-Healthy red blood cells are required by the body to carry out adequate oxygen to your body’s tissue.
-A condition caused due to iron deficiency and during pregnancy, it can make women feel tired and weak.
-For better development and growth of the baby, proper supply of blood in pregnant women is crucial.
Anaemia during pregnancy
Anaemia during pregnancy
A pregnant woman always focuses on giving birth to a healthy baby but should also focus on keeping herself healthy. These nine months are not less than an adventure as your mind and body go through some extreme changes. Each pregnancy is different and unique, and a lot changes in her body in these nine months. A woman is at a higher risk of being anaemic during pregnancy because her body requires increased blood flow for the growth and development of the foetus. Bad eating habits can lead to anaemia (iron deficiency), making pregnant women feel unwell, weak, and weary.
Symptoms of anaemia in pregnancy
Symptoms of anaemia in pregnancy
Anaemia in pregnancy can go from mild to severe as it often goes unnoticed. Following are some of the most common symptoms of anaemia in pregnancy.
- Fatigue
- Pallor (pale skin)
- Weakness
- Chest pain
- Severe headache
- Irregular heartbeats
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Cold hands and feets
Based on the symptoms, the doctors will perform blood tests to check for anaemia throughout pregnancy.
Causes of anaemia in pregnancy
Causes of anaemia in pregnancy
There could be several factors that lead to anaemia in pregnancy. Following are some known causes of anaemia in pregnancy.
- Iron deficiency
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Hemolytic diseases
- Folate deficiency
- Chronic blood loss due to infection
- Multiple pregnancies
- Poor nutrition before pregnancy
- Recurrent infections like UTI
Anaemia is caused due to a deficiency of iron in the body. A pregnant woman’s body requires twice the amount of iron needed by a non-pregnant woman. Iron is used by the body to produce haemoglobin, which helps the red blood cells to transport oxygen to the tissues. You could get iron-deficiency anaemia if you don’t have enough iron storage or don’t consume enough iron when pregnant.
Anaemia in pregnancy treatment and prevention
Anaemia in pregnancy treatment and prevention
- Take iron-fortified prenatal vitamins
- Consume 30 to 60 mg iron daily to prevent anaemia (as per WHO)
- Include meat, chicken and fish in your diet
- As morning cereals- prune, peas, dry beans
- Iron absorption is enhanced by citric fruits that provide natural vitamin C- orange, strawberries, tomatoes
- Treat worm infections and maintain general hygiene
If the proper treatment is available for anaemia, delivering a healthy baby with a good mother will be easier.
Anaemia during pregnancy is the most common disorder among pregnant women. Still, as the case deteriorates or worsens or is left untreated during pregnancy, it can increase the risk of complications.
Aplastic anaemia, iron deficiency anaemia, and vitamin deficiency anaemia are the most common anaemia during pregnancy.
Though specialists can treat anaemia but only if it is detected quickly. Therefore, it is recommended to visit your doctor when you develop any symptoms at the initial stage.