What should you know about severe anaemia in pregnancy?

Haemoglobin in red blood cells carries oxygen. During pregnancy, the body makes more blood, so iron and other nutrients are needed to support red blood cells. Anaemia may cause marked tiredness, weakness, breathlessness, palpitations, dizziness, headaches or looking pale; some people have few symptoms despite a low result. Iron deficiency is common, but bleeding, low vitamin levels, inflammation or inherited blood conditions can also contribute. A blood test helps identify the pattern and severity.

Contact your maternity team promptly if you have been told the anaemia is severe. They may repeat blood tests, investigate the cause and recommend oral or intravenous [Iron Therapy](/treatments/medical-gynaecology/iron-therapy/), depending on the result, pregnancy stage, symptoms and how well treatment is tolerated. Take prescribed treatment as directed and do not start high-dose supplements without advice. Discuss food sources of iron and any medicines that may affect absorption.

Seek urgent medical help for breathlessness at rest, chest pain, fainting, a racing or irregular heartbeat, severe weakness, confusion or heavy bleeding. If tiredness is your main symptom, read about [Tiredness in Pregnancy](/symptoms/tiredness-in-pregnancy/), but do not assume it is simply a normal pregnancy change when anaemia has been diagnosed.

Ask what caused the anaemia, which blood results need follow-up, how quickly treatment should work, when testing will be repeated and what symptoms should trigger urgent help. Ask how treatment will fit around other supplements and pregnancy medicines.