Iron-deficiency anemia is somewhat common during pregnancy (about 20% of women develop it), so it's smart to understand what anemia...
Iron-deficiency anemia is somewhat common during pregnancy (about 20% of women develop it), so it's smart to understand what anemia is and how it can affect your pregnancy. Regular old anemia is "A condition that develops when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells." Iron-deficiency anemia is the kind you're most likely to develop during pregnancy due to increased blood demands your body makes during pregnancy. The test for iron-deficiency anemia: The test for this is a basic blood test that's usually done at your first prenatal visit. However, you may have another test later on as well, because iron-deficiency anemia is more common after the 20th week of pregnancy. By the 20th week your body has an expanded blood volume and your baby is growing quickly, so your need for iron increases too. If you're lacking proper iron, you could develop this anemia. Signs that you might be anemic:
- You're more tired than usual - an odd symptom to see in pregnancy though, because you're already likely more tired than usual. Eventually though, you'll spot it, because you'll be extremely fatigued.
- Weakness.
- Your skin may be pale.
- Headache or dizziness.
- Cold body temperature, especially in your hands and feet.
- Brittle nails.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Irritability.
- Weird cravings or iron rich cravings. You may want meat or you may want stuff you wouldn't normally eat like dirt or pure starch.
