Anemia during pregnancy is common in many women. Symptoms of anemia include weakness, pale skin, dizziness, shortness of breath, and low energy levels. It is important for a pregnant woman to fight anemia, both for her own health and for the health of her baby. Iron supplements recommended by the doctor, a balanced and nutritious diet, consuming foods containing folic acid and vitamin B12 can help fight anemia. Regular medical check-up and proper nutrition are essential to prevent or treat anemia during pregnancy.
What causes anemia in pregnancy?
The causes of anemia in pregnancy can vary from person to person, and it is important to talk to your doctor in any case. With blood tests and other medical evaluations, your doctor can identify the cause of anemia and recommend appropriate treatment. Anemia in pregnancy can be caused by several different causes. Here are some common causes:
- Iron deficiency: During pregnancy, the body needs more iron to meet the needs of both mother and baby. Therefore, the expectant mother’s iron stores may be depleted rapidly and iron deficiency anemia may develop.
- Folic acid deficiency: Folic acid is an important nutrient for the healthy development of the baby during pregnancy. Folic acid deficiency can cause anemia by affecting the production of red blood cells.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency: Vitamin B12 is a vitamin that aids in the production of red blood cells in the body. During pregnancy, the need for this vitamin increases and anemia may develop in case of deficiency.
- Chronic diseases: Certain chronic diseases, especially conditions that affect iron absorption, such as digestive system diseases or kidney diseases, can increase the risk of anemia in pregnancy.
- Multiple pregnancies: Women carrying twins or more need more iron and other nutrients than usual. This may increase the risk of anemia.
What are the symptoms of low hemoglobin in pregnancy?
Low hemoglobin in pregnancy refers to the condition of having a lower hemoglobin level than normal in the blood of the expectant mother. This is a common condition in pregnancy and can affect the health of mother and baby. Symptoms of low hemoglobin (anemia) during pregnancy may include:
- Fatigue and weakness: Low hemoglobin can lower your energy levels due to your body’s inability to carry enough oxygen to your tissues. In this case, you may experience fatigue, weakness and a constant feeling of exhaustion.
- Pale skin and mucous membranes: Hemoglobin is one of the proteins that performs the oxygen transport function of the blood. With low hemoglobin, the skin and mucous membranes may appear pale.
- Shortness of breath: In cases where there is not enough oxygen carried in the body, there may be difficulty in breathing. You may feel short of breath even after light physical activities.
- Dizziness and headache: A lack of oxygen can result in insufficient oxygen reaching the brain. This can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
- heart palpitations: Low hemoglobin can cause the heart to work harder. In this case, you may feel an increase or irregularity in your heartbeat.
- Pale and weak nails: Low hemoglobin can lead to changes in nails such as paleness, brittleness and slow growth.
- Anorexia: Low hemoglobin can affect your appetite. You may experience food aversion, difficulty eating or taste changes.
It is important to consult a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms during pregnancy or if anemia is suspected. Your doctor can evaluate your hemoglobin level by performing a blood test and, if necessary, recommend appropriate treatment methods.
What should blood values be during pregnancy?
Ideal blood values during pregnancy can vary depending on many factors and may differ for each individual. However, the generally accepted reference ranges are as follows:
- Hemoglobin (Hb) level: Normal hemoglobin levels during pregnancy should usually be 11 grams/dL or higher. However, the normal range accepted by some laboratories and healthcare organizations is 10.5 grams/dL or above.
- Hematocrit (Hct) level: Normal hematocrit levels during pregnancy should usually be 33% or higher. However, this value may vary and in some laboratories 30% or more may be accepted.
- Iron level (Serum iron): Normal iron levels can change during pregnancy, but should generally be between 50-150 micrograms/dL.
- Ferritin level: Ferritin measures the level of a protein that reflects iron stores in the body. Normal ferritin levels during pregnancy should generally be between 10-120 nanograms/mL.
The above values are generally accepted reference ranges. However, during pregnancy, the person’s pre-existing health status, iron stores and other factors can affect these values. Therefore, it is important to monitor your blood values during pregnancy and try to reach the goals set by your doctor. Your doctor can give you more specific information about ideal blood values during pregnancy and recommend additional tests or treatment as needed.
How is anemia in pregnancy?
Treatment of anemia in pregnancy may vary depending on the underlying causes of anemia. There are several useful methods for the question of what is good for anemia in pregnancy.
We can list the methods that are good for anemia in pregnancy as follows:
- Iron supplements: Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia and is usually treated with iron supplements. Your doctor can recommend the appropriate iron supplement and ensure that you use it regularly. These supplements increase the production of red blood cells by replenishing your iron stores.
- Diet: Consuming iron-rich foods can help fight anemia. It may be beneficial to include iron-rich foods such as red meat, chicken, fish, dried fruits, dark green leafy vegetables, and legumes in your diet. It is also important to consume foods containing folic acid and vitamin B12. A doctor or a nutritionist can help you adjust your nutrition plan.
- Vitamin supplements: In case of anemia caused by folic acid deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency, your doctor may recommend supplements containing these vitamins. These supplements can treat anemia by promoting the production of red blood cells.
- Blood transfusion: In severe anemia or in cases where other treatments have not been effective, your doctor may recommend a blood transfusion. This process can quickly relieve the symptoms of anemia by providing the body with more red blood cells.
Treatment of anemia in pregnancy may differ according to each individual’s condition and needs. Therefore, it is important that you consult your doctor and get the correct diagnosis and treatment plan. It is also important to follow regular medical checkups and continue treatment according to your doctor’s recommendations.
What to eat for anemia during pregnancy?
Providing variety in your diet and talking to a doctor or a nutritionist will help combat anemia in pregnancy. Each individual’s nutritional needs may be different, so it’s important to get individual recommendations in consultation with your doctor. It may be beneficial to consume some nutrients to combat anemia and improve blood values during pregnancy:
- Iron-rich foods: Iron deficiency anemia is a common cause of anemia in pregnancy. Consuming iron-rich foods helps replenish your iron stores. Red meat (especially bacon, turkey), chicken, fish, eggs, dried fruits (dried apricots, dried figs), dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, chard), nuts (almonds, walnuts) and legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans) are rich sources of iron.
- Foods containing folic acid: Folic acid is an important nutrient for healthy fetal development during pregnancy. Foods such as green leafy vegetables (spinach, arugula, lettuce), broccoli, oranges, tangerines, bananas, avocados, whole grains (oats, whole wheat bread) contain folic acid.
- Foods containing vitamin C: Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron. Consuming foods rich in iron together with foods containing vitamin C such as citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, grapefruit), strawberries, kiwis, broccoli, peppers and tomatoes helps fight anemia by increasing iron absorption.
- Foods containing protein: Protein is important for the production of blood cells. It is beneficial to consume adequate amounts of protein sources such as chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, milk and dairy products, nuts, legumes and soy products.
- Foods containing vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is important for the production of red blood cells. Animal sources, especially meat, chicken, fish, eggs and dairy products contain vitamin B12. If you are following a vegan or vegetarian diet, it is important to take a vitamin B12 supplement.
How often should blood supplements be taken during pregnancy?
The frequency of blood supplementation during pregnancy may vary depending on the degree of anemia, iron levels, and your doctor’s assessment. Usually, the frequency of blood supplementation is determined by taking certain situations into account. A blood test is done at the beginning of the pregnancy process, before pregnancy or during early pregnancy. This test checks the hemoglobin level and iron level. If anemia is detected, your doctor may recommend an appropriate blood supplement program.
During the later stages of pregnancy, your doctor will regularly monitor your hemoglobin and iron levels by performing blood tests. These checks are usually carried out at regular intervals throughout the pregnancy. The frequency of follow-up may vary depending on the severity of anemia, the effect of iron supplementation, and your doctor’s preferences. The duration of blood supplement therapy varies depending on the level of anemia and iron levels. Your doctor may recommend that you use iron supplements for a certain period of time. The duration of treatment can usually be determined as weeks or months.
How does the treatment of anemia in pregnancy affect the child?
Anemia treatment during pregnancy can positively affect the health of both mother and baby. Anemia treatment during pregnancy does not adversely affect the child, on the contrary, it is an important factor for healthy growth and development. However, in any case, it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and have regular check-ups. Your doctor will determine the most suitable treatment plan for you and will follow you throughout your pregnancy. Treatment of anemia in pregnancy improves the health of the mother. Symptoms due to anemia decrease or disappear with treatment. Anemia treatment benefits the mother for more energy, stamina and overall health. This makes the expectant mother feel better during pregnancy.
Treatment for anemia in pregnancy can affect the health of the unborn baby. Anemia prevents adequate oxygen transport in the mother’s body. Oxygen is vital for the normal growth and development of the baby. With the treatment of anemia, the hemoglobin level of the mother rises and more oxygen is carried to the baby. This can help the baby grow and develop healthy.
Anemia treatment also affects the postpartum period. Blood loss and decreased iron stores due to pregnancy can increase the risk of anemia after delivery. Treatment of anemia in pregnancy can reduce the risk of anemia in the postpartum period and support the healing process. Anemia treatment is usually provided with iron supplements or iron-containing foods. This treatment aims to increase the hemoglobin level by filling the iron stores of the expectant mother. In this way, the oxygen carrying capacity of the mother and baby increases.