The body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy. These changes may cause numerous diseases if not dealt with properly. Anemia affect Pregnancy is one such disease common during pregnancy.
Anemia refers to a decrease in red blood cells (RBCs), which are responsible for carrying oxygen in the body. Lack of oxygen can lead to birth defects in the growing baby or can lead to premature delivery.
Mild anemia during pregnancy is normal because of the increase in blood volume. However, severe anaemia, especially during the first and second trimester, can lead to complications in the baby or death of the mother.
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Types of pregnancy anaemia
There are various types of anaemia, but the following types are most commonly seen in pregnant women:
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- Iron-deficiency anaemia: The most common type of anaemia, which occurs due to lack of enough amount of iron in the blood cells. Iron is found in the RBCs in the form of haemoglobin, which is the oxygen binding protein responsible for carrying blood to the body. This type of anaemia not only causes fatigue but also weakens the immune system.
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- Folate-deficiency anaemia: Folate is the vitamin essential to prevent neural tube defects in the growing baby. It is present in green leafy vegetables, legumes, cereals and banana. Lack of folate causes a decrease in the RBCs thereby decreasing the amount of oxygen. Apart from neural tube defects folate deficiency can also lead to premature delivery.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia: The body cannot produce vitamin B12. Therefore, it is important to consume foods rich in vitamin B12. Dairy products, chicken, eggs, meat are vitamin B12 rich foods. Vegetarian women are more prone to have vitamin B12 deficiency. Lack of the vitamin decreases the RBC production, thereby causing anaemia along with increasing the risk for premature delivery.
Risk factors for anaemia during pregnancy
Almost all women are at a risk for developing Anemia affect Pregnancy. But the risk is higher if the woman:
- Is pregnant with twins
- Has less gap between the last and current pregnancy
- Already had anaemia prior to getting pregnant
- Does not eat iron rich foods
- Is a teenager
- Is vomiting too much due to morning sickness
Anaemia symptoms during pregnancy
The most common symptoms of Anemia affect Pregnancy include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Increased heart beat
- Trouble concentrating
- Pale skin
- Cramps in legs
- Dry lips and mouth
- Headache
Tests for anaemia
The pregnant woman should make sure to undergo a blood test in every month of pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. Blood tests done to diagnose anaemia include:
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- Haemoglobin test: To measure the amount of haemoglobin in blood.
- Haematocrit test: To measure the percentage of RBCs in the blood sample.
Lower levels of haemoglobin and haematocrit denote anaemia.
Treatment of Anemia affect Pregnancy
Including iron, folate and vitamin B12 in the diet is the first line of treatment to manage anaemia during pregnancy. Red meat, green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, tofu are a few examples of foods rich in iron. The woman needs to consume meat, eggs and dairy products for vitamin B12.
In case, the woman is allergic to some foods then iron supplements can be taken.
If all the above methods fail, women with severe anaemia need to undergo a blood transfusion.
Prevention of Anemia affect Pregnancy
The best way to prevent Anemia affect Pregnancy is taking healthy diet. Iron rich foods maintain a constant supply of oxygen in the body. A woman should always consult a physician prior to taking supplements or in case of any side-effect.
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