(Understanding Anemia during Pregnancy)
Anemia is one of the many changes that your body goes through during pregnancy. Anemia means your body doesn’t have sufficient healthy red blood cells to deliver oxygen to your body’s tissues. Knowing about anemia is crucial to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the developing child. Read on to know more about anemia during pregnancy, its causes, symptoms and how to manage it in this blog.
Types of anemia
Iron Deficiency anemia
It is one of the most common causes because the iron prerequisites for a woman’s body increase during pregnancy, and when we fail to supply the essential nutrients, it can result in a reduction in hemoglobin levels.
Folate Deficiency anemia
Normally, folate is vital for red blood cell production. A deficiency in folic acid can lead to megaloblastic anemia. Moreover, pregnant mothers frequently require an increased amount of folate and its deficiency during pregnancy is either brought by dietary preferences or problems with absorption
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
For the production of red blood cells, Vitamin B12 is important. Meanwhile, a deficit can occur when a woman follows a vegetarian or vegan diet without consuming animal products or experiences difficulties with B12 absorption.
Other causes
Conditions like chronic kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, or inherited blood disorders (e.g., thalassemia) can lead to anemia during pregnancy.
How to diagnose anemia
Hemoglobin test – It measures the amount of hemoglobin (an iron-rich protein) in the body in red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues.
Hematocrit test – It is a blood test that measures the percentage of red blood cells (RBCs) in a sample of blood.
Common symptoms of anemia include
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Cold extremities.
How to manage anemia during pregnancy
Here are some ways to manage anemia during pregnancy.
· Take iron and folic acid supplements.
· Consume iron-rich foods such as lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, fortified cereals, and dark green leafy vegetables.
· Take Vitamin B12 supplements if a deficiency is diagnosed.
· Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider during pregnancy can aid in the early detection and management of anemia(tips for healthy pregnancy).
When to Contact Your Doctor?
It is important to speak with your doctor if you experience frequent breathlessness during pregnancy which could be a sign of anemia or other underlying health concerns. Also, if you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:
• Bluish lips, fingers, or toes
• Heart palpitations or unusually fast heart rate
• Painful breathing
• Severe, worsening shortness of breath
• Wheezing
To Conclude
While pregnancy-related breathlessness is generally not harmful and can often be managed at home, it is crucial to consult your doctor if you frequently feel out of breath. For the health of both the mother and the baby, early detection and effective management of anemia during pregnancy are essential.
