Some who have anemia cannot perform physical exertions to any extent, tire easily and have shortness of breath. A person becomes weak, pale, and easily tired. Women lose blood naturally through menstruation. They are more susceptible to iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia can often be controlled by iron supplements in the diet.
Some pregnant women have too little iron in their blood.
An expecting mother who suffers from anemia will feel tired and weak during the pregnancy. Iron pills are usually prescribed. There are several forms of anemia. One type is caused by excessive hemorrhage, for under these conditions the specific gravity of the blood is reduced, owing to the much greater proportion of fluid in the blood in comparison with the number of corpuscles. Anemia is also associated secondarily with such diseases as scurvy, hookworm, and malaria.