All you need to know about anaemia during pregnancy

What is Anaemia?

This is a blood disorder in which the blood has a reduced ability to carry oxygen due to a lower than normal number of red blood cells, or a reduction in the amount of haemoglobin.

Types of Anaemia During Pregnancy

Anaemia in pregnancy can happen due to three main reasons:

● Deficiency of iron

This is one of the most common causes of anaemia in pregnancy.

● Deficiency of folate

Folate is a type of vitamin that helps keep the iron levels intact in the body. But during pregnancy, many women cannot produce enough folate and this leads to anaemia in pregnancy.

● Deficiency of Vitamin B12

This is another common cause of anaemia in pregnancy and is mostly seen in women who are vegetarian.

Risk Factors for Anaemia in Pregnancy

While most pregnant women are at risk for anaemia, there is a greater risk when:

● Carrying twins or triplets

● Had another pregnancy in the recent past

● Teenage pregnancy

● Low iron diet

● Excessive morning sickness

● An existing patient with anaemia

Symptoms of Anaemia During Pregnancy

Symptoms of anaemia in pregnancy include:

• Pale skin, lips, and nails

• Feeling tired or weak

• Dizziness

• Shortness of breath

• Rapid heartbeat

• Trouble concentrating

If you notice these symptoms, inform your doctor right away.

Risks of Anaemia in Pregnancy

Anaemia in pregnancy should not be ignored. If severe or untreated, then it can increase your risk of having:

● Preterm or low-birth-weight baby

● A baby born with anaemia

● A baby with development delays

● Postpartum depression

Tests for Anaemia

During your first prenatal appointment, you'll get a blood test so your doctor can check whether you have anaemia. Blood tests typically include:

● Haemoglobin test

This test is done to determine the level of iron in your blood.

● Haematocrit test

This test is done to determine the level of red blood cells in your blood.

Even if you don't have anaemia at the beginning of your pregnancy, your doctor will most likely recommend that you get another blood test to check for anaemia in your second or third trimester.

Treatment for Anaemia

If you have anaemia in pregnancy, you may need to start taking an iron supplement and/or folic acid supplement in addition to your prenatal vitamins. Your doctor may also suggest that you add more foods that are high in iron and folic acid to your diet. Here are some healthy foods to include in your meals when you are pregnant:

● Chicken and eggs

● Fish

● Lean red meat

● Dark green, leafy vegetables

● Dairy products like curd and paneer

● Tofu

● Lentils

Preventing Anaemia

While some cases cannot be prevented, you can control the situation by following some precautions:

● Have an iron-rich diet

● Prevent morning sickness by avoiding the common triggers

● Speak to your doctor if you experience blood loss during pregnancy due to an injury

● Have foods and drinks high in vitamin C as that helps in the absorption of iron in the blood

● Avoid bad habits such as smoking and drinking and stay healthy in an overall manner