Many women suffer from anemia during pregnancy. Anemia is a medical condition that results from low iron levels. It is a condition in which a human body does not have an adequate amount of healthy red blood cells, which are in charge of are carrying oxygen to the tissues in the pregnant woman’s body and her unborn fetus. What are the causes of anemia during pregnancy? How to know if you have anemia? What are the ways to treat and prevent anemia during pregnancy?
What Causes Iron Deficiency Anemia During Pregnancy?
The cause of anemia is the lack of healthy red blood cells being produced in the body. While plenty of red blood cells may be produced, these red blood cells may not be healthy. Iron is essential in producing healthy red blood cells. When it comes to daily life causes, anemia during pregnancy is usually caused by low iron intake through diet or supplements. Moreover, pregnancy itself makes your more iron deficient, because your iron requirement goes up in pregnancy and symptoms like morning sickness increase the loss of iron in your body.
How to Tell If You Have Iron Deficiency Anemia During Pregnancy
During your first prenatal appointment, your OB should test your iron levels by taking blood samples. Your medical professional will inform you of the results. Something to keep in mind is that just because you are not anemic at the beginning of your pregnancy, you may still be at risk of developing anemia as your pregnancy progresses.
Feeling tired, weak, and dizzy are some signs that you may be anemic, but these are also typical symptoms of pregnancy. If you have the symptoms mentioned above along with pale skin, lips, and nails, you may want to consider talking to your doctor. Other symptoms of anemia during pregnancy include heart palpitations, rapid heart rate, extreme irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
Effects of Iron Deficiency Anemia on Mom and Baby
Anemia during pregnancy can cause serious complications for the mother and her child. Low birth weight and preterm delivery are just a few of the complications that can occur to newborns from anemic pregnant women.
For the baby: You do not have to worry much about your baby not getting the iron that they need to grow. Your unborn child will get the iron that they need from you. However, you being anemic can increase the risk of your baby suffering from anemia after birth because of low iron storage.
For the mother: Women who are anemic near the end of their pregnancy are more likely to lose more blood than women who are not anemic. Anemic women may need a blood transfusion after they deliver their baby.
Anemia has the ability to seriously affect the quality of your health. Not only will you feel drained of energy all the time, your body will also have a harder time fighting against infection. There are studies currently being conducted to see if anemia increases postpartum depression. Anemic women may also be required to stay a few extra days in the hospital after giving birth compared to women who are not anemic.
How to Treat Iron Deficiency Anemia During Pregnancy
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Treatment Measures |
Description |
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Prescribed iron supplement |
If your doctor finds that you have low iron levels, they may prescribe you an iron supplement that will be completely safe for your unborn child. The dose of the iron supplement prescribed may range from 60 to 120 milligrams, but the dosage really depends on how low your iron levels are. |
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Take a prenatal vitamin |
Prenatal vitamins have the ability to provide anemic pregnant women with a long list of benefits, including supplementing iron. Always ask your doctor before adding any supplement to your diet. Always follow the instructions of your doctor exactly as given. |
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Take the supplements correctly |
It is a good idea to take the supplements that your doctor prescribed on an empty stomach. You can take them with orange juice because it helps your body absorb the iron. Do not take your iron supplements with milk. The milk interferes with the body’s ability to absorb the iron. |
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Eat a iron rich diet |
You should also consider adding leafy greens to your diet. A good rule of thumb is to eat vegetables and fruits that range in a wide variety of colors. Oranges, red apples, leafy green, and nuts are a great way to increase your body’s iron levels naturally. |
Watch a video for more iron rich foods and how to get more iron:
How to Prevent Iron Deficiency Anemia during Pregnancy
There are lots of things that expectant mothers can do to decrease their chances of developing their chances of developing anemia.
- One of the most beneficial things that expectant mothers can do to prevent anemia during pregnancy is to take prenatal vitamins and eat a healthy diet.
- Eating foods that have a high Vitamin C content can dramatically reduce your chances of developing anemia during pregnancy. Strawberries, grapefruits, and tomato juice are chock full of Vitamin C and will help you prevent anemia during your pregnancy.
- Your diet should be full of red meats. Red meats and even meats like poultry can provide your body with high levels of iron. Eating red meat while pregnant is greatly encouraged by many medical professionals to increase iron levels.
- It is also suggested by medical professionals that pregnant women try to consume fish and plenty of omega 3 fatty acids. All of these things will increase your iron levels and provide your body with a long list of other benefits.
- Other foods that pregnant women are encouraged to consume include broccoli, beets, oatmeal, and whole grain foods. Beans, lentils, seeds, potatoes, figs, prunes, raisins and even blackstrap molasses are recommended for the diet of pregnant women who are hoping to prevent anemia while pregnant.
- Cereals that are fortified with iron are one of the greatest things that a pregnant woman can add to her diet.
- Do not eat liver while you are pregnant to prevent anemia. In fact, it is probably best to avoid liver completely during the duration of your pregnancy.