Anemia in Pregnancy PowerPoint Free Infographics

Anemia in Pregnancy: Key Takeaways

1. What Is Anemia in Pregnancy?
   Anemia in pregnancy is defined as low hemoglobin levels during gestation, most commonly caused by iron, folate, or vitamin B12 deficiencies. It affects up to 62.3% of pregnant women globally, especially in low-income regions.
2. Most Common Type: Iron Deficiency Anemia
   Iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia in pregnancy, often due to poor iron intake, increased blood volume, or absorption issues. Symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, pica, and cold extremities.
3. Risk Factors for Anemia in Pregnancy
   Contributing risks include vegetarian or vegan diets, close-spaced pregnancies, teenage pregnancy, obesity, history of heavy periods, and conditions like celiac or Crohn’s disease.
4. Symptoms to Watch For
   Early symptoms may include dizziness, shortness of breath, pale skin, rapid heartbeat, and concentration difficulties. In severe cases, dyspnea, tachycardia, and mental lassitude can occur.
5. Complications for the Baby
   Untreated anemia increases the risk of low birth weight, premature birth, impaired brain development, anemia in infancy, and neural tube defects.
6. Complications for the Mother
   Maternal risks include increased blood loss during delivery, postpartum depression, heart strain, infections, and postnatal fatigue.
7. Diagnosis and Classification
   Hemoglobin levels under 110 g/L in the first trimester, 105 g/L in the second and third, and 100 g/L postpartum indicate anemia. Diagnosis is confirmed through CBC, Hb, and hematocrit tests.
8. Treatment Options
   Management includes oral iron supplements (ferrous sulfate, fumarate, gluconate), IV iron for intolerance, folic acid, vitamin B12, and blood transfusions in severe cases.
9. Prevention Strategies
   Prevention focuses on prenatal vitamins, iron-rich diets (red meat, leafy greens, legumes), routine blood tests, and family planning to allow adequate recovery between pregnancies.
10. Global Health Impact
    Anemia affects millions of pregnant women, especially in Africa, South Asia, and low-resource settings. WHO estimates 37–62% prevalence, making it a critical maternal and neonatal health challenge worldwide.