How to Treat Anemia During Pregnancy

Iron Deficiency Anemia During Pregnancy: Pregnant women are more susceptible to iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when there are not enough healthy red blood cells to deliver oxygen to the body’s tissues. Find out why anemia arises during pregnancy and how to avoid it.

What causes iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy?

The body relies on iron to facilitate the production of a vital component known as hemoglobin. Hemoglobin serves as a crucial oxygen-carrying protein, primarily housed within red blood cells. Throughout the course of pregnancy, the blood volume within your body undergoes a significant increase, paralleled by an elevated demand for iron. 

This heightened requirement for iron is attributed to the body’s imperative need to generate more blood to adequately supply oxygen to the developing baby. However, if your body’s iron reserves fall short or if you fail to obtain sufficient iron during pregnancy, you may find yourself susceptible to the onset of iron deficiency anemia.

Iron deficiency anemia symptoms

Anemia signs and symptoms include:

•          Fatigue

•          Weakness

•          Dizziness or lightheadedness

•          Pale or yellowish skin

•          Shortness of breath

•          Craving or chewing ice (pica)

Tips to treat iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy:

How can iron deficiency anemia be prevented and treated during pregnancy?

Iron is typically contained in prenatal supplements. Taking an iron-fortified prenatal vitamin can help prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. In some circumstances, your doctor may suggest you take a supplemental iron supplement.

While pregnant, you require 27 mg of iron daily. With the right nutrition, iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy can also be avoided. Fish, poultry, and lean red meat are among the foods high in iron. Breakfast cereals with added iron, leafy green vegetables, dried beans, and peas are further options. Iron from meat and other animal products is the easiest to absorb.

To increase absorption, consume vitamin C-rich foods or beverages, such as orange juice, tomato juice, or strawberries, along with iron from plant sources and supplements. If you use iron supplements together with orange juice, avoid calcium-fortified orange juice. Despite being a crucial mineral during pregnancy, calcium can inhibit the absorption of iron.

How is iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy treated?

Your doctor could advise testing to rule out other potential causes if you are anemic and using an iron-containing prenatal vitamin. In some circumstances, a hematologist (a specialist who focuses on treating blood abnormalities) may be required to be seen. 

If iron insufficiency is the root of the problem, your doctor might suggest increasing your iron supplementation. You might need to have iron intravenously administered if you’ve ever had a gastric bypass or small bowel operation, or if you can’t tolerate taking iron supplements orally. This is how iron deficiency during pregnancy can be treated.

Conclusion:

Every pregnant woman should be checked for anemia, treated as quickly as possible with meals high in iron, and supported by her family throughout her pregnancy because anemia is the most prevalent disorder during pregnancy.

Where to Seek Assistance?

Please seek the assistance of medical professionals providing maternal healthcare services in Pune, If you require more information about the same topic. As the best maternity hospital in Pune, Medipoint Hospital in Chandan Nagar is always one step ahead to keep its patients safe and secure.

Book an appointment today to take advantage of the services!