When Pregnancy Symptoms Were More Than Fatigue

By advocating for her health and choosing bloodless expertise, ultrasound technologist Brenda Challenger ensured a safe and vibrant pregnancy.

For Brenda, a dedicated ultrasound technologist from West Orange, New Jersey, life is defined by care—whether she’s helping patients in the clinic or traveling and learning new things with her family. But when Brenda became pregnant, the person accustomed to providing care for others suddenly found herself in urgent need of it.

What began as the typical exhaustion of pregnancy quickly escalated. Brenda began experiencing near-fainting episodes, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath.

“I felt extremely fatigued, but I initially assumed it was just a normal part of being pregnant,” Brenda says. “Then the elevated heart rate started, and I was sweating every time I had a near-fainting episode. I knew I had to listen to my body.”

The Bloodless Advantage

A longtime patient of Englewood Hospital since 2010, Brenda knew exactly where to turn. She had previously chosen the facility for orthopedic surgery because of its global reputation for high-quality bloodless care.

Lab work confirmed that Brenda was suffering from iron deficiency anemia. While oral supplements are a standard first step, they weren’t enough to bridge the gap for her and her growing baby. That’s when the bloodless medicine team reached out to coordinate a more proactive approach.

“Even though my anemia was considered mild, I wanted to ensure that my ferritin [the proteins that store iron in the body] was at a safe level before delivery,” says Brenda. “I wanted to ensure both my own health and safety and that of my baby.”

Precision and Preparation

The Bloodless Institute at Englewood Health put Brenda in touch with Alessandra Petrillo, MD, a hematologist, who arranged for a series of iron infusions. Dr. Petrillo noted that Brenda arrived seeking a more effective solution than her current regimen.

"When I first met Brenda, she had been taking oral iron supplements for a month, which she was not tolerating," says Dr. Petrillo. "This is a common issue; oral iron often causes nausea and constipation, and it can take three months or longer to see results. Brenda asked for intravenous iron, which is rapidly absorbed and typically very well-tolerated."

In January and February, Brenda received four rounds of treatment. The results were life-changing: her ferritin levels soared from a depleted 14.1 to a robust 187, and her hemoglobin improved from 11.3 to 12.5 in just one month.

"Anemia in pregnancy is far more common than we think, due to increased blood volume and intrauterine demands," Dr. Petrillo explains. "With bloodless patients, we are more aggressive in restoring iron stores early to optimize them for delivery. Following the infusions, Brenda reported complete resolution of her palpitations and fatigue."

How did Brenda feel about the care she received? “The nurses and the Bloodless Institute team were incredibly kind and empathetic,” Brenda says. “In a moment of uncertainty, having one less thing to worry about makes a big difference.”

A Healthy New Chapter

Today, Brenda is back to the life she loves, feeling strong and healthy. Her experience serves as a reminder to other expectant mothers that "normal" pregnancy symptoms sometimes mask underlying issues that deserve expert attention.

“I have had multiple procedures at Englewood Hospital, and they consistently exceed my expectations,” Brenda says. “They treat you with dignity and respect. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone.”

Published June 2026