'Anemia in Pregnancy: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment #BODHIMARAM #anemia Risk factors Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention When to see a doctor There are a few things that most women can expect during their pregnancy. In addition to fatigue, constipation, and mood swings, an increased risk for anemia is also one of them. Find out the risk factors, symptoms, and possible treatment to avoid any complications. Overview The human body needs red blood cells in order to survive. Red blood cells carry hemoglobin, a complex protein that contains molecules of iron. These molecules carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. During pregnancy, the body increases the production of blood by about 20–30 percent, which increases the need for iron and vitamins to make hemoglobin. If you’re not getting enough iron or other nutrients such as vitamin B12 and folic acid (vitamin B9), your body will struggle to produce enough hemoglobin to make additional blood. As a result, you might develop a condition known as pregnancy anemia. Anemia during pregnancy can lead to symptoms such as weakness, tiredness, fatigue, paleness, and in some severe cases even fainting, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty breathing. Many pregnant women have mild anemia. This is usually normal and affects almost 50 percent of pregnant women. It is not life-threatening. If the anemia becomes too severe or if it’s left untreated, though, it can lead to severe complications including preterm delivery and low birth weight. Anemia can also increase the risk of postpartum infections in women. Types of anemia Several types of anemia can appear in pregnancy. The most common types include: Iron-deficiency anemia. It’s been estimated that 15–25 percent of all pregnant women experience iron deficiency. It’s the leading cause of anemia in the United States and the most common type of anemia during pregnancy. Seventy-five percent of all anemia in pregnant women is iron-deficiency anemia. During pregnancy, the fetus uses the mother’s red blood cells to grow and develop. If the mother has excess red blood cells stored in her bone marrow, then the baby can use those. Women who don’t have enough red blood cells stored up can develop iron-deficiency anemia. When there’s not enough iron in the body, you may experience fatigue and be less able to fight off infections. Folate-deficiency anemia. Another common type of anemia in pregnancy is folate-deficiency anemia. Folate is a water-soluble vitamin that the body needs to produce new cells, including red blood cells. The vitamin is found naturally in foods like green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits. When pregnant women don’t get enough folate from their diets, their bodies struggle to produce enough red blood cells. If left untreated, folate deficiency can lead to birth defects such as neural tube abnormalities, congenital heart defects, low birth weight, and also peripheral neuropathy in mothers-to-be. Vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 also plays a very important role in making red blood cells. In B12- or B9-deficiency anemia, red blood cells are big (that is why it is also called megaloblastic anemia) and have a different shape than healthy ones. Foods rich in vitamin B12 include dairy products, eggs, fish, meat, and poultry. A vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy can lead to preterm labor. Risk factors for anemia in pregnancy Although all pregnant women are at risk of developing anemia, the risk is higher if you: Are carrying multiples Have had two pregnancies close together Don’t get enough iron, folate, or vitamin B12 Had anemia before your pregnancy Are vomiting often due to morning sickness Have a gastrointestinal tract disease, such as Crohn’s disease or chronic autoimmune gastritis, or had surgery on your stomach Are a strict vegan Symptoms of anemia during pregnancy Symptoms of anemia while pregnant can be mild and often go unnoticed. They’re similar to general pregnancy symptoms that you might experience even if you’re not anemic. Regardless of whether you have symptoms or not, your doctor will perform a routine blood test to check for anemia at one of your prenatal visits. The most frequent symptoms of anemia in pregnancy are: Feeling weak and tired Paleness of the skin Feeling lightheaded Trouble concentrating Shortness of breath or chest pain Rapid or irregular heartbeat Cold hands and feet If you’re concerned about any of the symptoms or if something doesn’t feel right, speak to your doctor right away. Causes of anemia during pregnancy One of the leading underlying causes of anemia is iron deficiency. This happens when the body doesn’t get enough iron to produce hemoglobin. Another cause of anemia in pregnancy is folate deficiency. Pregnant women need higher levels of folate for the healthy growth and development of the baby. One of the leading underlying causes of anemia is iron def'
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