Anemia and its complications to pregnancy

Anemia is one of the most common health conditions that people experience. Frequently, women are most at risk of developing anemia due to monthly blood loss during menstruation and during pregnancy. In fact, most women do not know they are anemic unless they manifest symptoms of dizziness and paleness and consulted their doctors. Anemia can complicate pregnancy. Let us further understand what is anemia and its complications to pregnancy.

Anemia is a health condition that arises due to lack of iron in the blood. Lack of iron in the blood causes less hemoglobin to be produced. The hemoglobin is responsible in distributing oxygen to tissues of the body and when this fails, symptoms of dizziness, extreme fatigue, paleness, labored breathing and rapid heartbeat manifest.

During pregnancy, the blood supply requirement increases by 50% for the development of the baby while inside the womb. Anemia during pregnancy can cause complications to the growth and development of the baby as there is less supply of iron in the blood. The most common type of anemia that an expectant mom may experience is iron deficiency anemia.

Iron deficiency anemia happens when there is less hemoglobin produced in the blood. This may be as an effect of improper nutrition or when there is less iron stored in the bone marrow of the expectant mom that it is not able to meet the requirement for fetal development. As a result, low birth weight, preterm birth and poor fetal growth may happen to the baby.

Anemia due to iron deficiency is treatable by proper iron supplementation and proper nutrition. Some sources of iron are leafy green vegetables (broccoli, spinach), eggs, red meat, liver, dried beans or tofu, and iron-fortified bread, pasta, and cereal.

Most doctors would recommend iron supplements when anemia is diagnosed. If you suspect anemia and you are pregnant, consulting your doctor is a must and taking iron supplements is insufficient or may even worsen your condition without a prescription from your physician. Iron supplements can cause LBM and constipation to some.

In diagnosing anemia, your medical history is taken along with your family medical history to ensure that the type of anemia that you have is not hereditary. Blood smear and other laboratory tests may also be required by your doctor to properly diagnose your condition especially when you have a sensitive pregnancy.

Anemia can be treated with proper nutrition. Make sure that you have healthy body prior to pregnancy to ensure a healthy baby and a blissful pregnancy experience.