The key to a successful and healthy life is eating right. This is because your body is a complex yet precise system. The body takes the essential nutrients from the food we eat and processes it and stores it for its everyday activity very meticulously. If you are someone who is planning a pregnancy, this article will be an eye-opener.
There is no doubt that pregnancy brings about a lot of changes to the body. One of the major changes is the growing demand for red blood cells. The hemoglobin in the red blood cells transports oxygen and carbon dioxide all over the body. When a baby is on the way, the body needs more blood. At times, your body cannot tap into its nutrient reserves for iron to make hemoglobin resulting in anemia. Based on the level of hemoglobin levels your doctor will diagnose how much additional care you need to make your pregnancy easier and keep your anemia at bay.
Iron deficiency anemia is common in pregnant women. Folate deficiency and Vitamin B 12 deficiency anemia is diagnosed too. The good news is, they are easy to treat especially in the second and third trimesters if diagnosed early enough.
The risk for anemia will increase if you are:
- Multiple pregnancies
- Severe morning sickness
- Getting pregnant soon after your last pregnancy
- Having a history of anemia or a heavy menstrual flow
- Not consuming enough iron in your diet
- A vitamin deficiency
- An underlying condition
If left untreated, anemia can cause
- Poor fetal growth
- Infections
- Preterm birth
- A low birth weight baby
- Needing a blood transfusion during delivery
- Postpartum depression
Treatments for anemia in pregnancy
Depending on your test results, your doctor might recommend that you increase your intake of iron-rich foods, cut down on certain foods and beverages, or take prenatal vitamins or an iron supplement.
Iron-rich foods
Iron-rich foods are important for women at any age, but you need more of them during pregnancy. While most women need about 18 milligrams of iron each day, pregnant women need about 27 to 30 milligrams of iron to support their babies. This is why doctors suggest avoiding certain kinds of food that will prevent the body from absorbing iron.
Prenatal vitamins
It is not just during pregnancy that you have to have a nutrient-rich diet. It is needed during pregnancy too. The prenatal vitamins are not something to be ignored. These vitamins not only supply you and your baby with folic acid and iron, but they also provide other nutrients like zinc, vitamin E, B vitamins, omega-3s, vitamin C, and vitamin D, and other trace elements.
Iron supplements
Despite a change in diet, if your hemoglobin levels are low, the doctor will suggest iron supplements. However, it is mandatory that anemia has to be monitored closely.
At Divakar’s Hospital, we go that extra mile to ensure that your pregnancy goes smoothly. Drop by to talk about anemia in pregnancy and any other doubts you may have about maternity and child care.
For enquiries and online appointments, send a message to www.DivakarsHospital.com/contact
You can seek 2nd opinion with Dr Hema Divakar and other specialist doctors through the Divakar’s Hospital app which can be downloaded from Google Play Store or ios here – https://bit.ly/2C5cW1e
Subscribe to Divakars Hospital YouTube Channel and stay updated on videos related to pregnancy and women’s healthcare. Subscribe here – https://bit.ly/3Avct4w
