Iron Deficiency Anemia During Pregnancy

Feeling weak and exhausted is a symptom of iron deficiency Anemia During Pregnancy. Understand the symptoms, risk factors, and what you can do to prevent the illness.

What leads to anemia from iron deficiency during pregnancy?

Iron is used by your body to generate hemoglobin. Red blood cells include a protein called hemoglobin, which transports oxygen to your tissues. Your body needs more iron while you are pregnant because of the increased blood volume. To produce more blood and provide your baby with oxygen, your body utilizes iron. You might develop iron deficiency anemia if your iron levels are insufficient or if you don’t acquire enough iron while you’re pregnant.

If you are interested in Post-pregnancy Recommendations for Postpartum Depression, here is a full guide about it.

What are the factors that put a woman at risk for iron deficiency Anemia During Pregnancy?

You are more likely to get anemia while you are pregnant if you:

Have two babies close together.
have more than one baby in your womb?
Are you throwing up a lot because of morning sickness?
don’t eat enough foods that are high in iron
Have a heavy menstrual flow before you get pregnant
Have had anemia before getting pregnant

What are the symptoms of anemia caused by a lack of iron during pregnancy?

Fatigue
Weakness
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
Headache
Skin that is pale or yellow
Not enough air to breathe
Wanting ice or chewing on it (pica)

How can pregnant women prevent and overcome anemia?

Iron is often included in prenatal supplements. Prenatal vitamins with iron in them may help treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women. Your doctor may sometimes advise taking an additional iron supplement. You need 27 milligrams of iron each day when pregnant.

Iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy may also be avoided by eating a healthy diet. Lean red meat, chicken, and fish are dietary sources of iron. Dried beans and peas, dark green leafy vegetables, and breakfast cereals enriched with iron are further alternatives.

Meat, for example, has iron that is most readily absorbed. When consuming iron from plant sources or supplements, combine them with a meal or beverage rich in vitamin C, such as orange juice, tomato juice, or strawberries, to increase the absorption of the iron. Avoid the orange juice that has been fortified with calcium if you take iron supplements with it. Despite being a necessary mineral during pregnancy, calcium may reduce the absorption of iron.