Anemia during pregnancy

Anemia is a fairly common disease characterized by a critical decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the blood. It occurs especially often in women during pregnancy. Since anemia negatively affects not only the health of a woman, but her child, at the first symptoms, action must be taken and the disease must be fought.

Causes of anemia during pregnancy

From the first weeks of pregnancy, the hemoglobin level changes slightly. This happens because the liquid component in the blood becomes more, and the volume of cells cannot grow so intensively. This hydremia is a normal condition during this period, which does not bear the character of pathology. But it happens that the level of hemoglobin decreases over a short period, and very sharply, due to which anemia develops.

This can be triggered by the following factors:

• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• multiple pregnancy;
• deterioration in the absorption of iron;
• vomiting against the background of toxicosis that has arisen.

For women expecting the birth of their offspring, the normal hemoglobin level is 110-140 g / l. If it decreases less than the lower critical norm, this indicates the development of anemia.

The consequences of this disease during such a special period for a woman can be the most serious. For the expectant mother, this is fraught with increased toxicosis, decreased immunity, and strong vitamin deficiency. In especially severe cases, anemia can cause miscarriage, premature birth, or heavy postpartum bleeding.

Anemia is no less a threat to the fetus. It grows and develops more slowly, in addition, an iron deficiency may appear in a baby under the age of one year. Such children often get sick, and in about 17% of cases, they begin to show congenital anomalies over time.

As statistics show, in Europe, up to 90% of women suffer from this disease. In order to recognize the disease in time and carry out treatment, one cannot ignore the alarming symptoms, out of habit attributing them to the state of pregnancy.

Symptoms of anemia during pregnancy

In the initial stage of anemia, the signs of the disease are practically not felt. As the disease begins to progress, the following symptoms occur:

• severe irritability;
• fatigue, loss of strength;
• dyspnea;
• headache in the forehead;
• sore throat;
• dizziness;
• constant thirst;
• poor appetite;
• fainting.

In addition, anemia is accompanied by a deterioration in the condition of the skin, hair, nails, and the appearance of edema. Sometimes there are heart murmurs, flaky skin, and dental problems. In some cases, symptoms such as urinary incontinence and painful sensations during urination appear. By the way, unusual taste combinations for expectant mothers (there is a desire to eat a piece of chalk or raw potatoes) are also a manifestation of anemia.

Treatment of anemia during pregnancy

Proper nutrition plays an important role in the fight against anemia. First of all, these are offal and meat, as well as other foods high in iron. But nutrition alone will not be enough. The doctor prescribes special vitamin complexes and medications for pregnant women that help restore iron levels.

Also, these medicines should contain substances that contribute to their rapid absorption: amber and folic acid, ascorbic acid, fructose. It is best to take iron supplements with meals. When undergoing a course of treatment, it is undesirable to take almagel, as well as antibiotics of the tetracycline group.

During treatment, do not forget that taking medications cannot be stopped immediately after improvement occurs. Since carrying a child is a serious load on the body, a relapse may occur, and you need to continue taking it for a while.

Traditional medicine advises to additionally take radish, beet and carrot juices, mixed in equal proportions. It is necessary to take the mixture in a tablespoon before meals, the course of treatment is 3 months.

In the most difficult situations, when several days remain before delivery, and the hemoglobin level does not rise above 55 g / l, blood transfusion (transfusion of erythrocyte mass) may be prescribed. This is a very serious measure that is used only in extreme cases.

Prevention of anemia during pregnancy

Since anemia is quite common, it is necessary to start its prevention during the planning of the child. It is best to consult a doctor who will prescribe the necessary tests and select drugs that increase the level of iron in the blood.

In addition, you need to pay attention to the diet. The number one product for anemia is meat, it is from it that iron is absorbed best. It is necessary to include in the menu more vegetables and fruits, eggs, herbs, and pomegranate juice. In total, during pregnancy, the body should receive at least 27 mg of iron per day.

At the same time, we must not forget that the body must receive sufficient amounts of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. To provide protein to expectant mothers, you can eat (of course, in the absence of allergies) products such as chicken eggs, cow's milk, boiled tongue. Cream, cheese and cottage cheese will help saturate the body with fats, and to obtain carbohydrates it is useful to eat cereals, nuts, dried fruits, and wholemeal bread.

So it is quite possible to overcome anemia. The main thing is not to start this disease and follow all the doctor's recommendations.