ANEMIA IN PREGNANCY: HOW TO TREAT IT
uring pregnancy, the female body undergoes profound changes designed to support not only the health of the mother but also the growth and development of the fetus. Among these transformations, one of the most common, and underestimated, is a reduction in iron levels in the body. Anemia in pregnancy is far from rare, but this doesn’t mean that it can be underestimated. On the contrary, it’s important to understand what it is, when to worry and especially how to intervene effectively and safely.
What is anemia in pregnancy?
Anemia is a condition that presents reduced levels of hemoglobin in the blood, often due to an iron deficiency. During pregnancy, the mother’s blood volume increases by up to 50%, diluting the concentration of red blood cells and physiologically decreasing hemoglobin.
This change is physiological, so it’s normal to expect an iron deficiency when pregnant. When levels fall below the expected values (11 g/dl in the first and third trimesters, 10.5 g/dl in the second trimester according to WHO guidelines), however, it is considered anemia.
Most common symptoms
Signs of anemia in pregnancy can be unclear, easily confused with gestation’s normal discomfort:
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Paleness
- Shortness of breath following mild/light efforts
- Dizziness and headaches
- Tachycardia
- Brittle nails or hair loss
Many women only find out that they are anemic through routine testing. This is why blood chemistry tests during pregnancy are crucial.
What happens to the fetus if it’s mother is anemic?
A major and prolonged iron deficiency can compromise the oxygenation of fetal tissues, increasing the risks of:
- Intrauterine growth retardation
- Preterm birth
- Low birth weight
- Changes in neurological development
For this reason, even a mild anemia should not be underestimated, because it could be the first sign of an evolution to monitor: iron is not only important for the mother’s health, but also for that of the child.
Anemia in pregnancy: when to worry
Not all cases of pregnancy anemia require the same level of attention. A slight reduction in hemoglobin may be physiological, but when values fall below the indicated limits or are accompanied by obvious symptoms, it is important to intervene.
Particular attention should be paid to the following situations:
- In the first trimester, when a deficiency may interfere with implantation and early development of the fetus.
- In the third trimester, when iron needs increase considerably to prepare mother and child for childbirth.
What to do for anemia in pregnancy?
Once an iron deficiency is detected, action can be taken in proportion to the decrease from safe levels.
Targeted eating
The first step is to take care of your diet. Preferable iron-rich foods are:
- Lean red meat, liver (in moderate quantities)
- Legumes (lentils, beans, chickpeas)
- Green leafy vegetables (spinach, chard)
- Dried fruit
- Dried or dehydrated fruit (apricots, plums, raisins)
- Whole grains and oilseeds
Here’s a tip: plant-based iron is better absorbed when combined with vitamin C (e.g. orange or lemon juice).
Safe iron supplements in pregnancy
When a good diet can’t sufficiently correct iron levels, targeted supplementation comes into play, a process which must be not only effective but also well tolerated by the maternal body. One of the most innovative solutions in this area is the association between iron and lactoferrin, as in the case of Ferridol from Eidon Salus.
This combination represents a real clinical bonus, because lactoferrin – a glycoprotein naturally present in breast milk – promotes the absorption of iron at an intestinal level and regulates its bioavailability, Particularly, lactoferrin increases the use of reserves, unlocking a pathological mechanism that traps iron in cells and prevents it from being released into the blood and used.
Unlike conventional supplements, Ferridol is well tolerated even at gastric and intestinal levels, as a process of chelation into amino acids makes it less aggressive, limiting or eliminating the irritation of the mucous membranes and direct contact of free iron with the intestinal wall. This means no nausea, abdominal cramps or constipation: disorders often reported by pregnant women treated with traditional iron.
Another important indicator of absorption quality is the absence of black feces in the morning: a sign that iron has not been eliminated unused, but has assimilated correctly. This aspect, often overlooked, is essential to ensure an effective and respectful integration of the delicate balance of the organism during pregnancy.
Thanks to its formulation, Ferridol not only corrects anemia, but supports maternal physiology without weighing it down, helping the woman feel more energetic, protected and relaxed throughout the pregnancy.
Constant monitoring
It is important to take repeated blood tests (blood count, iron deficiency, ferritin) at regular intervals as directed by your gynecologist or doctor. Treatment should always be personalized depending on trimester, levels of anemia and general condition of the pregnant woman.
How to raise iron during pregnancy?
In addition to diet and supplementation, there are small daily precautions that can improve iron absorption:
- Avoid tea and coffee during meals (they inhibit iron absorption)
- Favor delicate cooking that does not destroy micronutrients
- Do not associate iron with dairy products or calcium supplements (may interfere with absorption)
Anemia in pregnancy: a deficiency not to be ignored
Anemia in pregnancy is not a condition to be taken lightly. Recognizing it in time, understanding the risks, adopting a correct eating style and choosing the most appropriate supplement makes all the difference to the health of the mother and child.
Ferridol is a valuable ally for the treatment of anemia during pregnancy: effective, complete, well tolerated and formulated to accompany every future mother in her journey of well-being.
Always consult your gynecologist before starting any integration and rely on specific products for pregnancy: you and your baby’s well-being begins with informed choices.
FAQ
If anemia is left untreated, it can reduce the fetus’ oxygen and nutrient supply, increasing the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and slower development. Early intervention with proper diet and specific supplements significantly reduces these risks.
Iron deficiency can cause severe fatigue, difficulty concentrating, shortness of breath and palpitations. In serious cases it can compromise the fetus’ health. Low iron requires medical evaluation and, often, the use of supplements such as Ferridol, designed specifically for pregnancy.
You can increase iron levels by combining iron-rich foods (red meat, legumes, green leafy vegetables) with vitamin C to improve assimilation and with specific supplements. Products such as Ferridol, with iron bisglycinate and B vitamins, are particularly effective and well tolerated. It is essential to carry out regular check-ups and follow-ups with your doctor in order to assess the most appropriate treatment.
Worry if your hemoglobin values fall below recommended levels or if you experience symptoms such as extreme fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breath. The risk increases in the first and third trimester, so it is important to act quickly with the help of your doctor.
Yes. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends maintaining hemoglobin above 11 g/dL in the first and third trimesters and above 10.5 g/dL in the second trimester. In the case of lower values, we recommend a personalized treatment with targeted nutrition and supplementation.
