Growing a baby is beautiful, but fatigue that lingers like a fog isn’t just part of the package-it’s a red flag. Many women brush it off, but this quiet weariness can snowball into something that affects both mother and baby.
Pale skin, short breaths, dizzy spells-these seem harmless, until they steal your peace day after day. During pregnancy, blood volume rises, and without enough iron, your body struggles to keep up.
If you’re an expecting mother trying to juggle work, home, and self-care – Eva WomanCare Clinic is here for you. We guide you with clarity, offering personalised care that brings both answers and support.
Understanding Anemia During Pregnancy
Definition and diagnostic thresholds
Anemia during pregnancy isn’t just about feeling tired-it’s about low hemoglobin levels that strain both mother and baby.
In the first trimester, hemoglobin should stay above 11 g/dL; by the third, anything below 10.5 g/dL raises concern.
Severe cases drop below 7 g/dL, indicating risks that need quick care. At Eva WomanCare, we detect early warning signs through our first-trimester checkups so mothers feel safe and supported from day one.
Iron and nutrient role in pregnancy
Your baby thrives on oxygen, and iron helps transport it through your blood-missing that, both of you miss out. Iron boosts red blood cell creation, while folic acid prevents spinal issues and vitamin B12 supports brain development.
At our clinic in Navi Mumbai, we guide mothers on personalized vitamin and iron supplementation plans to stay on track. That’s one less worry while you prepare to welcome your little one.
Who is at risk?
Skipping meals, back-to-back pregnancies, and untreated stomach infections quietly build the perfect storm for anemia. Women with poor dietary intake or chronic illnesses like malaria or dengue often fall deeper into deficiency without realising it.
If you have a history of short pregnancy gaps or parasitic infections, talk to us early. Our expert care under Dr Grishma helps you manage such risks confidently, efficiently and professionally.
Symptoms of Anemia in Pregnancy
Mild to moderate symptoms
Fatigue that doesn’t go away, lightheaded mornings, and pale lips-these aren’t just pregnancy quirks. They often signal low iron levels that need attention.
If you’re feeling out of breath climbing stairs or find yourself napping midday, it might be your body’s way of waving a red flag. Through experience and early screenings, Eva WomanCare identifies these signs before they spiral.
Severe or emergency symptoms
Struggling to breathe while resting? Heart racing by just walking? It’s time to act.
Fainting spells, chest pain, and struggling to stay alert can be indications of dangerously low iron levels.
At Eva WomanCare, we manage these complications under our high-risk care services before it endangers your health or your baby’s. Relief starts the moment you’re heard and helped.
Types of Anemia Affecting Pregnant Women
Iron Deficiency Anemia
This isn’t rare-it affects most expecting mothers and usually comes from low intake or poor iron absorption. It quietly chips away at energy levels and fetal growth if left untreated.
Our nutrition plans help you find safe, iron-rich meals suited to your lifestyle.
With Navi Mumbai’s top-rated gynaecologist by your side, you’re supported at every step.
Folate and Vitamin B12 Deficiency
B12 and folate keep the baby’s nervous system healthy, especially in vegetarians who may unintentionally miss out. Deficiency here may lead to birth defects or delayed development.
At Eva WomanCare, we offer tests and detailed diet counselling so even plant-based mothers get what their body needs. We remove the guesswork so your growing baby gets the best support.
Diagnosis and Monitoring
Diagnostic tests and lab values
A simple blood test uncovers more than you think. We check hemoglobin, red cell size, and ferritin levels to assess your iron stores.
Peripheral smears give detailed insights to help us understand the type and severity. All of this is done through carefully guided diagnostics under Dr Grishma’s expert eye.
Monitoring through pregnancy
Each trimester carries different challenges, and anemia often worsens in the third.
If unmonitored, it may go from mild to severe while staying silent.
We recommend close tracking in later weeks through iron level checks and symptom screening.
At Eva WomanCare, we tailor these assessments to individual needs.
Effects on Mother and Baby
Maternal health complications
Tiredness is just the beginning-anemia may lead to infections, excessive blood loss after delivery, or even require a transfusion. When iron runs low, healing slows and energy disappears.
With over 25 years of experience, our maternity team ensures every such risk gets managed before it becomes severe. You focus on bonding, we handle the care.
Fetal development concerns
Babies need iron too-for growth, weight gain, and timely delivery. Sustained deficiency may cause low birth weight or premature birth.
We use ultrasound and 3rd-trimester scans to check baby’s growth and catch delays. You stay informed through every step with us.
Treatment and Supplementation
Standard medical treatments
Anemia doesn’t wait, and neither should treatment. We begin with iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements in simple, safe doses suited to your needs.
Timing and duration are adjusted monthly based on how your body responds.
Our continuity in care makes managing prenatal anemia less stressful.
Tips for supplement intake
Take iron on an empty stomach or with a slice of lemon. Avoid high fibre or calcium right after.
Side effects like nausea or black stools are common-our team offers solutions to ease absorption without discomfort. You focus on feeling better, we refine what works best for your body.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Management
Iron-rich foods
From palak paneer to mutton curry, traditional meals carry hidden iron treasures.
We guide mothers through culturally relevant food plans that blend taste with nutrition.
Our plans suit both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets. Your plate becomes your strength without overcomplicating daily cooking.
Enhancing absorption and avoiding inhibitors
Fresh lemon juice or fermented rice boosts iron digestion naturally. But tea, milk, and excess fibre can block absorption when taken close to iron intake.
We help structure meals smartly so every bite counts. Your food routine begins to support your body in ways that feel effortless.
Prevention and Support
Before and during pregnancy
Iron stores built before conceiving make a big difference. That’s why we offer early pre-pregnancy counselling and supplements for smoother pregnancy transitions.
Our regular guidance makes sure your reserves remain strong all through the nine months.
When to Seek Medical Attention?
Warning signs requiring urgent care
Breathlessness even while seated, dizziness strong enough to fall, or craving chalk? These are signals of worsening anemia and require immediate attention.
Trust your gut and reach out early! We’re equipped to stabilise emergencies while keeping mother and baby safe.
FAQs
How do I know if I am anaemic during pregnancy?
Fatigue, pale skin, dizziness, and test results showing low hemoglobin indicate anemia. A routine blood test confirms the level.
Can anemia during pregnancy result in miscarriage?
In very severe cases, it may increase risk, but early detection and proper care usually prevent it. We offer intervention before complications escalate.
When does anemia typically begin in pregnancy?
It may start as early as the first trimester due to increased iron demand. Symptoms worsen in the second or third trimesters without proper nutrition.
How long does treatment take to show improvement?
Improvement starts within 2-3 weeks of consistent supplementation. Full correction may take two to three months based on severity.
Does anemia in pregnancy affect a baby's gender?
No scientific proof links anemia to a baby’s gender.
Gender is determined genetically, not by nutritional deficiencies.
You’re Tired, But It Feels Different This Time
There are days when no amount of rest seems enough-when dragging yourself out of bed feels like a battle. If you’ve been feeling this way for a while, it’s worth asking whether something deeper is at play.
Listening to your body is never a waste of time, especially when the warnings are subtle but persistent. What feels like ordinary fatigue could be your body asking for help-quietly, but urgently.
At Eva WomanCare, we support women in recognising what’s beneath the surface. Book a consultation and let’s talk about how you’re really feeling.
