Understanding the Effects of Anemia During Pregnancy
Blood is the life of body. It flows throughout the body, hearts, veins and arteries to ensure that enough nourishment reaches each part and the waste matter can be taken away.
Symptoms: Notify your healthcare provider, if you have symptoms of Anemia during pregnancy. The following may occur during treatment:
• Diarrhea
• Nausea.
• Abdominal pain.
• Constipation.
• Bleeding, however slight, from any source.
Common Anemia in Pregnancy:
The most common of Anemia found during pregnancy is :
• Iron deficiency Anemia found in around 75 to 85% of cases
• Folic acid deficiency Anemia which is found in the remaining cases
• Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
• Thalassaemia and sickle cell Anemia
Symptoms of Anemia:
Sometimes women do not display any symptoms of Anemia however; generally body may feel weak and tired. Following are some other common symptoms noticed during Anemia:
• Breathlessness
• Abnormal heart beat
• Swollen tongue
• Queasiness
• Headache
• Jaundice
Causes of Anemia:
• Inadequate intake of iron- and deficiency of folic acid
• Increased destruction of red blood cells that can occasionally occur during illness
• Loss of blood from bleeding hemorrhoids or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Even if iron and folic acid intake are sufficient, a pregnant woman may become anaemic because pregnancy alters the digestive process. The unborn child consumes some of the iron or folic acid normally available to the mother’s body.
Risk Increases With:
• Poor nutrition, especially multiple vitamin deficiencies.
• Excess alcohol consumption, leading to poor nutrition.
• Medical history of any disorder that reduces absorption of nutrients.
• Use of anticonvulsant drugs.
• Previous use of oral contraceptives.
G6PD deficiency is more common in persons of Mediterranean, African American and Sephardic Jewish descent. Sickle cell Anemia is found in African Americans and in persons of Italian, Middle Eastern and East Indian descent.
Preventive Measures:
• Eat foods rich in iron, such as liver, beef, whole grain breads and cereals, eggs and dried fruit.
• Eat foods high in folic acid, such as wheat germ, beans, peanut butter, oatmeal, mushrooms, collards, broccoli, beef liver and asparagus.
• Eating foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and fresh, raw vegetables makes iron absorption more efficient.
• Take prenatal vitamin and mineral supplements, if they are prescribed.
• Screening for several Anemia diseases, e.g., G6PD deficiency and sickle cell disease in high risk women, should be considered prior to any attempt to become pregnant.
Possible Complications:
• Premature labor.
• Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR).
• Dangerous Anemia from normal blood loss during labor, requiring blood transfusions.
• Increased susceptibility to maternal infection after childbirth.
Treatment/Post Procedure Care:
General Measures – Diagnosis is determined by laboratory blood studies. For most Anemia ailments, supplements are prescribed. For G6PD deficiency, treatment is supportive and educational. Sickle cell Anemia in pregnant women requires careful medical management; usually done by specialists. If the tongue is red and sore, rinse with warm salt water 3 or 4 times a day. Use 1-teaspoon salt to 8 oz. warm water. Brush teeth with a soft toothbrush.
Medication – Iron, folic acid and other supplements may be prescribed. For better absorption, take iron supplements 1 hour before eating or between meals. Iron will turn bowel movements black, and often causes constipation. Iron sometimes may be taken with meals if it has caused an upset stomach. Rest often until the Anemia disappears.
Diet – Eat well and take prescribed supplements. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation.
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