Single center survey of the relationship between pregnancy anemia and prepregnancy lifestyle

Abstract

Physiologically, anemia often occurs during pregnancy because of an increase in circulating plasma volume. Pregnancy anemia is found prenatally in 50-75% of women. Based on the present survey performed in our obstetrics and gynecology ward, 52% of women experienced anemia during their pregnancy. This suggests that normal physiological changes due to pregnancy alone are not the only factors contributing to pregnancy anemia. Therefore to study the influence of lifestyle on pregnancy anemia, we investigated prepregnancy lifestyles on the assumption that the accumulation of several factors over a long period is usually the cause of anemia. The present results suggest that (i) the probability of anemia is slight in late pregnancy, if a normal Hb concentration is maintained in early pregnancy; (ii) the menstrual cycle is involved in the onset of anemia during early pregnancy; (iii) the number of meals taken and the level of alcohol consumption influence Hb concentration in late pregnancy. We believe that these findings provide a useful information source for advising patients on avoiding pregnancy anemia, which we can also use as guidance for outpatients at puberty. In conclusion, to prevent pregnancy anemia it is important to keep a regular menstrual cycle before pregnancy, and to take 3 meals/day and abstain from alcohol before and during pregnancy. © 2008 The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan.