Prenatal Iron-Deficiency Anemia
During a normal pregnancy, blood volume will increase progressively, resulting in a corresponding increase in demand for iron. However, if pregnant women have insufficient iron available in their bodies, not enough red blood cells to be made and deliver oxygen to tissues. In this case, pregnant women are more likely to feel weak and tired. Prenatal iron-deficiency anemia can also affect the fetus, causing premature birth and low birth weight babies.
Some risk factors for prenatal iron-deficiency anemia are:
- Short interval pregnancy
- Being pregnant with more than one baby
- Frequent morning sickness
- A low iron intake in the diet
- Heavy pre-pregnancy menstrual flow
- Having a history of anemia before pregnancy [6]