Pregnancy is no small task. Your body is literally building another human, which takes plenty of nutrients—especially iron. So, when your iron levels drop too low, you can develop anemia during pregnancy. It is a condition that is more common than most of us think and can cause a whole bunch of uncomfortable symptoms.
Now, mild anemia is pretty normal when you are expecting. But if it goes unnoticed or untreated, it can put both you and your baby at risk. Therefore, you may even require specialist care from Dr. Shivanjali Nayak, a high-risk pregnancy doctor in Kolkata for early detection and timely treatment.
Here are the 10 signs of anemia during pregnancy that you shouldn’t ignore.
1. Always Tired (Like, Really Tired)
We get it—pregnancy itself can be exhausting. But do you feel drained even after a complete sleep? Light activity like walking, cooking, or even talking leaves you wiped out? Your red blood cells might not be carrying enough oxygen. That indicates anemia.
2. Pale or Yellowish Skin
Have you looked in the mirror lately and felt like you have lost your glow? Anemia can make your skin look paler than usual or slightly yellow. You may also notice this around your lips, inner eyelids, or nail beds.
3. Shortness of Breath
Even light physical activity may leave you out of breath. If climbing stairs or walking makes you feel winded more quickly than usual, it could be because your body is struggling to supply oxygen efficiently.
4. Heart Palpitations
Anemia can make your heart work harder to compensate for the lack of oxygen in your blood, which may cause a rapid heartbeat or fluttering sensation. This symptom is often noticed during rest or after mild exertion.
5. Dizziness or Lightheadedness
If you feel like the room is spinning every time you stand up, don’t ignore it. Low red blood cell levels can reduce oxygen supply to the brain, causing dizziness, fainting spells, or floating sensation.
6. Cold Hands and Feet
Poor blood circulation due to anemia can make your hands and feet feel cold even when the weather is warm.
7. Headaches
Frequent headaches—especially dull, throbbing ones—can indicate that your brain isn’t getting enough oxygen. If you find yourself reaching for medicines more than usual, mention it during your next prenatal checkup.
8. Craving Non-Food Items (Pica)
If you are suddenly craving ice, chalk, or even dirt—it could be pica. It is a condition linked to iron deficiency, something to talk to your doctor about.
9. Poor Concentration and Brain Fog
If you are struggling to focus, feeling mentally foggy, or forgetting things easily, it could be related to anemia.
10. Restless Legs or Tingling Sensation
Anemia can sometimes lead to restless legs syndrome (RLS)—an uncomfortable urge to move your legs, especially at night. Some women also experience tingling or numbness in the limbs linked to vitamin B12 or folate deficiencies.
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience several of these symptoms, especially alongside existing medical issues or complications, consult an expert gynecologist. They will:
- Run basic blood tests to confirm what is going on
- Identify the type of anemia (iron deficiency, folate deficiency, or vitamin B12 deficiency)
- Provide a safe, tailored treatment plan that protects both you and your baby, including iron supplements, dietary adjustments, or even IV therapy in more severe cases.
Final Thought
Pregnancy should be a time of joy—not endless exhaustion or unexplained symptoms. If you notice these signs, don’t ignore them as “normal pregnancy things.” Anemia is totally manageable—especially when you detect it early. With the proper care and personalized pregnancy support by Dr. Shivanjali Nayak, a trusted high-risk pregnancy doctor in Kolkata, you can ensure a safe pregnancy.