Anaemia In pregnancy

Posted By Dr. Deepti Asthana on 22-10-2021

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What exactly is anaemia?

Anemia occurs when your blood has an abnormally low number of red blood cells. A lack of red blood cells makes it difficult for your blood to transport oxygen or iron. This may have an impact on how cells in nerves and muscles function. During pregnancy, the baby needs your blood as well.

What is the cause of anaemia during pregnancy?

Several types of anaemia may occur during pregnancy. The reason differs depending on the kind.

Pregnancy anaemia.

The amount of blood rises during pregnancy. This implies that more iron and vitamins are required to produce more red blood cells. Anemia may occur if you do not have enough iron. Unless your red blood cell count goes extremely low, it is not deemed abnormal.

Iron deficiency anaemia

Your baby needs your red blood cells for growth and development throughout pregnancy, particularly in the final three months. If you have extra red blood cells in your bone marrow before becoming pregnant, your body may utilise them throughout pregnancy. Iron-deficiency anaemia may occur in women who do not have adequate iron reserves. This is the most frequent form of anaemia seen during pregnancy. It is important to eat well before becoming pregnant in order to build up these reserves.

Deficiency of vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 is required for the formation of red blood cells and protein. Consuming animal products such as milk, eggs, meats, and poultry may help avoid vitamin B12 deficiency. Women who do not consume any animal products (vegans) are more prone to suffer from vitamin B12 insufficiency. During pregnancy, strict vegans often need vitamin B12 injections.

Deficiency in folate.

Folate (folic acid) is a B vitamin that, in conjunction with iron, promotes cell development. If you don't receive enough folate when pregnant, you may develop iron deficiency. If consumed before and throughout pregnancy, folic acid reduces the chance of having a baby with certain birth abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord.

What are the signs and symptoms of anaemia in pregnancy?

Unless your cell counts are very low, you may not have obvious signs of anaemia during pregnancy. Symptoms may include:

Pale skin, lips, nails, palms, or the bottom of the eyelids

Feeling tired

Dizziness or a sensation of spinning (vertigo)

Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)

Trouble concentrating

Anemia symptoms may be similar to those of other medical disorders. For a diagnosis, always consult your healthcare practitioner.

How is anaemia detected during pregnancy?

During your prenatal examinations, your healthcare practitioner will check for anaemia. It is often discovered through a regular blood test. Other blood tests that may be used to screen for anaemia include:

Hemoglobin. This is the portion of blood that transports oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues.

Hematocrit. This quantifies the proportion of red blood cells present in a given volume of blood.

How is anaemia treated during pregnancy?

The treatment you get will be determined by your symptoms, age, and overall health. It will also be determined by the severity of the disease.

Iron supplements are used to treat iron deficiency anaemia. Some forms have a time limit. Others must be taken several times each day. Taking iron with citrus juice, such as orange juice, may help your body absorb it more effectively. Taking antacids may make it more difficult for your body to absorb iron. Iron supplements may induce nausea and change the colour of your faeces to a dark greenish or black hue. They may also result in constipation.

What are the complications of anaemia during pregnancy?

If you have anaemia while pregnant, your baby may not develop to a healthy weight, may come prematurely (preterm delivery), or may have a low birth weight. Being exhausted may also prevent you from recuperating as fast after giving delivery.

Is it possible to prevent anaemia during pregnancy?

Good pre-pregnancy diet not only helps avoid anaemia, but it also helps your body develop other nutritional reserves. Eating a healthy, balanced diet before and throughout pregnancy helps you maintain your iron and other vital minerals for your developing baby.

Iron-rich foods include the following:

Meat. Beef, lamb, liver, and other organ meats are all options.

Poultry. Chicken and liver, particularly dark meat, are all good choices.

Fish. Shellfish, such as (completely cooked) clams, mussels, and oysters, are delicious. Sardines and anchovies are also acceptable.

Greens from the cabbage family that have a leafy texture. Broccoli, kale, turnip greens, and collards are examples.

Legumes. Dry beans and peas, such as pinto beans, black-eyed peas, and canned baked beans; lima beans and green peas

Whole-wheat yeast-leavened bread and rolls

rice, and cereals with added iron

Experts suggest that all women of reproductive age and all pregnant women take vitamin supplements containing at least 400 mcg of folic acid. Folate is a kind of folic acid that may be found in diet. Sources to consider include:

Dark green, leafy veggies

Beans and peas, dried

Citrus fruits and liquids, as well as the majority of berries

Breakfast cereals that are fortified

Grain products with added nutrients

Call and book your appointment with Dr Deepti Asthana, best pregnancy doctor in gurugram.

For any pregnancy related issues, you can meet the best obstetrician in Gurugram, Dr Deepti Asthana. She is senior Consultant in Fortis Memorial Research institute, Gurugram and director of KALOSA CLINICs.

She is highly experienced, well educated and a brilliant surgeon.She is a friend to her patients and makes sure their 9 months journey is passed with happiness. She has rich experience of more than 15 years and that makes her an excellent and confident obstetrician. Her approach to patients is simple and filled with love and care.

If you want a hassle free pregnancy journey, please visit Dr Deepti Asthana in Kalosa Clinic or Fortis hospital, gurugram.