Anemia is caused by having too few red blood cells. This decreases the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s cells.

Tissue chemicals (enzymes) dependent on iron can affect the cell function of nerves and muscles. The baby needs the mother’s blood. If you have anemia, your baby may not be able to grow to a healthy weight, or may be born earlier (premature birth) or have a low birth weight.

The anemia is generally of iron-deficiency type (decrease of iron in blood). In the first trimester it is associated with malnutrition prior to pregnancy, as well as the decreased intake of food, subsidiary to vomiting and morning sickness at the beginning of pregnancy. During the second half of the pregnancy, anemia is mainly due to the baby’s increased intake of nutrients from the mother.

Other less common types of anemia such as hemolytic anemias, megaloblastic anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, aplastic anemia, should be diagnosed early to improve the prognosis during pregnancy.

Before starting the pregnancy process and to achieve pregnancy in the best conditions, that is, without anaemia, infection in the urinary tract or vaginal infections, it is necessary to carry out some general studies. These could be a complete hemogram, general examination of urine, vaginal and urine culture, cervical cytology, etc.

Preparation before pregnancy is important, as multiple studies have shown that the presence of the alterations mentioned above can produce spontaneous abortions, premature birth, threat of premature birth, rupture of membranes and also increases the risk of infection in both the newborn and the mother in the immediate postpartum (post-section). In the reproduction visit, we offer preconception counseling, with special recommendations on weight, nutrition, control of chronic diseases and any treatments you need to undergo to achieve a successful pregnancy and a smooth childbirth.