"Are you expecting a bundle of joy? Anemia during pregnancy is a common concern for many moms-to-be. Let's look closely at some signs of anemia when pregnant."
Anemia occurs when there is a deficiency of hemoglobin or healthy Cells found in red blood that can transport O2 to both the body and the developing fetus. They’re created in your bone marrow and contain hemoglobin, which is essential for oxygen transportation. To make enough hemoglobin, you need enough iron, folate, and vitamin B12.
Anemia in pregnancy is a severe concern linked to low birth weight, premature delivery, and maternal death. It results from extra blood production to nourish the growing baby and, if left untreated, can harm both mother and child. Anemia is a diagnosed illness requiring prompt medical attention.
The variety of anemia is above 400. During pregnancy, some are more widespread, such as:
· A shortage of iron results in iron deficiency anemia.
· A low level of folic acid can cause folate iron deficiency
· Anemia is a disorder caused by insufficient levels of vitamin B12.
The anemia in pregnant women is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as:
· The Hb in the early pregnancy <11.0 g/dL
· The Hb type in the mid-pregnancy stage <10.5 g/dL
· The Hb in the final trimester <11.0 g/dL
Anemia is usually checked during a woman's initial prenatal appointment and again between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy.
During your prenatal checkups, your healthcare provider will check for anemia, which is a condition that results from having too few red blood cells or low levels of hemoglobin in the blood. A simple blood test is usually done to detect anemia. In addition to this, your healthcare provider may also conduct other blood tests, such as the following:
1- Hemoglobin test
2- Hematocrit test:
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you might have anemia:
It is vital to make an appointment with your doctor right away if you notice any of these signs.
There are several ways to treat anemia during pregnancy, including:
1. Iron supplements: Iron supplements are the most common and effective way to treat anemia during pregnancy. Your doctor may prescribe a higher dosage than what is available in over-the-counter supplements.
2. Dietary changes: Iron-rich foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, beans, green vegetables, and fortified cereals, can boost iron levels.
3. Vitamin supplements: Your doctor may also prescribe vitamin supplements, such as vitamin B12 and folic acid, which are essential for producing red blood cells.
4. Blood transfusion: Severe anemia may require a blood transfusion for a quick increase in red blood cell count.
During pregnancy, the occurrence of iron deficiency anemia may lead to an increased risk of:
Folate deficiency may increase the chance of:
Iron-rich foods that pregnant women can consume to prevent anemia include:
Conclusion:
Anemia during pregnancy can lead to several complications for both the mother and the baby. Some signs of anemia when pregnant include fatigue, weakness, yellow skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, and irregular heartbeats. If you experience these symptoms, you must consult your doctor and get appropriate treatment to prevent further complications. Additionally, consuming iron-rich foods and taking supplements as your doctor prescribes can help prevent anemia during pregnancy.
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