Even though you probably feel just fine and have a normal amount of energy, anemia is common in pregnancy. Many women start out a little anemic, and some become anemic as the pregnancy progresses. In a nutshell, being anemic just means that there are less red blood cells circulating throughout your body. Red blood cells carry oxygen to our cells, so being anemic may make someone feel tired or fatigued. In more severe cases, people may experience a racing heart or hear pounding in their ears. It’s extremely rare for anemia to cause any serious harm to a woman or her baby, so please don’t worry.
If you treat your mild anemia, you’ll feel better and more energetic and you’ll have more energy now, and after, delivery. It takes about three weeks for your body to use the extra iron to make more red blood cells. This is not anything to worry about as long as you try to eat more foods with iron, such as red meat, beans, eggs, prunes, green leafy vegetables, or take an iron supplement. Here’s a secret: Iron is best absorbed with vitamin C and isn’t well absorbed with dairy products, so reach for a glass of orange juice when you take your iron supplement and have your milk later.
My doctor told me I am anemic and suggested I take an iron supplement. What are the complications associated with anemia during pregnancy?
