Less than half of individuals have their ferritin levels checked during pregnancy, and among those who do, half have low iron levels, according to a study published online Aug. 30 in Blood Advances. Black and Hispanic women have a 20 percent higher risk of iron deficiency anemia, which can cause pregnancy complications, stress on the heart, fatigue, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, etc.
"These data highlight gaps in prenatal care and issues of health equity that warrant harmonization of obstetrical guidelines to recommend routine ferritin testing in pregnancy," the authors write.
Causes of Anemia during Pregnancy
A fall in hemoglobin levels during pregnancy can cause a greater expansion of plasma volume and an increase in red cell volume. This disproportion between the rates of increase for, plasma and erythrocytes can affect pregnant women the most during their second trimester.
In this case, there may not be enough iron to feed the blood supply of the growing fetus without a supplement.
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You may also be at risk of developing anemia during pregnancy if you:
- Have two closely spaced pregnancies
- Are pregnant with more than one baby
- Are vomiting frequently due to morning sickness
- Don't consume enough iron
- Have a heavy pre-pregnancy menstrual flow
- Have a history of anemia before your pregnancy
READ: Five Iron-Rich Foods to Give Anemia Eviction Notice
How does anemia affect the baby?
If you have a severe case of anemia, your baby can be affected in the following ways:
- premature birth
- having a low birth weight
- infant death immediately before or after birth
Additionally, anemia can put you at a higher risk of
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developing postpartum depression.
If you suspect that you make have an iron deficiency, it is important that you check with your doctor before self-diagnosing. Overdosing on iron supplements can be dangerous and cause liver damage.
Once your doctor determines that you have an iron deficiency, they will prescribe you the proper dose.
Although you may begin feeling better a week into taking supplements, it can take several months to a year to fully restore your iron levels.
You may consider scheduling a follow-up appointment with your doctor to recheck your iron levels and make sure the supplements are working.
RELATED: Plant-Based And Pregnant? How To Address Deficiencies
How to naturally treat iron deficiency anemia
You can naturally increase your iron levels by consuming more iron-rich foods:
- dark green leafy vegetables (e.g., spinach)
- red meat
- poultry, pork
- beans
- peas
- dried fruit
- iron-fortified bread, cereal, and pasta
- Taking a vitamin C supplement or eating foods containing vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, melon, leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, and bell peppers
In order to prevent any further damage or pregnancy complications, it is important that you treat iron deficiency right away. One way you can prevent this is by making sure your doctor checks your ferritin levels regularly. If your doctor doesn't do it on their own, take charge of your own health and ask for one.
