Anemia in pregnancy
What are the symptoms of gestational anemia and what causes it? What is the risk of anemia in pregnancy, and which mothers-to-be are most likely to suffer from it? How is anemia diagnosed and treated during pregnancy? - when is it necessary to go to the hospital? What is the diet for anemia in pregnancy and why supplementation may be needed? If you're expecting a baby or planning to enlarge your family, learn how to avoid the negative effects of pregnancy anemia.
Pregnancy is a time when you should pay close attention to your health. During its duration the need for certain macro- and microelements increases due to their consumption in the process of fetal growth. One of the most common complications during this period is anemia. Below, we discuss the most common symptoms and possible consequences, and we suggest what you need to know about the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
Pregnancy and anemia
Anemia, or anemia, is a blood disorder - it mainly affects red blood cells and the hemoglobin they contain. Anemia in pregnancy can have very negative consequences for both the mother and the baby - especially in the absence of adequate supplementation. In this situation, due to deficiency of building elements for red blood cells, responsible for the delivery of oxygen to all cells of the mother and the fetusmany processes necessary for the optimal functioning of both organisms and the proper development of the fetus are disturbed. Such circumstances may contribute to premature birth, low birth weight and birth defects and have a negative effect on the body of the future mother.
Expert advises
During pregnancy, the use of most nutrients is greater than before - the pregnant woman's body produces more blood and uses additional amounts of macro- and micronutrients to support the child's development. Therefore, at this time, an appropriate diet is so important, and if it is not possible to supplement the needs with the diet alone, well-thought-out supplementation of micro and macro elements.
Anemia in pregnancy - symptoms
Anemia in pregnancy and its symptoms are quickly noticeable, although not always associated with iron, folate or vitamin B12 deficiency. Most often it appears: pale skin, lips and nails, and a feeling of constant fatigue and weakness. Many women also complain of dizziness and rapid heartbeat often accompanied by shortness of breath. These symptoms are usually associated with the typical picture of a physiological pregnancy and often do not cause anxiety for the future mother. Symptoms of central nervous system hypoxia, such as decreased concentration and memory loss, may also appear. Anemia in pregnancy in the forum for women is also associated with increased nail brittleness, hair loss and deteriorated skin condition. Symptoms of anemia in pregnancy are not always obvious a especially in the early stagesThat is why regular checkups with the gynecologist and prescribed blood tests are so important.
Types of anemia
There are at least several textbook classifications of anemia. Here we will break down anemia into types, due to the cause and type of deficiency. Anemia in pregnancy is one of the most discussed topics on the forum for expectant mothers, so it is worth knowing its individual types.
- Anemia caused by iron deficiency. During pregnancy, blood volume increases by about 40%, which is means the body needs more micronutrients. In this case, iron is needed to produce hemoglobin, the protein that transports oxygen to the cells of the body. If its amount is too low, the blood cannot supply the right amount of oxygen for the proper development of the fetus and the optimal functioning of the pregnant woman. If you want to learn more about iron in pregnancy, iron deficiency and supplementation, take a look here.
- Folate deficiency anemia. Vitamin B9 is found in large amounts, for example, in green parts of plants - but it is worth remembering that here it is in the form of folate. On the other hand, folic acid recommended during pregnancy is a synthetic form and will not fully replace folate in the diet. Folate is essential for the development of rapidly growing tissues like bone marrow, including red blood cells, and the tissue of a developing fetus. Therefore, folate deficiency may be the cause of gestational anemia as well as miscarriages and congenital abnormalities in the fetus, in particular neural tube defects.
- Anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency. This is another vitamin that is essential for the production of red blood cells. Its deficiencies may also cause birth defects in the offspring, low birth weight of the newborn with a simultaneous risk of developing diabetes and disorders of the nervous system. Women who do not eat meat, fish or dairy products are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. It is worth noting that vitamin B12 comes in several forms, differing greatly in their bioavailability and thus the effectiveness of supplementing the deficiencies.
Anemia in pregnancy: risk factors
Most pregnant women are at risk of anemia, while the greatest risk occurs, among others:
- at teenagers,
- in women with anemia prior to pregnancy,
- in the case of a short interval between subsequent pregnancies and in the coexistence of intense vomiting in the first trimester.
The risk of shortages also exacerbates the presence of multiple pregnancywhen the need for vitamins and minerals is greater than in a single pregnancy. The risk of pregnancy complications is high inadequate diet, full of processed foods that does not provide the body with nutrients. In case of vegans or vegetarians, the risk of anemia is also high - an improperly composed diet and the lack of supplementary supplementation is a quick way to deficiencies.
Anemia in pregnancy: what is it likely to do?
It might seem that iron, folate or vitamin B12 deficiency is a temporary condition and is not life threatening for either mother or baby. However, the lack of appropriate substances at a crucial moment in the development of the fetus can have serious consequences. What are the consequences of anemia in pregnancy? The most common are:
- low birth weight of the child,
- premature birth,
- postpartum depression,
- newborn deficiencies,
- child development delay,
- neural tube defects (brain or spine defects).
It is worth noting that these consequences apply to both organisms, but in the case of a newborn, the effects can be much more severe.
Diagnostics and treatment gestational anemia
Both during pregnancy and beyond, the most important thing is prevention and regular medical follow-up. Very often the question is asked when to go to the hospital when there is anemia in pregnancy, however in most cases it is not a life-threatening situation and does not require hospitalization. In the event of disturbing symptoms, even with normal test results, it is necessary to consult the attending physician and determine the need to extend diagnostics - these are usually blood tests to check the levels of iron, ferritin, vitamin B12 and folic acid in the serum. The doctor will suggest an appropriate therapy, tailored individually to the patient's condition.
Expert advises
The decision on when to refer the patient to the hospital is made by the attending physician. However, these are extremely rare situations, when the current treatment and supplementation do not bring improvement and therapy with, for example, blood products is required.
To sum up, when anemia occurs during pregnancy, it is not worth stressing immediately and wondering when to go to the hospital - in this case, regular diagnostics and constant contact with a doctor are important.
Diet in gestational anemia
The main issue is that what should she eat pregnant - prophylactically and when anemia occurs during pregnancy. We know the most common the best way to provide nutrients is to consume them with food, in the form of natural products.
The diet should be rich in high-nutritional foods that will meet the needs of not only vitamin B12, folates and iron, but also other micronutrients necessary for the proper functioning of the body. A proper diet should include animal products such as unprocessed meat, eggs (preferably from free-range hens) and good origin dairy productsif there is no lactose hypersensitivity or intolerance. Also, be aware of a large amount leafy and green vegetables - such as broccoli, spinach, kale, parsley. They are also important in the diet legumes, nuts and seeds.
Vegetarians and vegans should especially take care of a properly balanced diet. When there is no possibility of optimal intake of micronutrients in meals, it is necessary to determine the appropriate doses of supplements with a doctor.
Anemia in pregnancy: what to eat and what to avoid?
In case of nutritional deficiencies, it is worth knowing what to eat and what to avoid. We know that vitamin C supports the absorption of ironSo it is a good idea to add paprika, tomatoes, kiwi, strawberries or citrus fruits to iron-rich meals.
In the case of iron deficiency anemia, it is also recommended avoiding substances that interfere with the absorption of this element. It belongs to them tannin, found mainly in black tea and polyphenols present, among others in red grapes and green tea. Foods that may impede the absorption of iron also include cocoa, eggs and other dairy products.
What to eat when you are pregnant, primarily varied and unprocessed products. Thanks to this, all the necessary ingredients will be able to be delivered with meals. In the case of composing meals it should be taken into account loss of vitamins and minerals during the processing of products (even cutting or peeling fruit and vegetables is problematic for vitamin C). For this reason, additional supplementation should not be underestimated - especially if anemia was already diagnosed or occurred before pregnancy.
Proper supplementation
It very often happens that a proper diet is not enough - apart from losses in the processing of food, it is a question absorption and assimilation of nutrients. Careful supplementation for pregnant women is therefore of key importance, as it allows you to ensure an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals, which are especially needed during this period.
Proper diagnosis is very important before and during pregnancy. Regular examinations and medical checks will help prevent possible deficiencies or react quickly in the event of their occurrence. Proper treatment of anemia in pregnancy enables not only optimal development of the fetus and a good start in the life of the newborn, but also gives a chance for well-being in pregnancy and quick regeneration after giving birth to the expectant mother.
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