1. Risk Factors for Developing Anemia During Pregnancy
Doctors define anemia as having a lower-than-normal amount of red blood cells or as when the red blood cells present can't carry iron or oxygen efficiently throughout the body. Many women experience some anemia during their pregnancies because their blood volume increases to support the growing fetus. However, in some pregnant women, anemia can lead to serious complications.
At the beginning of a pregnancy or before a woman even gets pregnant, she should know her risk factors for developing pregnancy anemia. Women who eat a diet lacking in nutrients, who smoke or drink or who have certain medical conditions that affect the absorption of essential nutrients have a higher risk of developing anemia during their pregnancies. Furthermore, women pregnant with twins or other multiples also have a greater chance of developing pregnancy-related anemia.
2. Symptoms of Anemia in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should pay special attention to their bodies during pregnancy. The pregnant woman experiences many pregnancy-related symptoms; however, some symptoms signify anemia. Some of these symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, light-headedness, shortness of breath, fast heart rate, difficulty concentrating, headaches, weakness and pale skin (including the eyelids, lips, hands and fingernails). Some women with severe pregnancy-related anemia can develop a condition known as pica, in which the woman craves nonfoods such as paper or ice. Pregnant women should mention any of these symptoms to their personal doctors, since they can prove useful in diagnosing pregnancy-related anemia.
3. Test Hematocrit and Hemoglobin Levels to Make the Diagnosis
Often, doctors will use various blood tests to make the official diagnosis of pregnancy-related anemia. One value that doctors often test is the hematocrit, which is the percentage of red blood cells present in a certain volume of blood plasma. A nonpregnant female typically has a hematocrit of 38 to 45 percent. During pregnancy, it is not uncommon for the hematocrit to drop somewhat. If the hematocrit falls below 33 percent, however, doctors will usually make the diagnosis of pregnancy-related anemia.
Doctors also will test a pregnant woman's hemoglobin level if they suspect anemia. Hemoglobin is the part of the blood that helps carry oxygen throughout the bloodstream, and if the hemoglobin value is lower than 10 g of hemoglobin per dL (deciliter) of blood, a doctor will typically diagnose pregnancy-related anemia.
