Preventing Anaemia during Pregnancy

Disorders like anaemia should be prevented during pregnancy in order to have a healthy pregnancy. Let us take a look at some tips for preventing anaemia during pregnancy.When you become pregnant, your body goes through significant changes. For instance, the amount of blood in your body increases by 30-35% to supply important vitamins and iron to both your body and your baby’s.Most of the women lack the appropriate amount of iron needed during pregnancy, especially during second and third trimesters, making them anaemic. Due to an increase in blood volume, mild anaemia is possible but severe anaemia can put you as well as your baby at the risk of various medical complications at the time of birth.Here is a guide to prevent and manage anaemia during pregnancy to safeguard your baby: In this articleWho is at Risk?What are the Symptoms of Anaemia during Pregnancy?How to Prevent Pregnancy Related Anaemia?How to Treat Anaemia during Pregnancy?Who is at Risk?You are most likely to develop anaemia during your pregnancy if:You had a heavy pre-pregnancy menstrual flowYou already suffer from iron deficiencyYou are pregnant with more than one childYou had two pregnancies close togetherYou suffer from malnutritionExcessive morning sicknessWhat are the Symptoms of Anaemia during Pregnancy?If you are pregnant, you may experience early symptoms which are usually nonspecific in nature. These might increase in intensity as you progress further in your pregnancy, increasing the health risk on both you and your baby.Persistent fatigue or weaknessFeeling of light-headednessMild dyspnoea during exertionIrregular heartbeatShortness of breathProgressive paleness of skin and nailsImpaired cognitive functionOnset of other infectionsHow to Prevent Pregnancy Related Anaemia?The best way to prevent anaemia, if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, is to obtain good nutrition. It is important to make sure that you are receiving enough iron and folic acid, either through diet and supplements prescribed by your obstetrician. Eating well balanced meals and including at least 2-3 sources of food that are highly rich in iron everyday ensures that you minimize your risk of getting anaemia during pregnancy.Foods rich in iron that you can consume during pregnancy after consulting your obstetrician are.Leafy green vegetables like spinachBeans like kidney beans, boiled soya beans, tofu and lentilsFish and poultryNuts and seeds like peanuts, walnuts, pumpkin seedsIron enriched grains and cerealsFoods which contain high amounts of Vitamin C, which increase absorption of iron in body:Citrus fruits and juicesTomatoesBell peppersStrawberries, Blueberries and BlackberriesKiwisEating a combination of food rich in iron content at the same time can help ensure that you maintain a regular supply of iron your body needs to function adequately during pregnancy.How to Treat Anaemia during Pregnancy?If you have the risk of acquiring anaemia during pregnancy, your obstetrician can prescribe you prenatal vitamins to ensure that you get abundant amount of iron and folic acid for the baby’s proper growth and development. It is essential to obtain at least 27 milligrams of iron every day, either through diet or supplements which are prescribed by your obstetrician to avoid medical complications caused by anaemia during your pregnancy. In addition, you can be asked to perform regular blood tests after specified period of time to keep a track of your haemoglobin level. If you have Vitamin B12 deficiency as well, you will be prescribed Vitamin B12 supplements and a diet rich in folic acid and Vitamin B12 such as poultry and dairy products.Your obstetrician might refer you to a haematologist, a doctor who specializes in blood related conditions such as anaemia. He will help you throughout your pregnancy to manage and treat your anaemia and avoid further complications at birth, ensuring that your baby is born healthy.What are the signs of anaemia during pregnancy? How to prevent anaemia during pregnancy? What are the ways to manage anaemia during pregnancy? Discuss here.