Are you feeling more tired and sleepy than usual during pregnancy? Perhaps the reason for this is not as normal as you think. It could be that many mothers in our country suffer from 'anemia' or what is medically called anemia . This is very common during pregnancy. But being aware of it and taking the necessary steps is very important for the health of both you and your baby.
Simply put, anemia is when you don't have enough healthy red blood cells in your blood. These red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to tissues throughout your body and to your baby in the womb. When you're pregnant, your body produces more blood than usual to help your baby grow. Your body needs more nutrients, like iron, to make this extra blood. So if you don't get enough of these nutrients from the foods you eat, your body can't make enough red blood cells, which can lead to anemia.
Main types of anemia during pregnancy
There are several main causes of anemia during pregnancy. Let's take a look at what they are.
- Iron- deficiency anemia : This is the most common type of anemia seen among pregnant women. The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen is called hemoglobin . Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin. So, when there is not enough iron in the body, it cannot produce enough hemoglobin, resulting in anemia.
- Folate-deficiency anemia: Folate is a B vitamin. It is found naturally in foods such as green vegetables and legumes. Folate is essential for making new cells, especially red blood cells. During pregnancy, a mother needs more folate than usual. If she cannot get it from food alone, this type of anemia can occur. We also call synthetic folate folic acid . This folate deficiency can directly affect the baby's nervous system disorders (e.g. Spina Bifida ) and low birth weight.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency: Vitamin B12 is also very important for making healthy red blood cells. Vegetarian/vegan mothers who do not eat animal products such as meat, fish, milk, and eggs are more likely to be deficient in this vitamin. This can also cause problems with the baby's nervous system and premature birth.
In addition, anemia can also occur due to excessive bleeding during and after childbirth.
Are you also at risk? Causes of anemia
Although anyone can develop anemia during pregnancy, some people are at a slightly higher risk. See the table below.
| Risk Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Expecting twins | When carrying more than one baby, the body's need for iron and folate also increases. |
| Shortening the gap between pregnancies | When you have children in succession, you don't have time to rebuild your body's iron stores. |
| Excessive morning sickness | When you vomit frequently, your body doesn't have time to absorb the nutrients in the food you eat. |
| Getting pregnant at a young age | A young mother's nutritional needs are high because her body is still developing. |
| Consuming less iron-rich foods | Insufficient iron intake through diet is a direct cause. |
| Having anemia even before pregnancy | If you already have anemia, it may worsen during pregnancy. |
Do you also have these symptoms?
In the early stages of anemia, you may not have any symptoms. But as the condition gets worse, you may start to notice things like this.
- Pale appearance: The skin, lips, and nails become pale.
- Extreme fatigue and weakness: Feeling very tired even after doing small tasks. Feeling constantly exhausted.
- Dizziness: Feeling dizzy when standing up suddenly or while working.
- Difficulty breathing : Shortness of breath even after walking a short distance.
- Rapid heartbeat: You may feel like your chest is pounding even when you are just standing still.
- Difficulty concentrating: Difficulty concentrating on the task at hand.
But remember one thing. Many of these symptoms can occur during pregnancy without anemia, which is why it is so important to attend your maternity clinic regularly and get the blood tests your doctor orders.
Why should you be concerned about anemia?
If anemia is not treated properly, it can affect both you and your baby.
Risks to the mother:
- If there is excessive bleeding during childbirth, a blood transfusion may be necessary.
- Increased risk of postpartum depression .
Possible risks to the baby:
- The occurrence of a premature baby .
- Having a low-birth-weight baby .
- The baby at birth may also have anemia.
- Developmental delays in the child.
- The risk of serious birth defects (neural tube defects) in the baby's brain or spinal cord, especially due to folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies.
How do you know if you have anemia?
When you first go to the clinic to confirm that you are pregnant, the doctor will ask you to take a blood test. This will mainly look at two things.
1. Hemoglobin test: This measures the level of hemoglobin in your blood.
2. Hematocrit test: Measures the percentage of red blood cells in a sample of your blood.
If these test results are below normal, you may be suspected of having anemia. Further tests may then be done to determine if the cause is iron deficiency or something else. Even if you are not anemic at the beginning of your pregnancy, your doctor may recommend that you have another blood test in the second or third trimester.
Treatment and prevention
The best thing to do is to prevent anemia before it occurs. And if it does, to treat it properly.
How is it treated?
If you are diagnosed with anemia, your doctor will likely prescribe iron supplements and/or folic acid supplements in addition to your usual prenatal vitamins . If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, they will also prescribe supplements. Never take these supplements without your doctor's advice.
In addition, you will be advised to eat a diet rich in iron and folate. In some severe cases, you may be referred to a hematologist.
How to prevent it?
Eating a balanced diet is the most important thing. Try to include at least three iron-rich foods in your daily diet.
| Foods rich in iron and folate | |
|---|---|
| Iron-rich foods | Folate/Folic Acid-rich foods |
| |
Another important thing: When you eat foods rich in vitamin C (oranges, tangerines, strawberries, tomatoes, bell peppers) with iron-rich foods, it is easier for the body to absorb iron. For example, it is very good to drink a glass of orange juice with an egg for breakfast.
If you are a vegetarian/vegan, be sure to talk to your doctor about whether you need to take a vitamin B12 supplement during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Take-Home Message
- Anemia is a very common condition during pregnancy. Don't be afraid of it, but be aware of it.
- Never miss a day at your antenatal clinic. It is essential to have your blood tests done on time.
- It is very important to eat a balanced diet rich in iron, folate, and vitamin B12.
- Take iron tablets or other vitamins recommended by your doctor, in the prescribed dosage and for the prescribed period. Never take medication on your own.
- If you have symptoms such as extreme fatigue, paleness, or dizziness, do not wait until your next clinic appointment, but see a doctor for advice.
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