IRON-DEFICIENCY ANEMIA (PREGNANCY)
PROBLEM
You have a low blood count
called iron-deficiency anemia. Iron is needed for red blood formation.
CAUSE
This is caused by a deficiency of iron in your diet, and it is very common.
PREVENTION
Anemia may be prevented by increasing iron in your diet and by taking extra iron tablets.
TREATMENT PLAN
A.You need to increase the iron-rich food in your diet.
B.You will be prescribed an iron supplement.
C.Antacids for indigestion and dairy products interfere with iron absorption. Do not take your iron supplements with milk or just before or after an antacid.
D.If you are pregnant, you may be eligible for the WIC program (Women, Infants, and Children), which provides supplemental foods for pregnant women and young children. Ask your healthcare provider for information about its availability in your community.
Activity: You may feel more tired than usual because of anemia. You may need to rest more than usual; however, try to continue your current exercise routine as tolerated. Alternative exercise includes walking 20 minutes a day or swimming.
Diet: You need to increase the amount of iron in your diet. Generally, the redder the meat and the greener the vegetable, the richer it is as a source of iron. You also need to make sure you have adequate intake of vitamin C (this helps increase the absorption of iron into your body). Vitamin C is found in fresh, dark-green vegetables and citrus fruits. Drink eight to 10 glasses of liquids every day.
Medications:
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
Special Instructions About Iron Supplements:
A.Take the iron medication as prescribed; higher doses are not better. You may need to be taking it for a longer time. High doses of iron can be toxic to children and adults.
B.Your body only absorbs a small portion of the iron pills you take.
C.You may notice green or black bowel movements. This is normal.
D.It is best to take the iron pills on an empty stomach.
E.Try taking your iron pill with a glass of orange juice. The vitamin C in the juice helps the iron be absorbed better.
F.You may have nausea or vomiting when you take iron pills, especially during early pregnancy. If this happens, try taking the pill with food. It is better to take your iron with food than to skip your pill altogether.
G.If you are not able to tolerate the iron in the morning, try taking it in the middle of the afternoon or at bedtime.
H.You may become constipated while taking iron pills. Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, dietary fiber, and water to avoid constipation.
You Need to Notify the Office If You:
A.Have nausea and vomiting while taking the iron supplement even after following the special instructions.
B.Become extremely constipated even after increasing the fiber and liquids in your diet.
C.Are unable to take the supplement at all.
D.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE