentioned earlier, pregnant women may also experience cravings for non-food items, such as ice, clay, or dirt, known as pica. These cravings can be a sign of iron deficiency and should not be ignored.
How does anemia affect the baby during pregnancy?
The growing fetus relies on iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid for their growth, especially during the third trimester.
Low iron levels in pregnancy increase the baby's risk of developing anemia in their first year of life, which can impair their growth, leading to low birth weight.
Additionally, it raises the risk of delivering a preterm baby, which can result in a range of health issues for the baby. Iron is also essential for brain development. Insufficient iron during pregnancy can lead to cognitive and motor delays in the child.
Can low iron levels in pregnancy cause miscarriage?
No, it doesn't directly cause miscarriage. However, severe anemia can cause pregnancy complications.
When your hemoglobin level is below 8 grams per deciliter (g/dL), it's considered severe anemia. In this case, your health provider may do a blood transfusion.
Diagnosing low iron levels in pregnancy
Complete blood count (CBC) is a diagnostic test for anemia. This blood test is often done during prenatal care.
CBC measures several indicators, including hemoglobin Levels, hematocrit levels (HCT), serum ferritin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH).
When you have anemia, you have Low levels of:
- Hemoglobin
- RBCs count
- HCT: It measures the proportion of RBCs in the blood.
- Serum ferritin: It is an indicator for iron storage in the body.
- MCV measures the average size of RBCs. The typical range is between 80 and 100 fL.
- MCH: This refers to the amount of hemoglobin in RBCs. The normal level is usually between (27-31) pg. If it is calculated below 27 pg, it is considered low MCH, which means low hemoglobin amount in your RBCs.
If you have low MCV and MCH levels, it means microcytic hypochromic anemia, which is likely an iron deficiency anemia.
Regular check-ups with your health provider will help you detect iron-deficiency anemia early on.
Management and treatment of low iron levels in pregnancy
Iron-rich diets
Iron is found in animal products, which is more absorbed by the body, such as red meat, poultry, and fish. It is also found in plant-based sources like legumes, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. However, it's less efficiently absorbed.
Eating at least 30 milligrams (three servings) of iron daily is the best way to prevent anemia.
Iron supplements
Most pregnant women are advised to take prenatal vitamins that contain iron. If you can’t get enough iron from your diet, consult your doctor about an iron supplement with an adequate dose. It should be taken under medical supervision, as excessive iron can lead to toxicity.
Intravenous iron therapy
To rapidly increase iron levels in the extreme cases of iron insufficiency, intravenous iron may be required. By infusing iron straight into the bloodstream, iron stores can be replenished more quickly.
Tips for enhancing iron absorption
You can improve iron absorption by combining iron-rich diets with vitamin C sources, such as bell peppers, tomatoes, and citrus fruits. Be careful when cooking acidic foods (such as tomato sauce or peppers) in cast iron cookware as it could raise the iron level of the food.
Since calcium prevents iron absorption, it is better to take dairy products apart from meals rich in iron. Steer clear of tea, coffee, and milk among other foods and beverages that inhibit iron absorption.
Low iron levels in pregnancy is a common health problem that can have significant implications for both maternal and fetal health.
We believe health awareness is key for early detection and prevention of this condition. This can be done by understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and identifying effective management strategies.
Pregnant women can take proactive steps to ensure healthy pregnancy and optimal baby development by prioritizing iron-rich foods, coupled with supplementation, and getting regular check-ups.
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