It's normal for many mothers to feel a little tired and fatigued during pregnancy. But sometimes this tiredness, just a feeling of being lethargic, can be caused by a decrease in blood volume in the body, which doctors call anemia . So today, let's talk about this in a little more detail , because this is important for both your health and that of your baby.
Simply put, what is anemia?
Anemia, or as doctors call it, is when you don't have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. Just think, if oxygen didn't get to all parts of our body properly, our organs and our muscles wouldn't be able to function properly, right? That's what happens when you have a low blood count. That's what causes you to feel tired and have trouble breathing.
Inside these red blood cells is a very important protein. It is called hemoglobin . This is what captures oxygen and carries it to every cell in the body when we breathe. It also helps bring carbon dioxide, an unwanted gas produced in the body, back to the lungs and out when we breathe out.
So, our body needs iron and certain vitamins to make these red blood cells and hemoglobin. If we don't get these things from food, our body won't be able to make enough hemoglobin and carry oxygen properly. It's common for many mothers to develop anemia during pregnancy due to a lack of iron and other vitamins. This is because your blood volume increases a bit during this time, along with the baby's needs.
What are the most common types of anemia during pregnancy?
It is said that there are actually more than 400 types of anemia. But there are a few types that are particularly common during pregnancy and that we see most often. Let's take a look at what they are:
- Iron-deficiency anemia: This is the most common type. As the name suggests, this condition occurs when the body does not get enough iron. This is common during pregnancy as the need for iron increases with the growth of the baby.
- Folate-deficiency anemia: Folate, or folic acid as we all know it, is also essential for making red blood cells. If it is not enough, anemia can occur. Taking folic acid before pregnancy is also recommended to prevent such things.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia: Vitamin B12 is essential for our nervous system and red blood cell production. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to anemia. This is especially important for vegetarians.
Who is more likely to develop this anemia?
During pregnancy, your blood volume increases by about 20% to 30%. This means that the extra red blood cells you produce require more iron. Some people are more likely to develop anemia. For example:
- For those who are expecting multiple babies at once, such as twins or triplets: Because the nutritional demands on the body are much greater.
- For those who don't get enough iron from food: People who don't eat a balanced diet are at risk.
- For those with multiple pregnancies: If the body doesn't have enough time to recover after one pregnancy, anemia may occur during the next pregnancy.
- For those who have had heavy menstrual flow since before pregnancy: Their body's iron stores may be depleted.
- For those who frequently vomit due to morning sickness: Nutritional deficiencies may occur because food is not absorbed properly.
Imagine, your friend, let's say Nadeesha. She is about to have twins. It's been about a year since she had a baby before that. So her body needs a little more iron. Also, sometimes she can't eat properly in the morning with the morning sickness. People like you are a little more likely to get anemia.
Is it normal to have low blood pressure during pregnancy?
Yes, it is normal to have mild anemia during pregnancy, as blood volume increases. In developing countries, it is reported that 52% of pregnant women do not get enough iron. However, severe anemia is not uncommon.
However, whether you have mild or severe anemia, it is important to get it treated . It is very important for the health of both you and your unborn baby.
How does anemia affect the baby?
Your baby in your womb gets all the nutrients it needs, like iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid, from you. So if you don't get enough of these nutrients, it can affect your baby's development, especially during the first three months of pregnancy, or the first trimester .
The most important thing is that if this anemia is not treated, the baby may also develop anemia after birth, which can lead to some problems with his development. Also, the risk of the baby being born prematurely (preterm birth) and having a low birth weight (low birth weight) increases. Therefore, it is very important to take care of this.
Can this lack of blood cause a miscarriage?
No. Anemia during pregnancy does not directly cause miscarriage. However, if there is severe anemia , it can cause other complications during pregnancy. That is why it is recommended to get treatment for anemia as soon as possible.
What are other causes of low blood pressure during pregnancy?
Pregnancy itself can cause anemia, as the body's blood volume increases. Apart from that, as we've already discussed, not getting enough iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid are the main causes.
In addition, other common causes of anemia can also affect pregnancy:
- Some diseases, for example , sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, are hereditary diseases.
- Frequent blood donation (blood donation is not recommended during pregnancy, but prior history may be affected).
- Heavy menstrual bleeding before pregnancy.
- Ulcers or polyps in the digestive tract.
What are the symptoms of this anemia?
At first, you may not notice much difference when you have mild anemia. But over time, you may start to notice things like:
- Feeling very tired (Fatigue): You may simply feel tired and sleepy.
- Feeling cold: You may feel cold even though others have a normal temperature.
- Shortness of breath: A feeling of shortness of breath even after doing a small task.
Other symptoms that may be seen include:
- Dizziness or weakness
- Feeling like your heart is beating fast (Fast heartbeat)
- Headache
- Skin discoloration (paleness), dry skin, or easy bruising
- Sore tongue
- Restless legs syndrome is a strange feeling of tightness in the legs, especially the lower legs, that makes you want to move around.
If you have one or more of these symptoms, it's best to tell a doctor.
How do you accurately identify if you have this anemia?
The only way to know for sure if you have anemia is to have a blood test . This is called a complete blood count (CBC) . This CBC test is usually done during your first prenatal visit after you find out you are pregnant.
With this ``(CBC)`` test, your doctor will look for the following:
- How many red blood cells you have in your body, their size, and shape (this can help identify specific conditions like sickle cell anemia).
- How much iron is in your body?
- Are you deficient in vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9).
What is severe anemia?
Severe anemia is when your CBC test results show a hemoglobin level between 6.5 and 7.9 grams per deciliter (g/dL). If your results show severe anemia, your doctor may decide to give you a blood transfusion, which is an outside blood transfusion . This is often done in an outpatient setting. A blood transfusion quickly gives your body a new supply of healthy red blood cells.
How to treat anemia during pregnancy?
Treatment for anemia during pregnancy depends on its severity.
- For mild to moderate anemia: Your doctor will usually prescribe a prenatal vitamin or iron supplement to take daily. These will ensure that your body gets enough iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid.
- Severe anemia: As mentioned earlier, a blood transfusion may be necessary.
What can be done at home for this anemia?
The best thing you can do at home to prevent anemia, which is often caused by a deficiency in iron, vitamin B12, or folate, is to make sure you are getting enough of these nutrients. Take your prenatal vitamin daily as prescribed by your doctor. It is best to talk to your doctor about which vitamin is best for you.
Also, making changes to your diet helps a lot.
- Eat more iron-rich foods . Include dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, red meat (beef, goat), chicken (especially liver), fish (especially halibut, mackerel), legumes like lentils, chickpeas, green beans, boiled egg yolks, raisins, and dates in your diet.
- Foods rich in vitamin C are also important, as they help the body absorb iron better. Try eating things like limes, oranges, tangerines, lemons, guava, guava, mango, tomatoes, peppers, and fish chilies with your meals. For example, you can add a little lime to a salad or eat an orange after a meal.
How soon will I feel better after treatment?
If you have anemia caused by iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, or folate deficiency, you may start to feel better and more energetic within a few days of starting to take supplements. But if you don't feel any difference, be sure to tell your doctor.
What happens if treatment is not given?
If left untreated, anemia can worsen over time. As the amount of oxygen in your blood decreases, it can damage your organs . Your heart also has to work harder to pump blood around your body with less oxygen. This increases your risk of developing conditions like:
- Heartbeat irregularities `(Arrhythmia)`
- Enlarged heart
- Heart failure
Therefore, anemia should not be taken lightly.
How do you survive or prevent this anemia?
The best thing you can do to prevent anemia is to eat foods that provide at least 30 milligrams of iron per day (about three servings) . If you have trouble getting that amount from food alone, talk to your doctor about taking an iron supplement.
It's also important to take a prenatal vitamin every day. If possible, it's best to start taking prenatal vitamins as soon as you plan to get pregnant . Some prenatal vitamins don't contain enough iron. So, ask your doctor which prenatal vitamin is best for you.
But you should also remember this. Even if you do everything right, you may still experience a slight anemia due to the natural increase in blood volume during pregnancy. This is normal. However, if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, such as fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath, it is wise to see a doctor and talk about it.
What is the future for someone in this situation?
If treated properly, a person with anemia during pregnancy can recover very well. This condition can be easily controlled with nutritional supplements and small changes in diet. After you have your baby, your blood count and plasma levels will return to normal.
When should I see a doctor about this anemia?
If you experience any of these symptoms of anemia, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Heart palpitations
- Pale skin
- Tongue injury or soreness
- An unusual need to move the legs
If you have any concerns or concerns about this, ask your doctor to check for anemia and what you can do to maintain healthy red blood cell levels throughout your pregnancy. Don't worry, there are solutions to all of this.
How should you take care of yourself when you have anemia?
The best thing you can do when you have anemia is to try to eat a healthy, iron-rich diet . Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water . Take your prenatal vitamin and/or iron supplements as prescribed by your doctor. Talk to your doctor about the best type of supplement for you.
Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Since your blood volume increases by about 20% to 30% during pregnancy, you may experience mild anemia. While this may be normal, it is important to be aware of it.
Enriching your diet with iron, vitamin C, and B vitamins can help reduce and prevent anemia. Don't forget to take a prenatal vitamin every day. Talk openly with your doctor about the risks of anemia during pregnancy and any concerns you may have. That way, both you and your baby can stay healthy!
` Anemia, pregnancy, iron, hemoglobin, vitamins, folic acid, symptoms
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න