Anemia During Pregnancy: What Every Woman Should Know!

Did you know that around 65% of women worldwide experience anemia? It’s quite unbelievable, right? If you’ve been feeling exhausted, weak, or short of breath, you might be part of this statistic. Anemia during pregnancy isn’t just common but a crucial issue that needs attention for the health of both you and your baby.

So, let’s get to the bottom of anemia and find some effective ways to manage and improve your health, as well as that of your unborn baby. 

Ready to start? Let’s dive in!

What Is Anemia?

Anemia occurs when your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to deliver oxygen throughout the tissues. This can make you feel tired, weak, and breathless.

However, anemia is more likely to occur during pregnancy, since women need more iron to support their growing babies. Ideally, a pregnant woman should have more than 11 g/dL hemoglobin levels. Any count lesser than this indicates anemia.  As said above, notably, 65% to 75% of pregnant women in India are affected by anemia.

Now, let’s delve into the next section: causes of anemia.

Causes Of Anemia During Pregnancy

Iron deficiency is the primary cause of anemia in pregnant women. Besides this, other factors include:

• Folate & vitamin B12 deficiency
• Heavy menstrual flow
• Health diseases like sickle cell anemia

With that said, let us move on to the risk factors of anemia in pregnant women.

Anemia Risk Factors 

Here are some common factors that increase the risk of anemia during pregnancy:

• Shorter intervals between pregnancies
• Carrying multiples, like twins or triplets
• A personal history of anemia
• Existing chronic health conditions (diabetes, heart disease, etc)
• Poor nutritional habits

These risk factors can lead to serious complications of anemia. Let’s learn more about it in the below section.

Anemia-Related Complications

Anemia can significantly disrupt life, draining energy and making everyday activities daunting. During pregnancy, it increases the risk of premature birth and can lead to heart issues. In severe cases, if left untreated, anemia can be life-threatening. Notably, it is linked to 40% of maternal deaths in India.

To avoid these complications, it’s crucial to spot the symptoms early. Let’s dive deeper.

Signs Of Pregnancy Anemia

To catch anemia early, you must be aware of its common symptoms during pregnancy. These include:

• Feeling tired or weak
• Progressive paleness of the skin
• Rapid heartbeat
• Trouble concentrating

The signs can often mimic other health issues. And if you experience any, always get a quick check from your doctor to rule out the actual cause.

Quick Tips To Tackle Anemia During Pregnancy

Now, let’s look at some ways in which you can manage anemia during pregnancy better: 

1. Consume Iron-Rich Foods: 

Amp up your diet with foods that pack a punch of iron. Go for red meat, chicken, and fish for heme iron (more readily absorbable iron). For plant-based iron, load up on beans, lentils, and spinach.

2. Include Prenatal Vitamins: 

Avoid relying on food alone; add some iron-rich prenatal vitamins to your routine (or as your doctor suggests).

3. Regular Doctor Visits: 

Stay on top of prenatal check-ups to monitor your iron levels and get personalized advice.

Conclusion

Anemia during pregnancy can be a big concern, affecting both you and your baby. It could even cause your baby to be born anemic and face other health issues as they grow. To help shield your baby from such risks and other serious diseases, consider opting for LifeCell’s cord blood banking. 

LifeCell, India’s largest and most preferred stem cell bank, offers you a chance to bank your baby’s umbilical cord blood, which is a rich source of valuable stem cells. These stem cells can treat over 80+ life-threatening diseases and safeguard your baby and family’s health for years to come. 

Not only this, LifeCell provides long-term preservation for up to 75 years. So, if you are expecting a baby soon, grab this opportunity to protect your family’s future health.

Interested in learning more? Just call them at 1800-266-5533 or visit their website at www.lifecell.in. 

FAQs

Q1: What’s The Best Source Of Iron In Food?

Foods like beef, green leafy vegetables, and lentils are excellent sources of iron.

Q2: How Common It Is To Have Iron Deficiency During Pregnancy?

In India, a staggering 65-75% of pregnant women experience iron deficiency.

Q3: What Are The Criteria For Diagnosing Anemia In Pregnancy?

Anemia in pregnancy is typically diagnosed through a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC), which measures hemoglobin levels and red blood cell count. Generally, a hemoglobin level above 11 g/dL is considered normal during pregnancy, while levels below this indicate anemia.