Things You'll Need:
- Blood Lab Test
- Iron Rich Diet
- Iron Supplement
- Vitamin C Supplement
- Regular Obstetrician
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Step 1
Fatigue is the primary symptom of anemia.Identify the signs and symptoms of anemia.
Fatigue is often the most prevalent indicator of pregnancy anemia, and in a convoluted process, a deficiency of dietary iron is responsible. Iron is needed to make hemoglobin and hemoglobin helps the red blood cells of the body to store and transport oxygen to where it is needed. An inadequate amount of hemoglobin reduces the oxygen supply to organs and other tissues and leads to the dreaded condition known as "pregnancy fatigue".
Other signs of anemia during pregnancy include pale skin, loss of mental focus or inability to concentrate, tachycardia, and shortness of breath. Any of these symptoms should be reported to your obstetrician for evaluation. -
Step 2
Simple blood test to diagnose anemia.Get tested for anemia.
A simple blood test can be used to screen for anemia in pregnancy, and based on the results, your physician may recommend a change in your diet or oral iron supplements. Don't be surprised if the doctor wants you to be tested more frequently if you have had multiple pregnancies in a short time period, a history of heavy menstrual periods, or are carrying multiple babies. -
Step 3
Beans are part of an iron rich diet.Increase iron in your diet.
The recommended intake for iron is 27 mg daily for a pregnant woman. In order to get this much iron each and every day, you must increase your intake of iron rich foods. Iron rich foods include beans, red meat, dried fruits, leafy green vegetables, eggs, and iron fortified bread and cereal products. -
Step 4
Include a Vitamin C supplement.Add vitamin C to improve iron absorption.
Your physician will probably recommend an additional vitamin c supplement for you to take every day. The intake of ascorbic acid helps the body to absorb iron from the foods you eat. -
Step 5
Report any bleeding to your physician.Report any bleeding to your physician.
Blood loss, from hemorrhoids or spotting, can put the pregnant woman at increased risk for anemia. Any bleeding that you are experiencing should be promptly reported for further evaluation by your physician. They may require you to undergo more frequent blood testing or have you start taking an oral iron supplement.
