A woman experiences different body changes during the pregnancy. Some women are at high risk of anemia. Anemia is the deficiency of the red blood cells in the body. These red blood cells need to carry oxygen to your baby and tissues.
Your body needs more blood during pregnancy because your baby needs proper care and all the essential nutrients and elements.
Women who do not get enough iron should understand the importance of red blood cells. You should get enough iron as it helps to make the additional blood.
If you have mild anemia, it is a normal condition during pregnancy and many women may experience such a condition. But if the anemia is severe, you should see a doctor. After an early pregnancy test, your doctor may ask for beta hcg test to check the hormonal balance. You can search beta hcg test price online.
The untreated condition may lead to high complications like preterm delivery. There are types of anemia during pregnancy, such as folate-deficiency anemia, iron-deficiency anemia, and vitamin B12 deficiency.
Iron deficiency anemia: It occurs when your body does not get enough iron. The iron amount helps to produce a good amount of hemoglobin which is red blood cells. They carry oxygen from the lungs to the other body parts.
Vitamin B12 deficiency: Your body needs to form red blood cells, it requires vitamin B12. When your body does not get enough B12, it may lead to a deficiency of red blood cells.
Folate-deficiency anemia: Some healthy leafy greens contain the vitamin folate. It is required by your body to make new body cells.
Understanding the severe anemia development in pregnant women can help to prevent such risk. There are some factors that can put you at high risk of the anemia during pregnancy, such as:
- Already had anemia before pregnancy
- Pregnancy at an early age
- Expecting multiple pregnancies
You can experience different symptoms if you develop anemia during pregnancy, such as:
- Feeling tired
- Shortness of breath
- Pale skin or nails
- Rapid heartbeat
- Trouble in concentrating
What should you do if you have anemia?
A general physician in Lahore shares that women with anemia should pay attention to the intake amount of folic acid and iron as they both play a major role in baby development. You should ask your doctor if you can take iron or folate supplements. You should add some healthy foods that contain both folic acid and iron.
The other way to treat vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is to take B12 vitamin supplements. You should take it only when your doctor prescribes you.
You need to go for a blood test after a specific period of time. You should add some animal foods to your diet plan, such as dairy products, meat, eggs, etc.
How to Prevent Anemia?
During pregnancy, you are at high risk of anemia. You should get enough iron. But it is possible when you eat a well-balanced diet. Make sure that your diet contains enough iron.
Make sure that you eat a minimum of three servings that contain enough iron.
There are different foods that you need to eat, such as:
- Eggs
- Iron-enriched cereals and grains
- Leafy, dark green veggies
- Lean red meat, fish, and poultry
- Nuts and seeds
You also need to get more vitamin C to let your body absorb more iron. There are different sources of vitamin C and you need to add kiwis, tomatoes, citrus fruits and juices, bell peppers, strawberries, etc.
You also need to drink the orange juice which contains enough vitamin C that can help in the development of the baby and promote the growth of the baby.
Some foods are rich in folate which are also crucial to preventing folate deficiency anemia. You can consume the following foods, such as bread and cereals, leafy green veggies, dried beans, etc.
You should visit the doctor more often during pregnancy for regular checkups. Make sure that you take care of yourself and pay attention to the foods which are rich in folate, iron, and vitamin B12.
These nutrients are essential for a pregnant woman and the baby. They contribute to the development of the baby and let the red blood cells carry oxygen.
During pregnancy, your doctor may order different tests to check the hemoglobin test and hematocrit test.
You can also eat fruits, like figs, dates, raisins, etc. during pregnancy and some dried seeds and nuts are also crucial to promote the woman’s and baby’s health.
The bottom line!
If you experience any symptoms of anemia, make sure that you visit the doctor. Eating a healthy diet can help to get the proper nutrients that a pregnant woman needs for the baby’s development. You also need to make sure that your hormone levels are balanced. Your doctor may order different tests to keep a check on the hormones.