14. How is anemia during pregnancy diagnosed?
A blood test called a complete blood count (CBC)
can diagnose anemia. This blood test is often
done at one of your first prenatal appointments.
Your healthcare provider uses the CBC to
analyze:
How many red blood cells you have, their size
and shape (which can indicate certain conditions
like sickle cell anemia).
How much iron your body has stored.
If you are low in vitamins B12 and B9.
15. MANAGEMENT AND
TREATMENT
How is anemia treated in pregnancy?
Treatment for anemia during pregnancy
depends on the severity. If you have:
Mild to moderate anemia: Your provider
will usually treat it with a daily prenatal
vitamin or iron supplement. This gives
your body healthy amounts of iron,
vitamin B12 and folic acid.
Severe anemia: You may need a blood
transfusion.
16. How can I treat anemia at home while
pregnant?
The best way to treat the most common types
of anemia is to make sure you’re getting
enough iron, B12 and folic acid. Take a
prenatal vitamin every day. Talk to your
healthcare provider about which prenatal
vitamin they recommend.
Diet changes can help, too. Eat more foods
that are high in iron like spinach, lean beef
and turkey. Foods that are high in vitamins
that help your body absorb iron (like vitamin
C) are important as well, including citrus
fruits, tomatoes and peppers.
17. PREVENTION
How can I prevent anemia during pregnancy?
The best thing you can do for anemia prevention is to
eat at least 30 milligrams (three servings) of iron each
day. If you can’t get that much iron in your diet, talk to
your provider about taking an iron supplement.
You should also take a prenatal vitamin daily. If
possible, you should start taking prenatal vitamins
before you get pregnant. Some prenatal vitamins don’t
have enough iron in them. So, talk to your healthcare
provider to determine which type of prenatal vitamin is
best for you.
Keep in mind that you can do all the right things and still
get mild anemia during pregnancy. That’s because of
the natural increase in blood volume. If you feel tired,
dizzy or have any other symptoms, talk to your provider.
