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All About Women

A patient-centered practice for all stages of a woman's life

Gainesville, FL (352) 331-3332
6440 W Newberry Rd, Ste 111

Lake City, FL (386) 754-1744
4447 NW American Ln, Ste 102

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Blog / Women's Health Awareness / Anemia in Women: What Causes It, Common Symptoms & Treatment Options

Anemia in Women: What Causes It, Common Symptoms & Treatment Options

March 27, 2020 By Liliana Zapien

anemia during pregnancy

Anemia is a condition that develops when you don’t have a high enough red blood cell concentration or enough healthy red blood cells in your blood. Red blood cells carry oxygen to your body’s tissues with the help of hemoglobin, which is a protein found in red blood cells. Hemoglobin contains a lot of iron, which is the main catalyst for spreading oxygen to your body.

Women most commonly develop anemia because of iron deficiency. 

What causes anemia in women?

As we’ve said, a lack of iron is one of the main causes of anemia.

But how does a woman become iron deficient?

The most common reason is pregnancy.

In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 40 percent of women worldwide are anemic during pregnancy.

Other causes of anemia include:

  • A diet lacking proper nutrition
  • Other vitamin or mineral deficiencies
  • Heavy blood loss
  • Inflammation from certain chronic diseases
  • Leukemia or other cancers that affect the blood
  • Intestinal disorders (i.e. Crohn’s disease)
  • Heavy use of alcohol
 

Common symptoms of anemia in women

Sometimes symptoms are not present or noticeable if your anemia is mild. But as it progresses or becomes more severe, here are the symptoms to watch for:

  • Fatigue or lack of motivation
  • Dizziness or weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Reduced productivity
  • Unexplained headaches
  • Low body temperature
  • Yellow-ish skin
  • Irregular heartbeat
 

If you notice you’re developing some of these symptoms (especially if you’re pregnant), talk to your doctor right away.

How do I prevent or treat anemia during pregnancy?

The best way to prevent anemia is to take prenatal vitamins during pregnancy that are high in folic acid. Also eating foods that are rich in iron (such as meats, eggs, fish, peas and beans) can help boost your folic acid intake and prevent anemia.

If your anemia is primarily a result of too little iron in your blood, changing your diet and taking an iron supplement is generally enough to boost your hemoglobin levels. In addition, you can take vitamin C or eat foods containing high levels of vitamin C (citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, etc.) because this helps your body absorb iron.

Always talk to your doctor before starting any supplementation though, because it may not be enough depending on the reason and severity of your anemia. Sometimes a procedure or blood transfusion becomes necessary.

Does anemia affect my baby during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, you need about twice as much iron as when you’re not pregnant. Iron helps support the growth of your baby. If your baby is not getting enough iron, it is more at risk for low birth weight or premature birth. Since both of these things can cause problems with development in your child and pose a risk for serious complications, it’s important to test for anemia during pregnancy.

Talk to your doctor about anemia

If you’re concerned you may have anemia, talk to your doctor about any symptoms you’re experiencing and discuss the best treatment options for you. Anemia can affect your energy severely. It’s important to address it quickly so it doesn’t keep you from regular activities or work. Iron-deficient anemia can also put your baby at risk if you’re pregnant, so talk to your doctor at the first possible sign.

If you have any questions about anemia and your pregnancy, don’t hesitate to contact All About Women. We’re here for you, no matter how big or small the concern.

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Filed Under: Women's Health Awareness Tagged With: nutrition, pregnancy care, Well Woman care

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All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology – Gainesville

Gainesville
6440 W Newberry Rd, Ste 111
Gainesville, FL 32605
(352) 331-3332


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Lake City
4447 NW American Ln, Ste 102
Lake City, FL 32055
(386) 754-1744


 

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Gainesville and Lake City OB/GYN Care
OB/GYN doctors at All About Women, Obstetrics & Gynecology offer personalized, technologically advanced obstetrics and gynecology services from Board Certified OB/GYB physicians. Besides expert women's healthcare, permanent birth control and prenatal care, OB/GYN doctors also offers advanced hysterectomy surgery in and around the Gainesville area.


Women's Health Care in Alachua & Columbia Counties
With offices in Gainesville and Lake City, Florida, All About Women, M.D. provides expert OB/GYN services covering the entire range of women's healthcare needs. Our OB/GYN physicians and nurse midwives provide expert care during pregnancy as well as state of the art in-office treatments for gynecologic disorders including Novasure endometrial ablation to treat/stop heavy menstrual bleeding.


Personalized & Expert Prenatal Care
Gainesville obstetricians at All About Women, M.D. help ensure pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible by offering the best prenatal care available. And for those having difficulty getting pregnant, AAW obstetricians and gynecologists offer couples the best infertility help and treatment available.


Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery: daVinci Surgical System
Clinic founder Dr. Anthony Agrios, Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist also specializes in the daVinci Robotic surgery system, a minimally invasive option commonly used for a hysterectomy and other procedures. Instead of creating several small incisions like traditional surgical methods, OB/GYN surgeons simply open one incision with the daVinci system to complete the procedure. Not only do patients experience less pain and blood loss, they recover and get back to normal much faster.


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OB/GYN Tips: Choosing an OB/GYN : Robotic Hysterectomy

Infertility & Reproduction Health: Infertility Treatment : Permanent Birth Control

Women's Health: Preventive Care : Well Women Care : Mammogram Screenings : Abnormal Periods

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