When a woman gets pregnant, a lot of things in her body changes. Her tummy gets bigger, her mood swings become frequent, and she is more emotional. But what’s more bothersome is the iron deficiency in pregnancy where the mother lacks sufficient amount of healthy red blood cells. Bulk Nutrients Protein Australia believes that a pregnant woman can still stay healthy with proper exercises and enough nutrients.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
A pregnant woman’s body would need a doubled amount of iron compared to nonpregnant women. This nutrient helps in producing more blood supply that the mother and baby need. Not having enough supply of iron leads to iron deficiency anemia which can cause complications during and after the pregnancy period. Iron deficiency anemia is normal during pregnancy as long as it does not get severe and cause complications.
Kinds Of Anemia in Pregnancy
Folate deficiency. Folate is a natural vitamin that can be acquired by eating green vegetables. This vitamin helps in producing new healthy cells like red blood cells.
Iron deficiency. This occurs when the body is not producing enough amount of hemoglobin. An essential protein that brings oxygen from the lungs to the whole body.
Vitamin B12 deficiency. Healthy red cells are also produced by Vitamin B12. This type of anemia usually happens to women who do not consume foods like meat and dairy products.
If the case gets critical, the risk of premature birth, an unhealthy baby, and postpartum depression gets higher. In some cases, the baby can’t even survive the birthing process and dies right after being born.
You can be at risk of iron deficiency during pregnancy if you:
- Are not giving your body enough time to heal before getting pregnant again
- Have 2 or more babies
- Vomits frequently during pregnancy
- Don’t consume iron supplements
- Used to have heavy menstruation before getting pregnant
- Are already anemic pre-pregnancy
- Lack of nutrients like Vitamin C, Iron, Calcium, and Folic Acid
Possible Risks Of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Severe cases that are left untreated puts the mother and baby at risk and may even result in:
- a premature baby with low weight and unhealthy condition
- blood transfusion, since the mother will lose even more blood during labor
- postpartum depression
- anemic baby
- developmental problems of the child
- serious birth defects
- poor concentration
Diagnosing Anemia
Several tests are conducted to determine if a person has an iron deficiency. During your checkup, your doctor will try to figure out which test is best suited to you.
Blood test. A kind of test that is usually conducted on the first trimester and 28th week of pregnancy.
Anemia test. This is composed of 2 subtests which include a hemoglobin test and hematocrit test. Hemoglobin test will determine the level of hemoglobin in the blood while the hematocrit test is done to know the number of red blood cells present in the blood.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy differ in the actual condition of the pregnant woman.
The following are the most common signs of anemia:
- Yellow complexion
- Feeling weak
- Exhaustion
- Weak heartbeats
- Losing breath
- Wooziness
- Chest tightness
- Cold limbs, palm, and feet
- Constant headache
- Tongue inflammation
- poor appetite
Doctors often require examination and laboratory tests to determine the seriousness of the anemia. Initial prenatal checkups usually offer complete medical tests specifically designed for expectant mothers. If you feel the occurrence of the symptoms above too frequently, it is much better to visit your doctor immediately.
Preventing Iron Deficiency
Taking vitamins is a huge part of pregnancy, your doctor will immediately prescribe vitamins and iron supplements after your checkup to ensure that your body will get enough nutrition during pregnancy. Iron deficiency anemia can be prevented by consuming pre-natal medicines which include:
- Folic Acid
- Ascorbic Acid
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin C
- Calcium
- Iron
- DHA
- Iodine
Aside from taking vitamins, a good and balanced diet plays a critical role in keeping a pregnant woman healthy. Natural sources of Iron like meat, poultry, and fish are highly recommended as well as fruit juices, beans, and peas. Meat and fish are good sources of iron, it contains heme-iron that our body can easily absorb. Leaner meats are higher in iron and are much more advised compared to fatty meats.
Green vegetables that are high in nutrients are also important. These types of food will prevent the occurrence of Folate-deficiency anemia.
Spinach is one of the best foods that you can eat during pregnancy. This little vegetable can do so much wonder to your body as it contains about 3 mg of iron alongside other vitamins like folate and vitamin C.
Opt for a healthier breakfast by incorporating cereals to your meal. Cereals made from grains are high in iron and are also a good source of calcium.
Dried fruits have their own magic as well, dried raisins for example contains 2.6 mg of iron. Instead of eating chips during your spare time, try to switch to healthier meal options. Your body and baby will thank you for properly taking care of yourself during pregnancy.
Potatoes can help in reducing the risk of iron deficiency during pregnancy. This
food is extremely rich in Vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber.
Beans, a tiny vegetable that is considered a good source of iron. Red and black beans will suffice your body’s needs.
Instead of chomping on unhealthy snacks such as popcorn, chips, and the likes. Give pumpkin seeds a try. This snack will satisfy your cravings for small snacks and keep you healthy at the same time.
Consuming foods rich in iron will build up the production of blood supply and reduces the risk of anemia. Fruits juices like oranges, tomatoes, and other citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C, taking foods high in iron combined with Vitamin C strengthens the mother’s health.
Anemia After Pregnancy
Postpartum anemia will most likely occur if your iron deficiency during pregnancy is left neglected. the situation could get worse and you are going to go through different stages of anemia.
Stage 1. Symptoms and signs are not yet noticeable at this stage. However, the amount of iron in your blood is starting to get depleted.
Stage 2. The side effects and signs will start to show up. Constant headaches and feeling extremely weak will get the best of you. Your hemoglobin is starting to get affected.
Stage 3. This is the point where your hemoglobin gets very low causing you to develop extreme changes in personality, illness, and fatigue.
If you experience any of these, consult your doctor right away. They will most likely prescribe medicines that will boost your iron and bring it back to its normal level.
Pregnancy is a journey that every woman should be able to enjoy without feeling utterly sick and weak from time to time. It gives an empowering sensation as it is a solo adventure where you are creating and molding a new life inside your belly, something that only a woman can do. Keeping yourself healthy and full of nutrition will not only benefit you during but also after giving birth. In addition to this, you will be able to give birth to a healthy baby with no complications and health problems.
