When you get pregnant, the red blood cells have more work to do. However, the nutrients you consume, in some cases, will not be sufficient for this. The body will not be able to produce as many red blood cells as required. This lack of red blood cells results in a condition known as anemia. Anemia is a major concern, the world over during pregnancy because it could result in birth defects and if left unattended, even death in some cases.
Effects of anemia in pregnancy
The red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein molecule. When the hemoglobin concentration falls below 110 g/L (less than 11 g/dL) in venous blood the doctor will say that you have anemia. The lower the value, the higher the risks involved.
Anemia during pregnancy affects more than 56 million women globally. What is alarming is that almost two-thirds of these women are from Asia. National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data says that as many as 68.4 percent of children and 66.4 percent of women surveyed in India suffered from anemia in 2019. Anemia is the major contributory or sole cause in 20–40% of maternal deaths.
Effects of anemia on mother
In most cases, women with mild or moderate anemia often tend to be asymptomatic and anemia is detected only when they go in for a screening. Severe fatigue, irritability, generalized weakness, shortness of breath, frequent sore throats, headache (frontal), brittle nails, unusual craving, decreased appetite, and dysphagia may occur. The person may also show signs of anemia including paleness, pale conjunctiva, skin and nail changes, leg edema, gum and tongue changes (glossitis and stomatitis), tachycardia, and functional heart murmur.
Effects of anemia on your baby
Our body is a complex system. It prioritizes the available iron content to be diverted to the blood cells even at the expense of other tissues, including the brain. When the iron supply does not meet the body’s demand for iron it puts the baby at high risk, even if it is not anemic. Being anemic can adversely affect the cognitive performance, behavior, and physical growth of infants, preschool, and school-aged children.
When the mother is anemic, the risk is pretty high. Doctors are of the opinion that the odds for fetal growth restriction and low birth weight are three times higher than normal. The odds for preterm delivery raises to more than twice too. A moderate hemorrhage for an anemic woman can be fatal.
Management during labor
If the mother is anemic, the doctors make sure that cross-matched blood should be available if needed in case of significant hemorrhage at the time of delivery. Even the slightest mistake can prove fatal for both the mother and baby.
Postpartum management
Anemia needs to be monitored after delivery too. Right medication and care should be continued for a while until your doctor gives you the approval to go off medications.
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