Anemia in Pregnancy

In this lesson I will explain anemia in pregnancy and your role for caring for this patient.

Anemia is defined as decreased oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. Let’s talk about the causes. In pregnancy, this usually because there is an insufficient amount of iron. So typically iron deficiency anemia. There is a greater need in pregnancy for iron because of the growing fetus and placenta and the increased circulating blood volume. Remember oxygen binds to the red blood cells to travel the body so if there is not enough iron to make red blood cells then oxygen can’t get to the patient’s tissues nor to the baby as effectively. In this image you can see the red blood cells traveling and they will carry the oxygen. If we lose some of these red blood cells then we lose the ability to carry oxygen.

Some of our symptoms for anemia are pale, fatigue, cold, headaches, and lightheadedness. In this image you can see some additional symptoms listed for each system. We have shortness of breath because we are low on oxygen and muscular system is weak because oxygen isn’t getting perfused to the tissues as well. We see the heart rate increased because the body is desperately trying to pump and oxygenate quickly. We might be required to monitor CBC’s frequently to watch H/H. There is also what we call relative anemia because of a low Hematocrit because remember there is an increased circulating plasma volume compared with increase in red blood cell volume. Sometimes the patients might even need iron infusions if this is the cause. These patients can be at a greater risk for intrapartum and postpartum hemorrhage so for that reason blood transfusions may be needed.

Now let’s look at therapeutic management for our anemic person. Iron and folic acid supplements may be ordered for the patient depending on the type of anemia. encourage dietary sources Transfusions might be needed and this could be iron transfusions or blood. These patients are at risk for hemorrhage especially right after delivery so oxytocin can be given and this is the drug of choice, Oxytocin causes the uterus to contract quicker and stronger which will decrease bleeding.

Clotting and oxygenation are our nursing concepts for a patient with anemia. We need red blood cells to carry the oxygen to the tissues and fetus and we also need the body to clot rapidly after delivery so the patient does not lose more blood.

Patients should be educated on taking frequent rest periods due to symptoms of fatigue. The patients should be educated to take iron supplements as directed. Vitamin C is important to remember. This is usually thrown in with those nutritional questions and vitamin C. Iron supplements are best absorbed between meals and with a Vitamin C source. No milk or tea products. Vitamin C will help the absorption of iron. They should also report any heavy bleeding after delivery so that we can quickly address it.
Our key points to pull it all together for you are that iron is our most common anemia in pregnancy. Iron is needed for red blood cell production. Red blood cells carry our oxygen so if we don’t have enough then we don’t have enough oxygen. Diet changes should include foods high in iron and vitamin C to help absorption. Supplements can help and should be taken between meals for best absorption. Iron transfusions, and blood transfusions might be necessary and it is important to monitor bleeding post delivery because the patient is losing more red blood cells are lost.

Make sure you check out the resources attached to this lesson and study foods that are good source of iron. Now, go out and be your best selves today. And, as always, happy nursing.