It should be remembered that there is a "physiological" anaemia during pregnancy. There is a natural dilution of the blood caused by an increase in circulating blood. However, plasma increases much faster than morphotic elements so there is a "dilution" of the blood.

It should therefore be borne in mind that deterioration of blood counts is to some extent the norm in pregnancy.There are, however, anaemias that are dangerous for the normal development of the baby and for the pregnant woman.

There are, however, anaemias that are dangerous for the normal development of the baby and the pregnant woman, such as anaemia caused by blood loss (sudden loss of blood during e.g. detachment of the placenta or chronic loss of blood during e.g. prolonged spotting in the event of a threatened miscarriage) and anaemia caused by a lack of or deficiency in certain substances that are important for the body, such as iron or certain vitamins. As many as 30-40% of pregnant women develop iron deficiency.

This is caused by the utilisation of iron stores by the developing foetus and the placenta. Iron deficiency is aggravated by an inadequate diet, malabsorption in the digestive tract, outbreaks of infection or persistent vomiting during pregnancy.

Leading symptoms of anaemia include a feeling of fatigue, shortness of breath, weakness, difficulty concentrating, drowsiness, headaches, pale face or dry skin and brittle hair.

In addition, severe anaemia in the first trimester of pregnancy can cause birth defects in the baby and miscarriage and abnormal development of the placenta. Chronic anaemia in the second half of pregnancy can cause irreversible changes in the placenta, which can lead to abnormal development of the baby.

The first sign of anaemia are the symptoms discussed above. A doctor should then be consulted immediately. In addition, a monthly blood count check-up should be performed.