When a woman gets pregnant, she obviously would like to have the textbook-perfect pregnancy. It’s common for women to go through routine tests throughout their pregnancies. One test they’ll have at their first prenatal visit is a blood test to check for anemia, and this will be repeated between 24-28 weeks. If you’ve been diagnosed, here are some tips for expectant mothers with anemia.
Anemia is not uncommon in pregnancy, considering all the changes that a woman’s body is going through. Your body requires at least double the amount of iron while pregnant compared to the non-pregnant state. This iron is required to make hemoglobin for extra blood needed during pregnancy, to aid in the development of the placenta, and to supply the growing baby with the iron it needs. If the iron level isn’t up to par, anemia is the result.
Many women may be anemic before they become pregnant and don’t even realize it. So, when a woman becomes pregnant, because iron is so important during pregnancy, you will have a blood test to check your iron levels. Whatever the results, the doctor can begin right away to prescribe additional iron for you to have the best pregnancy and healthiest baby possible.
Other possible reasons for developing anemia include severe morning sickness, having pregnancies close together, carrying twins or other multiples, poor nutrition, or previously having had regular, heavy menstrual cycles. Of course, lack of folic acid or vitamin B12 can also be the reason for this condition.
How do you know if you’re anemic? The symptoms may include:
- Having a pale complexion, particularly lips and fingernails
- Heart palpitations (rapid heartbeat)
- Feeling weak, dizzy, and/or tired
- Shortness of breath
- Having trouble concentrating
- Developing cravings for non-food substances, called Pica
How do you avoid anemia during pregnancy? Include foods that are iron-rich in your diet. Red meat will provide a good amount of iron, as will other forms of meat. Beans, tofu, raisins, prunes, broccoli, beets, leafy green vegetables, wholegrain bread, and iron-fortified cereals are also good sources. However, you are advised not to eat liver to boost your iron levels during pregnancy. There is too much vitamin A in liver, which can cause birth defects. Note that the body will absorb iron from meat more easily than the iron from vegetables.
How do you treat anemia? Generally, your obstetrician will prescribe prenatal vitamins with additional iron (up to 60 to 120 mg are needed while pregnant). They will also recommend that you take the vitamin on an empty stomach, with water or orange juice (vitamin C helps the body absorb the iron), and to avoid taking the vitamin with milk because the calcium hinders the body from absorbing iron. Folic acid is also important during pregnancy.
If you’re pregnant, congratulations! If you’re an expectant mother with anemia, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions, take your prenatal vitamins, and pay attention to your body. If you notice changes, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor. That’s what they’re there for.