Anemia of Pregnant Women: Factors, Signs & Tips for Eating

Anemia, a condition in which the body deficiency of healthy red blood cells to bring adequate oxygen to the tissue, is a common health problem among pregnant women.

During pregnancy, the body’s need for iron and other nutrients increased dramatically to support the growth of the baby and the increase in the volume of the mother’s blood.

If these requirements are not met, pregnant anemia can occur, bringing various risks to both mothers and infants.

Understanding the causes, signs, and preventive strategies and management strategies are important for healthy pregnancy.

What is anemia in pregnancy?

In the context of pregnancy, anemia for pregnant women is usually caused by iron deficiency, folic acid and vitamin B12.

Nutrient requirements increase during pregnancy as the body needs to support fetal development and additional blood production.

Without adequate supply, the body’s function can be disrupted and risks the content.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pregnancy anemia is defined when hemoglobin levels are less than 11 g/dL.

This condition can be divided into several types, but iron deficiency anemia is the most common among pregnant women.

Risk factors for anemia for pregnant women

Several factors can increase the risk of a woman or pregnant woman to develop anemia:

1. Parasitic infection: Worm infections such as kerawit worms can cause chronic blood loss from the intestines, thus causing anemia.
2. Double pregnancy: Mothers who are pregnant with twins or more have higher iron requirements as they need to supply nutrients to more than one baby.
3. Meeting pregnancy: If the distance between the pregnancies is too close, the body may not have enough time to rebuild the iron deposit lost from the previous pregnancy.
4. Excessive vomiting (hyperemesis gravidarum): Severe and persistent vomiting can lead to inadequate nutrient intake, including iron and other vitamins.
5. Iron deficiency diet: Women who do not take enough iron -rich foods before and during high -risk pregnancies. Vegetarian and vegan need to ensure adequate intake of iron from plant sources.
6. Bleeding before pregnancy: History of many menstrual bleeding or other bleeding can reduce the body’s iron storage.
7. Chronic disease: Some chronic diseases such as kidney disease or intestinal disorders affecting nutrient absorption can contribute to anemia.

Signs of anemia during pregnancy

Symptoms of anemia for pregnant women may be mild in the early stages but can be more noticeable if left untreated.

Some of the signs to be considered:

• Extreme fatigue and fatigue: this is the most common symptom. Tiredness is not lost even after resting.
• Pale: skin, lips, nails, and inside of the eyelids may look pale.
• Shortness of breath: Feeling short of breath even when doing light activities.
• Dizziness or headache: Lack of oxygen to the brain can cause dizziness and headache.
• Hearts flutter: The heart may work harder to pump blood that is lacking oxygen.
• Fragile nails: nails are fragile, fragile, and may have a concave shape.
• Restless legs syndrome: an uncontrollable desire to move the foot, especially at night.
• Pica: Craving to eat non -food ingredients such as ice, clay, or starch.

If you have any of these signs, it is important to consult your doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment.

Simple blood tests such as complete blood count (CBC) can confirm the diagnosis of anemia.

Anemia’s impression & complications

Anemia for untreated pregnant women can cause some serious complications:

• For Babies: Premature birth (premature), low birth weight, and possibly long -term cognitive development problems. Babies born by anemia mothers may also have low iron storage at the beginning of their lives.

• For Mother: Extreme fatigue affecting the quality of life, increased risk of postpartum bleeding (after childbirth), increased risk of infection, and heart pressure.

Consistent blood examination during pregnancy is important to detect anemia early.

Continuous health care support allows pregnant women to have a healthier and more safe pregnancy.

Related Articles: Don’t be mistaken for symptoms! These are 24 signs of pregnancy

Eating tips to prevent anemia

1. Iron -rich food

• Lean red meat (beef, chicken, liver)
• Seafood such as sardines and clams
• Peanuts, lentils, spinach and green leafy vegetables

2. Increase the absorption of iron

• Take rich food vitamin C Like oranges, guava, kiwi and tomatoes with high iron foods as they help the absorption of iron.

3. Avoid intake with iron barriers

• Avoid caffeinated drinks (coffee and tea) during or after eating as it prevents iron absorption.

4. Take a supplement if it is advised a doctor

• Iron supplements, folic acid or vitamin B12 may be needed especially if consuming from food is inadequate.

Pregnant anemia is a preventable and treatable condition.

With frequent antenatal monitoring, a balanced diet rich in iron, folate, and vitamin B12, as well as taking supplements recommended by doctors, pregnant women can ensure a healthier pregnancy for themselves and the baby.

Credit: Kedah State Nutrition Information Center