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Anemia in Pregnancy

12 May 2024

Anemia in pregnancy is a condition characterized by a relatively low level of hemoglobin. The role of this protein of red blood cells is transferring oxygen in the body. Iron plays an essential role in the production of hemoglobin and other red blood cell components. During pregnancy, there is an increased demand for iron in the woman’s body to support the developing embryo, and in case of iron deficiency, it raises the risk of anemia.

To prevent anemia during pregnancy, especially in cases of iron deficiency, it is recommended to increase the consumption of iron-rich foods or take appropriate dietary supplements.

If you are pregnant and experience extreme fatigue, you may be suffering from anemia. Anemia is a common phenomenon in pregnancy, often caused by iron deficiency. Iron plays an essential role in the production of hemoglobin and other red blood cell components.

Risks of anemia

  • Anemia may lead to extreme fatigue during pregnancy, making it challenging to carry out daily activities.
  • In the advanced stages of pregnancy, anemia may be dangerous, as it elevates the risks of complications, including premature delivery and low fetus birth weight.
  • Substantial anemia may limit oxygen flow to the embryo and damage the normal growth.
  • Women who suffer from acute anemia may experience severe hemorrhage during labor, labor complications, and even blood transfusions during delivery.
  • In some cases, anemia can lead to postpartum depression.

Anemia diagnosis

Anemia can be diagnosed with a blood test (blood count), which examines the blood hemoglobin level. A lower-than-normal hemoglobin level indicates anemia, and it is typically reflected in the number or size of red blood cells.

What is hemoglobin?

What is hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin is the protein found in red blood cells. Its role is transferring oxygen to both your body tissues and your embryo. A low level of hemoglobin may indicate an iron deficiency.

Severe anemia, significant iron deficit, or absorption disorders

In situations of severe anemia, significant iron deficit, or absorption disorders, your physician may consider administering an intravenous iron infusion.

When is a blood count performed

Your obstetrician will refer you to a blood count to identify and treat anemia in the beginning of your pregnancy. Subsequently, after the 20th week of pregnancy, you will receive a referral to another blood count, with additional tests scheduled towards the expected delivery date.

Preventing anemia in pregnancy

To prevent anemia, it is recommended to enrich your nutrition with iron, B12, and folic acid, which are particularly important for preventing fetal congenital disorders. Each supplement can be taken separately, or you can opt for combined food supplements that contain these vitamins. In any case, it is crucial to consume food supplements according to the following guidelines:

  • It is recommended to take a daily iron supplement (30 milligrams) from the end of the third month until six weeks after delivery. Take these supplements at least two hours after the consume milk, dairy products, coffee, or tea, as their combination may hinder iron absorption.
  • Additionally, it is advised to consume iron-rich foods such as lean meat, turkey, red turkey, legumes, oats, quinoa, dried fruits, tahini, almonds, nuts, fortified iron foods, etc. It is also important to separate the consumption of these products from dairy, coffee, and tea.
  • To enhance iron absorption, include foods rich in vitamin C, as it enhances iron absorption.

Iron when suffering from anemia

If you were diagnosed with anemia, your physician will likely prescribe you an iron supplement.

While crucial for treatment, iron supplements can sometimes cause side effects such as constipation, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or dark-colored stool. If you experience these side effects, you can switch to another type of iron supplement. Sometimes, dietary adjustments or changing the type of iron can help balance these symptoms. In any case, it is advised to consult your physician or pharmacist.

It is recommended that all women of childbearing age take a folic acid supplement (400 micrograms) daily, especially before conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy to decrease the risk of congenital disorders.

  • It is recommended to continue taking folic acid during and after pregnancy.
  • It is recommended to enrich your diet with foods naturally high in folic acid, including green leafy vegetables (lettuce, cabbage, spinach, and broccoli), legumes, whole grains, citrus fruits, and foods enriched with folic acid.
  • Folic acid can be taken at any time of the day, preferably at a fixed hour. There are no special instructions regarding this supplement. It can be consumed with or without food.

This animal source vitamin is especially important for any woman who is a vegetarian or avoids eating meat. It is present in meat (beef), chicken, dairy products, and fish. It can also be consumed in lozenges that can be purchased at any pharmacy without a prescription or by injection (only with a referral from a physician).

The recommended dosage is usually 1000 micrograms per lozenge, which is sucked under the tongue. It can be consumed with or without food.

It is recommended to read more about prenatal supplements

There are various types of multivitamins for pregnancy. If you struggle, for any reason, to swallow multivitamins in capsules, you can obtain other types of vitamins, for example, powder, gummy candies, or liquid. In any case, it is essential that you start multivitamin intake (which contains iron, folic acid, and iodine) even before conception.

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