Iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy: Prevention tips

Iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy can make you weak and tired. Know the risk factors and symptoms, and learn how to prevent this condition.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Pregnant people are at higher risk of iron deficiency anemia than are other people. Iron deficiency anemia is a condition in which the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. Find out why anemia during pregnancy happens and how to prevent it.

What causes iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy?

Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to your tissues. During pregnancy, the volume of blood in your body increases, and so does the amount of iron you need. Your body uses iron to make more blood to supply oxygen to your baby. If you don’t have enough iron stores or get enough iron during pregnancy, you could develop iron deficiency anemia.

What health concerns can iron deficiency anemia cause?

Severe iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy raises the risk of premature birth. That’s when a baby is born before 37 complete weeks of pregnancy. Iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy also is linked to having a low birth weight baby. Some studies show a higher risk of infant death immediately before or after birth in pregnant people who have severe iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia in people who have given birth recently also may raise the risk of postpartum depression.

What are the risk factors for iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy?

You are at a higher risk of having anemia during pregnancy if you:

Have two closely spaced pregnancies.
Are pregnant with more than one baby.
Are often throwing up due to morning sickness.
Don’t eat enough iron-rich foods.
Usually have a heavy menstrual flow.
Had anemia before you became pregnant.

What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy?

Anemia and symptoms include:

Extreme tiredness.
Weakness.
Dizziness or lightheadedness.
Headache.
A lightening of the skin or yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Shortness of breath.
Craving or chewing ice. This condition is called pica.

Symptoms of severe anemia may include:

A fast heartbeat.
Low blood pressure.
Trouble concentrating.

Keep in mind that symptoms of anemia often are similar to other pregnancy symptoms. Whether or not you have symptoms, you’ll have blood tests to check for anemia during pregnancy. If you’re worried about how tired you feel or any other symptoms that could be linked to anemia, talk with your healthcare professional.

How can iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy be prevented?

Prenatal vitamins typically contain iron. Taking a prenatal vitamin that contains iron can help prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. In some cases, your health care provider might recommend a separate iron supplement. During pregnancy, you need 27 milligrams of iron a day.

Good nutrition can also prevent iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. Dietary sources of iron include lean red meat, poultry and fish. Other options include iron-fortified breakfast cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas.

The iron from animal products, such as meat, is most easily absorbed. To enhance the absorption of iron from plant sources and supplements, pair them with a food or drink high in vitamin C — such as orange juice, tomato juice or strawberries. If you take iron supplements with orange juice, avoid the calcium-fortified variety. Although calcium is an essential nutrient during pregnancy, calcium can decrease iron absorption.

How is iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy treated?

If you’re taking a prenatal vitamin that contains iron and you have anemia, your healthcare professional might suggest testing to find other possible causes of the anemia. You may need to see a doctor who specializes in treating blood disorders, called a hematologist.

If the cause of anemia is iron deficiency, your healthcare professional may suggest that you take more iron supplements. If you have a history of gastric bypass or small bowel surgery or if you can’t take iron supplements in the form of a pill, you might need to get iron through a needle placed into one of your veins. This is called intravenous administration.

If you’re diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy, talk with your healthcare professional about the treatment that’s right for you.

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