Causes and treatment of anemia during pregnancy
Fish is rich in iron, but it should be consumed with caution during pregnancy. Fish poisoning can be very dangerous for expectant mothers.
In this article, you will learn about the causes and treatment of anemia during pregnancy, and what diet to follow. Anemia during pregnancy is a complication that occurs when iron in the body of a pregnant woman falls below normal levels. Anemia is a very common complication during pregnancy, and according to statistics, about 95% of pregnant women are affected by anemia.
As you know, anemia occurs when iron levels drop below normal levels. Iron is essential for making hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein present in the blood and its main function is to transport oxygen to other cells.
During pregnancy there is 50% more blood in a woman’s body than in normal conditions. And that means you have to produce more hemoglobin to carry oxygen, so you have to increase your iron intake.
How can I recognize anemia during pregnancy?
One of the main symptoms of anemia during pregnancy is fatigue. Another common symptom is tachycardia. Pale symptoms may also occur.
These symptoms occur because there are fewer red blood cells to carry oxygen, so the heart has to work harder.
And it’s important to keep in mind that some types of anemia are asymptomatic, especially when they are mild. That’s why obstetricians and gynecologists always ask for a blood test at the first prenatal visit. A blood test is a reliable way to detect anemia.
Anemia can occur at any time, not just in the early stages of pregnancy. Therefore, blood tests should be performed regularly during pregnancy.
Causes
The most well-known reason for weakness during pregnancy is lack of iron. But this is not the only cause. Low levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid can also cause anemia.
Blood loss and sickle cell anemia are other causes of this condition. Sometimes anemia is actually lower than what blood tests show.
This occurs because the presence of other body fluids in the blood during pregnancy increases hemodilution. This phenomenon is characterized by normal amounts of iron and hemoglobin diluted in other body fluids.
Cure
Fortunately, anemia during pregnancy is treatable. Therefore, it is recommended to consume 30mg of iron daily. This intake is about 30% higher than the recommended daily intake under normal circumstances.
“If blood tests confirm anemia during pregnancy, the gynecologist prescribes an iron supplement of 60 to 120 mg per day.”
And for efficient iron absorption, these tablets are recommended to be taken on an empty stomach. Orange juice also contains vitamin C, which can aid in the iron absorption process.
However, iron supplements should not be taken with milk. Calcium interferes with iron absorption.
Diet
To prevent anemia, experts recommend following an iron-rich diet. Red meat, in particular, is an excellent source of iron.
In general, most meats are excellent sources of this mineral. Seafood may also help prevent anemia during pregnancy.
In addition, legumes, raisins, and potatoes are excellent sources of iron. The same goes for dates, nuts, apricots, and tofu, which increase iron levels.
Fish is rich in iron, but it should be consumed with caution during pregnancy. Fish poisoning can be very dangerous for expectant mothers.
It is very important to prevent anemia during pregnancy. In the case of anemia due to iron deficiency, the baby is usually passed on. And it can lead to iron deficiency in the mother after childbirth.
Not only have those, anemia can predisposed your child to other ailments during childhood. Therefore, a healthy diet and regular blood tests should ensure that you get iron and other nutrients essential for your baby’s development and prevent iron deficiency.
