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Are He expects? Then get yourself prepared for some unwanted problems such as lethargy, weakness and drowsiness for the coming months. You may find it difficult to achieve even the simplest of jobs and would like to keep doing nothing all day. This is because usually with the onset of pregnancy, anemia comes into the equation.
All you need is rest and proper treatment. Since the lack of hemoglobin in the blood can cause damage to the fetus and carry less oxygen to the baby developing in the womb. Read on to learn more about anemia in pregnancy.
What is Anemia?
According the medical dictionary, anemia is a condition in which the blood is low red blood cell count, or who have low levels of hemoglobin. The red color of the blood is derived from hemoglobin, which is an iron-rich protein. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body through this iron-rich protein. During pregnancy, more blood has to be produced in order to support the growth and development of the fetus. The diet should be rich in various nutrients such as iron, folic acid and vitamin B12, in the absence of these your body may not be able to produce the amount of red blood cells that requires.
mild anemia is common in women, but if the levels are very low in pregnant women, can lead to many complications, such as premature birth, low birth weight baby or a child with anemia or post-partum depression . It can also cause developmental delays in children.The child can also get anemia from the mother. Sometimes blood transfusion during pregnancy can also lead to anemia if there is a severe loss of blood. Here is some information that will help you prevent and deal with anemia in pregnancy:
Types Anemia:Sponsored
Anemia It has different forms. The three most common that can occur during pregnancy are-
- iron deficiency anemia: from iron deficiency anemia is the most prevalent form of anemia observed expectant mothers. It occurs when the body does not have enough amount of iron for the production of adequate hemoglobin. Shortness of breath and extreme fatigue are the symptoms of this deficiency
- folate deficiency anemia :. Folate or folic acid is a type of B vitamin that is present in many foods in small amounts. It plays an important role in the development of the healthy fetus, even in the formation of the spinal cord and brain of your baby. Folate deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia and a number of birth defects such as spina bifida (neural tube abnormality) or low birth weight.
megaloblastosis is a heterogeneous disorder group who share similar morphological characteristics, the large cell size with a stop in the nuclear maturation. Nuclear maturation is much more immature cytoplasmic maturity. Then the cells that can be seen under the microscope in the bone marrow and peripheral smears are called megaloblasts. Megaloblastic changes occur in rapidly dividing cells, such as blood cells and gastrointestinal cells. These megaloblastic abnormalities are due to altered DNA synthesis and to a lesser extent of RNA protein synthesis.
Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies are the main cause behind megaloblastic or macrocytic anemia. Some drugs also cause megaloblastic anemia. Vitamin B 12 is different from the water-soluble vitamins that are stored in liver.Vitamin B12 must be protected by its passage through the gastrointestinal tract to the distal ileum which is the actual site of vitamin B12 absorption.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia: a lack of vitamin B12 in the body leads to poor formation of blood cells; in a condition such as pregnancy in which the entire body goes through a dramatic change, it is necessary for a good amount of this essential vitamin. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is known to induce preterm labor
Criteria for anemia during the different stages of pregnancy :.
| quarter | Hemoglobin (g / dL) | hematocrit (%) |
| First | <11 | <33 |
| Second | <10.5 | <32 |
| Third | <11 | <33 |
Causes of anemia in Pregnancy:
So because it does exactly high sores level of anemia during pregnancy in most women? Well, we have listed the most likely options here.
- hemodilution is the main causal factor behind the prevalence of anemia during pregnancy. It occurs physiologically- the volume of the blood plasma increases, which leads to low number of hematocrit and hyponatremia. This can cause low plasma hemoglobin concentration.The helps carry nutrients and oxygen to the baby. The excess plasma dilutes the red blood cells in the body and lower the level of 10.5gm / dl. This translates into normal anemia in pregnancy.
- Another cause of anemia among expectant mothers is due to the diet, which can be low in iron content, and other nutrients, and may not be able to meet the growing demands of child development.
- blood loss due to hemorrhoids, stomach ulcers, hemophilia or hookworm can also reduce levels of hemoglobin.
- If the pregnant woman has heavy menstrual flow before pregnancy then it may be anemic. The normal physiology of bringing a child developing can cause anemia.
- If there is no space between the two pregnancies then there is an increased risk of developing anemia because the mother's body has not recovered it.
- also increases the risk of anemia in the case of multiple pregnancies.
Generally the body of a pregnant woman adapts to the needs of child development. Eating wisely can help effectively combat anemia.
The symptoms of anemia in Pregnancy:
Anemia It is characterized by the following symptoms during pregnancy.
- Tiredness
- Paleness
- Palpitations
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Breathlessness
- rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty concentrating
- numbness or coldness in the hands
- body temperature Low
- irritability
risk factors associated with anemia during pregnancy:
Here are some factors that could put at risk of suffering anemia during pregnancy:
- pregnant with more than one baby or multiple pregnancies.
- Poor nutrition as a lack of nutrients such as iron, folic acid, vitamin B12.
- Less gaps between two consecutive pregnancies.
- excessive vomiting leading to reduced absorption of nutrients.
- alcohol consumption.
- teenage pregnancy.
- The use of anti-seizure drugs.
- prevalence of anemia before pregnancy
- habit heavy menstrual flow before pregnancy
Tests for detecting anemia: ..
the doctor will recommend a prenatal blood test to check if you have anemia. Blood tests will be:
- Hemoglobin Test: This blood test will help determine the amount of hemoglobin or iron-rich protein in the blood. Hemoglobin helps carry oxygen from the lungs to other body tissues
- hematocrit test :. This measures the percentage of red blood cells in a blood sample [
If you have low levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit then certainly to have iron deficiency. Doctor will have more blood tests to check the real cause of anemia.
Although anemia is not detected in the first trimester of pregnancy, your doctor will advise you to have another blood test in the second and third trimester of pregnancy to check for anemia
The diagnosis anemia is very important, it is also essential to monitor the value of the blood during pregnancy
treatment of anemia during pregnancy: ..
If you are detected with anemia requires of tablets of iron supplements and folic acid tablets, in addition to prenatal vitamins you are already having. The doctor also suggest adding more iron and folate-rich foods to your diet.
To treat vitamin B12 deficiency the doctor will give you vitamin B12 supplements. Your doctor will recommend other animal products such as eggs, meat, milk and its by-products. He will also ask you to do another blood test to check levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit, to see if there is any improvement
The preventive measures to combat anemia.
to prevent anemia during pregnancy you need to have enough iron. Since the volume of blood increases in the 20-30% body, the need for iron and vitamins also increase to produce hemoglobin in the body. Anemic can also cause increased blood loss during delivery and reduces its immunity to fight infections.
You can start your day with a healthy breakfast of iron fortified cereal and a glass of orange juice.
Your diet should include three servings of lean meat, poultry and fish, dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli and kale, legumes like beans and lentils, tofu, nuts, seeds and eggs. These are rich sources of iron. To allow your body to absorb iron you must have adequate amounts of vitamin C. So include tomato, kiwi, citrus fruits and juices and peppers into your diet.
Other than vitamin C and iron is also necessary to take folic acid. So, try to have a prenatal vitamin that has both folic acid and iron in it.Those who are vegetarians should ask their doctor if they have to take a supplement of vitamin B12 during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Go for prenatal counseling and start preparing for pregnancy, even before you plan to conceive
ways to manage iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy :.
Here are some of the best ways to reduce anemia in pregnancy:
- usually, when the cause is iron deficiency or folic acid, doctors may prescribe some supplements . Along with this, the dietary changes are indispensable.
- The doctor may also recommend to include vitamin B12 supplements in the diet.
- non-vegetarian foods are also preferred to be included in diets since they provide high biological value proteins.
- Foods rich in vitamin C help in absorption of iron in the body. So, have a bit 'of freshly prepared or treat of juicy oranges and sweet lemons lemon juice. You can also squeeze the lemon juice into your salad and make it appetizing as well.
- severe form of anemia may require blood transfusions. If levels fall below 7 mg / dl or if the physician deems it appropriate, blood transfusion becomes necessary to ensure the safety of both you and your child.
- consume foods rich in iron. Some of the iron-rich foods include-
- cereal, bread
- Legumes and beans
- Liver (have not too much of liver during pregnancy, as contains unsafe amounts of vitamin a)
- tofu
- fish
- dried fruit like raisins, apricots
- green leafy vegetables like spinach, etc.
7. Consume foods rich in vitamin C, as it helps in the absorption of iron in the body. Some of the foods rich in vitamin C include-
- Oranges
- Lemons
- sweet lime
- Strawberries
- Broccoli etc.
8. Avoid consumption of foods that contain caffeine such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, etc.
9. Try to have beets and apple juice as they are excellent source of iron. Mix beets and apple juice to make it palatable.
10. Having ripe bananas with honey to increase hemoglobin levels.
11. You can also have dandelion root and green amaranth are also rich in iron.
Try to have all of these raw foods except meat, because cooking can destroy the iron content. You will be surprised to know that cooking with cast iron cookware can add 50-60% iron to food
tips to remember :.
- Follow a balanced diet. Do not opt for a crash or fad diet techniques during this delicate period of your own. Such diets can lead to anemia. It 'a period of replenishing nutrients in your body to support optimal fetal development.
- Check hemoglobin levels before conceiving. Bring your levels normal and then conceive. If the pregnancy is unplanned one, work on your hemoglobin levels in the first three months.
- Opt for supplementation if levels are very low. Consult a doctor and follow the recommendations.
The news of the pregnancy, it creates a lot of joy and anxiety among parents. Do not Let the Tues anemia happiness of motherhood because you know how to prevent it. Do not be anxious if you have mild anemia that is normal in pregnancy, but take adequate prenatal care to prevent any serious form of anemia. Your doctor will be your best guide to help you throughout your pregnancy. He may refer you to a hematologist who has a better understanding of red blood cells and anemia and may help treat your condition. So, have faith and take appropriate measures to treat anemia so that the health of your child is not at risk.
Hopefully this article gives a perfect picture of what is anemia during pregnancy, and how you can curb the possibilities. Following these simple tips can certainly help to reduce the risk of adverse effects associated with the problem, and enjoy a happy pregnancy
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