Healthy Living - Anemia is a common condition among pregnant women that can vary in severity and affect both the mother and fetus. Therefore, preventing anemia during pregnancy is essential for the health of both mother and baby.
Why Does Anemia Often Occur in Pregnant Women?
Anemia occurs when your red blood cells lack hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in the blood. This deficiency leads to reduced oxygen levels in the body, causing symptoms such as weakness, headaches, and shortness of breath.
Anemia is common in pregnant women due to physiological changes that affect hemoglobin levels. Additionally, an unbalanced intake of nutrients and vitamins can lead to iron deficiency, which is a primary cause of anemia.
Besides iron deficiency, other causes of anemia in pregnant women include:
- Folate deficiency due to an unbalanced diet
- Vitamin B12 deficiency from not consuming enough dairy products, meat, and eggs, leading to unhealthy red blood cells
Anemia in pregnant women poses several risks, including:
- Post-partum hemorrhage or excessive bleeding after childbirth
- Placenta previa, where the placental cord is located at the bottom of the uterus
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Fetal death
Due to these potential complications, it's crucial to monitor your diet and take preventive measures against anemia during pregnancy.
Prevention of Anemia in Pregnant Women
According to the Maternal and Child Health Integrated Program, one effective way to prevent anemia in pregnant women is by taking iron supplements. In addition to supplements, improving your diet can also help prevent anemia. Here are some dietary recommendations:
- Take folic acid and iron supplements as prescribed by your doctor (generally 60 mg of iron and 400 mcg of folic acid)
- Eat foods rich in iron, such as meat, chicken, fish, eggs, and whole grains
- Consume foods high in folic acid, such as dried beans, whole grains, orange juice, and green vegetables
- Include supplements and foods rich in vitamin C, such as fresh fruits and vegetables
- If you struggle to get enough iron through diet alone, consider taking iron supplements
If iron supplements cause stomach discomfort, try taking them with a small amount of food. Preventing anemia during pregnancy is a key step in ensuring a healthy pregnancy. If you have concerns, even after following a healthy diet and taking supplements, consult your doctor for personalized advice.
