Maternal anaemia

Pregnancy increases the body's need for blood-building nutrients, while blood loss during delivery can add to the problem. Iron deficiency is a common cause, but anaemia can also relate to vitamin B12 deficiency, inherited haemoglobin conditions, kidney disease, or another illness. Possible effects include tiredness, breathlessness with activity, dizziness, headaches, paleness, cold hands and feet, or a fast heartbeat. Symptoms can overlap with normal pregnancy changes, so blood testing is useful.

Attend antenatal or postnatal blood checks and tell your clinician about diet, bleeding, previous anaemia, and medicines. Treatment may include an iron supplement, dietary advice, treatment for a deficiency, or iron given another way when tablets are unsuitable or do not work. Take supplements exactly as advised; some cause nausea, constipation, or darker stools. Do not start high-dose products without checking the ingredient and dose.

Contact your maternity team promptly for worsening breathlessness, fainting, chest discomfort, a racing heartbeat at rest, marked weakness, or heavy bleeding. Seek emergency help if you collapse, cannot catch your breath, or feel suddenly very unwell. After birth, heavy bleeding, large clots, or increasing dizziness need urgent assessment rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Ask what your haemoglobin and iron results show, whether another cause needs checking, how to take treatment around meals or other medicines, and when repeat blood testing is planned.