Blood is the most vital fluid in the human body, which is responsible for many physiological activities. The red blood cells carry oxygen to the various ends of the body. It is also responsible for transporting several nutrients like vitamins, proteins, carbs, fats, and minerals across the body. Reduction in the number of healthy and adequately functioning RBCs in blood results in a condition commonly called anemia.
Anaemia in Pregnancy
The demands of a woman's body increase drastically during pregnancy. It is because the body needs to serve not only itself but also the demands of the growing fetus. It can result in a reduction of the relative amount of blood that the pregnant woman's body receives. As a result, women are more prone to anemia during pregnancy.
Anemia in pregnancy mainly has four types based on precise causes, as indicated in the name.
- Anemia of pregnancy
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia
- Folate deficiency anemia
- Iron-deficiency anemia
Anemia of pregnancy can be described as when the body's blood volume increases upon pregnancy; a relative decrease in the number of RBCs results in this condition. The count of hemoglobin in pregnancy undergoes variable demands of the body. Along with a relative decrease in the number of RBCs in the blood, a decrease in hemoglobin count in RBCs occurs.
Symptoms of Anemia in Pregnancy
Anemia in pregnancy causes a variety of symptoms. It can range from exhibiting symptoms with no potential threat to even causing low birth weight in the babies. The common symptoms include:
- Rapid heartbeat and palpitation
- Lethargy
- Fatigue
- Progressive pallor
- Deranged sleep
- Fainting
- Muscle cramps or spasms
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty in attaining focus or concentration
Read also: Pregnancy Symptoms in the Second Trimester
Complications of Anemia during Pregnancy:
Here are some complications if anemia is not treated during pregnancy:
- Spontaneous abortion or fetal death
- Pregnancy-related hypertension
- Eclampsia
- Preeclampsia
- Slow recovery of mother after delivery
- Preterm delivery
- Low birth weight
Treatment of Anemia in Pregnancy
A decreased RBC, hemoglobin, and hematocrit value, or any of the three, is considered anemia. A hemoglobin value falling below 11.00mg/dL is generally considered for diagnosis.
Doctors generally schedule treatment by providing supplements even before actual anemia is diagnosed. This preventive method helps to avoid anemia and related pregnancy complications in a large number of pregnant ladies. The usually recommended treatment modality includes:
- Multivitamin supplements with iron
- Oral Folic acid or iron tablets
- In case of hemoglobin count falling below 5mg/dL, pregnant mothers are recommended to have a blood transfusion.
Complimentary Dietary Habits
Intake of specific food types can increase the hemoglobin count in pregnancy. It mainly includes food items with an abundance of folic acid, iron, and certain vitamin content, such as:
- Plantain, dates, pomegranate,
- Raisins, Prunes
- Dark green leafy veggies, Broccoli, Peas, Sweet potato
- Fortified grains, Pulses, and cereals
- Meat, chicken, eggs, and fish such as tilapia, salmon, shrimp, etc.
Wrapping up,
Managing anemia in pregnancy is essential because, in extreme or severe anemia, the body might require a blood transfusion from a donor or previously collected blood from oneself. Also, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in India help monitor anemia in pregnant women. They also play a significant role in the distribution of supplements among the pregnant population.
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