How does iron-deficiency anemia affect pregnant women?

Written by Liu Wei Jie

Obstetrics

Updated on May 27, 2025

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First of all, iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy is very common, and it is also a very common complication we encounter in prenatal screening. The reason for anemia during pregnancy is due to the increased demand for iron as the fetus grows, and maternal intake is insufficient.

Iron deficiency anemia can lead to severe bleeding during childbirth, and if a cesarean section is performed, it may adversely affect the healing of the incision. Furthermore, iron deficiency anemia may affect fetal intelligence.

Therefore, it is crucial to ensure proper prenatal screening during pregnancy to prevent severe anemia. If anemia is severe, blood transfusion treatment may be necessary during childbirth or cesarean delivery.

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Written by Zhang Xiao Le

Hematology

1min 1sec

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What is the fastest way to treat iron deficiency anemia?

The treatment of iron deficiency anemia mainly includes two aspects: one is iron supplementation, and the other is identifying and correcting the underlying cause of the anemia. Iron supplementation for patients with iron deficiency anemia can be administered orally or via intravenous infusion, the latter of which tends to be faster. Generally, hemoglobin begins to rise about a week after treatment starts, and returns to normal levels within two to three weeks. Even after hemoglobin levels normalize, iron supplementation should continue for three to six months. It is more important to identify and treat the underlying causes of anemia. Common causes of iron deficiency anemia include chronic blood loss, such as from gastrointestinal ulcers or tumors. Therefore, patients with iron deficiency anemia typically need to undergo gastrointestinal endoscopy to identify the specific cause of the iron deficiency.

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Written by He Li Fang

Hematology

1min 36sec

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What department should I go to for iron deficiency anemia?

Iron is one of the essential trace elements for the human body, and it is the most likely to be deficient among trace elements. Iron deficiency can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which is also identified by the World Health Organization as one of the global nutritional deficiency diseases and a major public health nutrition issue in China. According to epidemiological surveys, iron deficiency is related to the following factors: improper feeding during infancy, picky eating and nosebleeds during childhood and adolescence. In women, it is associated with excessive menstrual flow, poor nutrition, inadequate protein intake (especially low intake of animal proteins), inappropriate consumption methods of dairy products, as well as repeated pregnancies, breastfeeding, and certain diseases such as atrophic gastritis, chronic diarrhea, significant gastric resection, and hookworm infections, all of which can cause iron deficiency. Therefore, patients with iron deficiency anemia should consult the department of hematology, as iron deficiency anemia falls under the category of red blood cell disorders within hematology. Of course, infants, children, and adolescents under the age of 14 can visit pediatrics, and a portion of patients, such as pregnant and lactating women, can visit the obstetrics department.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie

Obstetrics

52sec

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How does iron-deficiency anemia affect pregnant women?

First of all, iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy is very common, and it is also a very common complication we encounter in prenatal screening. The reason for anemia during pregnancy is due to the increased demand for iron as the fetus grows, and maternal intake is insufficient. Iron deficiency anemia can lead to severe bleeding during childbirth, and if a cesarean section is performed, it may adversely affect the healing of the incision. Furthermore, iron deficiency anemia may affect fetal intelligence. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure proper prenatal screening during pregnancy to prevent severe anemia. If anemia is severe, blood transfusion treatment may be necessary during childbirth or cesarean delivery.

home-news-image

Written by Zhang Xiao Le

Hematology

51sec

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Consequences of untreated iron deficiency anemia

Any anemia, if not treated, will only get worse over time, including iron-deficiency anemia. Prolonged anemia can impact various organ systems throughout the body. In the nervous system, it can cause headaches, dizziness, insomnia, frequent dreams, and memory decline. In children, iron-deficiency anemia can even affect intellectual development. In the respiratory system, it can lead to deeper and faster breathing, and increase the risk of respiratory infections. In the circulatory system, it can manifest as low blood volume, and long-term severe anemia can lead to anemic heart disease, causing arrhythmias and heart failure. In the digestive system, it can manifest as reduced appetite, and in severe cases, it can cause constipation, diarrhea, etc.

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Written by He Li Fang

Hematology

1min 7sec

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What to eat for dietary supplementation in iron deficiency anemia

The dietary plan for patients with iron-deficiency anemia first involves increasing the intake of iron-rich foods, such as animal liver, blood, soybeans, black fungus, sesame paste, brown sugar, lean meat, egg yolks, pork and lamb kidneys, and dried fruits. Second, it is recommended to appropriately supplement with vitamin C, as taking iron supplements and vitamin C together can increase iron absorption, thereby achieving better iron supplementation effects. Thirdly, patients are advised to change their dietary habits to increase the intake and bioavailability of nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin B2, folic acid, and vitamin B12, which are involved in the production of red blood cells. Supplementing these nutrients can also enhance the utilization of iron from food, thereby assisting in the treatment.