Complications during pregnancy are common and can arise post
-pregnancy as well. It involves the health of the mother, baby or both. It is
crucial for women to get health care as soon as they get to know about any
complication to lower their risk. According to Dr. Maureen Muoneke MD anemia is
common among women during pregnancy and it leads to lowering the normal number
of healthy red blood cells. In order to restore the number of healthy red blood
cells, treating the main causes of anemia is important. Women may feel tired,
fatigue or weak during anemia.
Importance of Iron is
required during Pregnancy – Dr. Maureen Muoneke MD
Since our body requires iron to produce hemoglobin so our
bodies are busy producing it blood during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the body
of women needs more iron for themselves and the baby. The daily intake of iron
increases from 18 mg to 27 mg. But in
case women don’t take enough iron than required, there is high probability of
you being anemic.
Who are more
vulnerable to being anemic?
Women who smoke or those with two pregnancies with less time
span between them or with twins are more venerable to being anemic. Also, women
who have heavy blood flow during periods before pregnancy or those who suffer
from morning sickness with regular vomiting are likely to get anemic soon.
Symptoms of Being
Anemic During Pregnancy
There are numerous symptoms of anemia. However, the common symptom
is fatigue due to which most women don’t even realize that they have anemia.
Other symptoms include weakness or lightheadedness, shortness of breath or a
dull appearance. Anemia is harmful since it creates lot of complications during
delivery. In cases, when women have lot of bleeding, situations can even get
worse. Baby is likely to get the iron before your body uses it. But in case of
severe iron deficiency, your baby can be anemic when born. Babies born to
ladies suffering from anemia during pregnancy are likely to born premature or have
low weight.
Detecting anemia with
Dr. Maureen Muoneke MD
Doctors usually take two blood tests, one during pregnancy
and other between 24 and 28 weeks to check if lady is anemic. The test is
intended to identify the amount of RBCs or red blood cells in your blood level
and also the amount of hemoglobin. In case, the tests show the red blood cells
are too low then doctors recommend an iron supplement. Many times, an iron
supplement is a sourceof digestive problems. When you start taking a special
iron supplement, start slowly and have pills during time of meals. Drink plenty of water to ensure you don’t
suffer from constipation. Also, take fiber-rich unpeeled fruits and vegetables.
In order to avoid anemia, take healthy diet and incorporate
rich dietary sources of iron comprising of meats, dehydrated fruits, oatmeal,
beans and nuts, dark green leafy vegetables, and iron-fortified breads or
cereals. Take iron rich foods with items rich in Vitamin C like juice,
tomatoes, or strawberries. It helps in easy absorption of iron. Don’t take egg
yolks, milk, coffee, tea or other calcium-rich food while taking iron rich food
items since they tend to halt the absorption of iron. In case, you have craving
for items like chalk so it could be sign of pica. It is a disease associated to
iron deficiency. Don’t cooperate with such cravings and consult your doctor to
get treated soon and properly.
Being anemic during pregnancy is common in ladies
but should be treated in order to avoid any complications. Remain careful with
your diet and health all the time during pregnancy.
To more information about the Dr. Maureen Muoneke feel free visit here : https://www.facebook.com/DrMaureenMuonekeMD
