The main reason for an expected increased need for iron in pregnancy is:
Search Encyclopedia Anemia is when your blood has too few red blood cells. Having too few red blood cells makes it harder for your blood to carry oxygen or iron. This can affect how cells work in nerves and muscles. During pregnancy, your baby also needs your blood. Women are more likely
to get anemia during pregnancy if they: Are strict vegetarians or vegans. They are at greater risk of having a vitamin B12 deficiency. Have celiac disease or Crohn's disease, or have had weight loss surgery where the stomach or part of the stomach has been removed Women are more likely to get iron-deficiency anemia in pregnancy if they: Have 2 pregnancies close together Are pregnant with twins or more Have vomiting often because of morning sickness Are not getting enough iron from their diet and prenatal vitamins Had heavy periods before pregnancy You can get several kinds of anemia during pregnancy. The cause varies based on the type. Anemia of pregnancy. During pregnancy, the volume of blood increases. This means more iron and vitamins
are needed to make more red blood cells. If you don't have enough iron, it can cause anemia. It's not considered abnormal unless your red blood cell count falls too low. Iron-deficiency anemia. During pregnancy, your baby uses your red blood cells for growth and development, especially in the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you have extra red blood cells stored in your bone marrow before you get pregnant, your body can use
those stores during pregnancy. Women who don't have enough iron stores can get iron-deficiency anemia. This is the most common type of anemia in pregnancy. Good nutrition before getting pregnant is important to help build up these stores. Vitamin B-12 deficiency. Vitamin B-12 is important in making red blood cells and protein. Eating food that comes from animals, such as milk, eggs, meats, and poultry, can prevent vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Women who don't eat any foods that come from animals (vegans) are most likely to get vitamin B-12 deficiency. Strict vegans often need to get vitamin B-12 shots during pregnancy. Folate deficiency. Folate (folic acid) is a B vitamin that works with iron to help with cell growth. If you don't get enough folate during pregnancy, you could get iron deficiency. Folic acid helps cut the risk of having a baby with certain birth defects of
the brain and spinal cord if it's taken before getting pregnant and in early pregnancy. What are the symptoms of anemia during pregnancy?You may not have clear symptoms of anemia during pregnancy unless your cell counts are very low. Symptoms may include:
The symptoms of anemia can be like other health conditions. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is anemia during pregnancy diagnosed?Your healthcare provider will check for anemia during your prenatal exams. It's usually found during a routine blood test. Other ways to check for anemia may include other blood tests such as:
How is anemia during pregnancy treated?Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Treatment for iron deficiency anemia includes taking iron supplements. Some forms are time-released. Others must be taken several times each day. Taking iron with a citrus juice, such as orange, can help your body absorb it better. Taking antacids may make it harder for your body absorb to iron. Iron supplements may cause nausea and cause stools to become dark greenish or black in color. They may also cause constipation. What are possible complications of anemia during pregnancy?If you have anemia during pregnancy, your baby may not grow to a healthy weight, may arrive early (preterm birth), or have a low birth weight. Also being very tired may keep you from recovering as quickly after birth. Can anemia during pregnancy be prevented?Good nutrition before pregnancy not only helps prevent anemia, but it also helps build other nutritional stores in your body. Eating a healthy, balanced diet before and during pregnancy helps keep up your levels of iron and other important nutrients needed for your growing baby. Good food sources of iron include:
Experts recommend all women of childbearing age and all women who are pregnant take vitamin supplements with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. Folate is the form of folic acid found in food. Good sources are:
Key points about anemia in pregnancy
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Medical Reviewers:
Which trimester is iron most Important?Your iron intake is most important in the final 10 weeks of pregnancy as this is when your baby begins to build their own iron stores ready for the first 6 months of life. These stores are used until your baby starts on solids.
Why is it crucial for the fetus to store iron during gestation?Iron is a key nutrient and is essential for the developing fetus, neonate, infant, and child. Iron requirements are high during early stages of life because it is critically important for the production of new red blood cells and muscle cells as well as brain development.
What is negative iron balance in pregnancy?Negative iron balance throughout pregnancy, particularly in the latter half, may lead to iron deficiency anaemia during the third trimester. The increase in iron demand is required to meet the expansion in maternal haemoglobin mass and to meet the needs of fetal growth.
Which of the following signs will require a pregnant mother to seek immediate medical attention?These danger signs included the following: (1) severe vaginal bleeding, (2) convulsions, (3) severe headache with blurred vision, (4) severe abdominal pain, (5) too weak to get out of bed, (6) fast or difficulty in breathing, (7) reduced fetal movement, (8) fever, and (9) swelling of the fingers, face, and legs [5].
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