How do you define anemia in pregnancy?

How do you define anemia in pregnancy?

Anemia is when your blood has too few red blood cells. Having too few red blood cells makes it harder for your blood to carry oxygen or iron. This can affect how cells work in nerves and muscles. During pregnancy, your baby also needs your blood.

What iron level is considered anemic in pregnancy?

According to the classification of World Health Organization (WHO), pregnant women with hemoglobin levels less than 11.0 g/dl in the first and third trimesters and less than 10.5 g/dl in the second trimester are considered anemic (Table I) (11).

How does iron deficiency anemia affect pregnancy?

When iron levels are low, the red blood cells are unable to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. Although it is normal to experience mild anemia during pregnancy due to increased blood volume, severe anemia may put you and your baby at risk of premature delivery and low birth weight.

Do babies get iron from breast milk?

Most newborns have sufficient iron stored in their bodies for about the first 6 months of life depending on gestational age, maternal iron status, and timing of umbilical cord clamping. By age 6 months, however, infants require an external source of iron apart from breast milk.

What helps with low iron during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, you need 27 milligrams of iron a day. Good nutrition also can prevent iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. Dietary sources of iron include lean red meat, poultry and fish. Other options include iron-fortified breakfast cereals, prune juice, dried beans and peas.

Does anemia affect baby during pregnancy?

Anemia may cause your baby to not grow to a healthy weight. Your baby may also arrive early (preterm birth) or have a low birth weight. Anemia is usually found during a routine blood test for hemoglobin or hematocrit levels. Treatment depends on the type of anemia and how bad it is.