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Iron-deficiency Anemia

February 2020 | Her Health | by Melanie Steen, CNM, FNP February 2020 | Her Health | by  Melanie Steen, CNM, FNP

Iron-deficiency anemia is a common condition in pregnancy, affecting approximately one in six women. Without iron, our bodies cannot produce the proper red blood cells that supply our tissues with oxygen. Because of the increasing demands for oxygen-rich blood to sustain a pregnancy, women are often found to be deficient, or anemic. Certain additional factors make a woman more susceptible to developing anemia, such as multiple gestation, short interval pregnancies, frequent vomiting, an iron-poor diet, and a heavy prepregnancy menstrual flow.

Women's blood counts are often tested every trimester, as the demands for circulating red blood cells increase as the pregnancy progresses. Through a simple blood test, your provider can detect the amount of hemoglobin in your body. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body. When your hemoglobin levels are low, AKA anemia, your body doesn't receive adequate oxygen to all of its tissues. Consequently, we can see adverse symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, racing heart, chest pain, shortness of breath, pale skin, headaches and dizziness. In addition, pregnancy outcomes can be affected, resulting in possible low birth weight, preterm birth, low iron stores in offspring, and increased susceptibility to infection.

Because of the negative implications, it is of vital importance to increase your iron stores if you have been diagnosed with anemia. The most effective prevention and first-line correction includes the addition of an iron-rich diet with accompanying vitamin C (orange juice) to enhance absorption. Some examples of iron-rich foods include: green leafy veggies, collard greens, egg yolks, raisins, prunes, liver, oysters, and some fortified cereals. Pro-tip: utilizing cast-iron while cooking can increase the amount of iron you consume, as iron passes into your food from the cookware. In addition to a change in diet, depending on your deficiency, your provider may also encourage an oral iron supplementation of ferrous sulfate 2-3 times a day, or in severe cases, IV iron infusions.

If you have been diagnosed with anemia, or are experiencing any of the above symptoms, know that you are not alone. Please speak with your Modern OB/GYN provider for more information.

Iron-deficiency anemia

Four North Metro-Atlanta Offices

Modern Ob/Gyn is proud to offer four beautiful and convenient locations in Johns Creek Medlock Bridge, Cumming Northside Forsyth, Alpharetta at Avalon, and Johns Creek Emory Campus for your appointments. We provide hospital care at Emory Johns Creek Hospital and Northside Hospital-Forsyth. Expectant mothers can be reassured that with our intimate, team-based approach to obstetrics, they will be cared for by physicians and midwives familiar with their personal story and will always have confidence and comfort at the time of delivery.