What is anemia of prematurity?

Many babies don't have symptoms. But if the red blood cells don't carry enough oxygen to the body, your baby may have trouble feeding, not gain much weight, or not be very active.

Babies who don't have symptoms don't need treatment. If your baby has symptoms, treatment may include iron supplements or medicine that helps your baby make red blood cells. Usually a blood transfusion is done only if a baby has severe symptoms.

Your baby will be checked for symptoms of anemia. A doctor can do blood tests to diagnose this type of anemia. Your baby's blood will be tested on a regular schedule. The hospital staff will take as few blood samples as they can.

Your baby will need to be checked regularly, so be sure to take your baby to all scheduled doctor visits and testing. If medicines were prescribed for your baby, give them exactly as directed. Call your doctor if your baby has any problems with the medicines or if you have questions or concerns.

Anemia of prematurity means that a baby born early (prematurely) does not have enough red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body. This condition is usually not serious. But it's common for premature infants to have other problems, like difficulty breathing. And low oxygen levels can make these problems worse.