The article was consulted professionally by Dr. Tran Thi Mai Huong – Obstetrician and Gynecologist – Obstetrics and Gynecology Department – Share99 Hai Phong International Health Hub
During pregnancy, the likelihood of iron deficiency anemia in the woman increases. Iron deficiency anemia is a condition where the body does not have enough iron as a raw material to produce red blood cells, which in turns leads to anemia.
1. What causes iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy?
The human body uses iron to make hemoglobin,a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues. During pregnancy, the woman's body needs twice as much iron as other normal non-pregnant women. This amount of iron will be used to produce more blood, aimed at providing oxygen not only to the pregnant body, but also to the fetus. If the pregnant woman before pregnancy does not have enough iron reserves, or during pregnancy does not receive the necessary amount of iron, iron deficiency anemia will appear.
Mild anemia is common in pregnant women, but if the cause of anemia is iron deficiency, then the level of anemia can be severe.
Women at high risk of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy should:
- The distance between two consecutive pregnancies is too close.
- Pregnancy with more than one fetus (double pregnancy, triple pregnancy, even more).
- Vomiting too often, too much due to morning sickness.
- Pregnancy in adolescence.
- Do not receive the required amount of iron.
- Before pregnancy is a person who has a menstrual cycle that is high in blood (menstruation).
- Have a history of anemia before pregnancy.
2. How does iron deficiency anemia affect pregnancy?
Severe anemia during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth, birth weight and post-birth depression. Some studies have also shown that iron deficiency anemia increases the risk of fetal death just before or after birth.
3. How to prevent iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women?
As mentioned above, the demand for iron in pregnant women is higher than in non-pregnant women, specifically during pregnancy every day the woman needs 27 mg of iron. However, with a nutritious, balanced diet, containing foods with high iron content is already possible to prevent iron deficiency.
Every day a pregnant woman should use at least three servings of iron-rich food, such as:
- Red lean meat, poultry meat, and fish.
- Vegetables with dark green leaves (e.g. spinach, broccoli, and kale).
- Cereals and wheat supplements iron.
- Legumes, lentils, and tofu.
- Nuts and sprouts.
- egg.
To increase the absorption of iron from plant sources (and also iron supplements), use together with foods high in vitamin C, such as:
- Citrus fruits and juices from them.
- strawberry.
- Kiwi.
- tomato.
- Bell peppers.
However, if using iron supplements, avoid using the same calci-enhancing products, because although calci is also an essential component for pregnant women, calci can reduce iron absorption.
4. Signs of recognition when pregnant women have iron deficiency anemia?
The signs when pregnant women have iron deficiency anemia may manifest as:
- tired.
- Weak.
- Re-skin or yellowing, especially pale skin, lips and nails.
- Abnormal heart rate.
- Breathing downhill.
- Dizziness or dizziness.
- Chest pain.
- Hands, feet are cold.
- Headache.
- Loss of concentration.
As seen, the signs of iron deficiency eye deficiency are usually similar to those of pregnancy, and in the early stages of anemia, there may be no symptoms. Whether present or not, pregnant women should perform a blood test to detect anemia during pregnancy. If you are worried about any symptoms, consult a specialist.
5. In case of necessity iron deficiency anemia will be treated?
If you have followed an adequate diet, rich in iron or have used iron-containing vitamin supplements that stillhave anemia, your doctor may prescribe several tests to determine the possible causes of anemia, and in rare cases will need to be examined by a haematological specialist. If iron deficiency is identified as the only cause of anemia, your doctor may prescribe iron supplements (such as iron supplements). In the event that a pregnant woman has a history of gastric bypass surgery, or has had minor surgery, or is unable to supplement iron orally, the pregnant woman may need to take intravenous iron supplementation.
At Share99 International Health Hub, there is a full maternity service as a solution to help pregnant mothers feel secure because there is a team of doctors throughout the pregnancy. When choosing a full-service maternity, a pregnant woman can:
- The process of pregnancy is monitored by a team of specialists
- Regular examination, early detection of abnormalities
- Package maternity for the convenience of childbirth
- Infants receive comprehensive care
For direct advice, please click hotline number or register online HERE. In addition, you can register for remote consultation HERE
Source reference article: mayoclinic.org and webmd.com
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