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Last Updated: Jan 13, 2021
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Anaemia In Pregnancy- The Essentials You Need To Know About!

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Dr. Sarika DahiphaleGynaecologist • 20 Years Exp.Mbbs,, MS OBGY
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Pregnancy is a beautiful phase that gives every mom-to-be an elated feeling. However, the phase may not be smooth for everyone. Among many problems, fatigue and weakness are common in pregnant women. When the episodes get frequent, you have a reason to worry, as the symptoms might be due to anemia.

You must first understand what happens when you are hit by anaemia, although mild anaemia is typical. The mild condition is easily treatable if caught early on. However, it can become severe, to both the mother and the baby, if it goes unattended.

Mechanism Of The Body While Pregnant-
Women who are pregnant are at a higher risk for developing anaemia due to the excess amount of blood that the body produces to help provide nutrients for the baby. If a woman is not getting sufficient iron or specific other nutrients, the body might not be able to generate some red blood cells it needs to make this surplus blood. When there is anaemia, the blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues and the baby.

Common Causes Of The Ailment-
The most common causes of anaemia in India are deficiencies of iron, poor nutrition, and other micronutrients, hookworm disease, and schistosomiasis and malaria; HIV infection is an additional factor that can lead to the ailment.

Types Of Anaemia During Pregnancy-
Several types of anaemia can develop during pregnancy. These include Iron-deficiency anaemia, Folate-deficiency anaemia, where a diet requiring folic acid can drive to a decreased count of the body's red blood cells, hence leading to a deficiency. The third type is Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia. Vitamin B-12 is also a crucial vitamin for the body to have to assist with the generation of red blood cells. However, some women may consume sufficient B-12 in their diet, but still, it is probable that their body might not be able to process the vitamin, and this creates them to have the insufficiency.


Symptoms That Are To Be Looked For-
Some common symptoms of anaemia are dizziness, shortness of breath, rapid or irregular heartbeat, Weakness or fatigue, pale lips, skin and nails, chest pain. If one has trouble concentrating, then she must immediately inform the doctor as this too is held as one of the key symptoms. If your hands and feet get cold, that too is yet another symptom to be aware of.

Safety Measures Post Detection-
Severely anaemic pregnant women may require the transfusion of blood, which is not invariably feasible in under-resourced surroundings, and it may even carry some threat for the woman. To avoid such scenarios, it is important for your Gynecologists to execute a strategy in this regard, which incorporates advanced detection and proper management of the condition.

Anaemia during pregnancy can easily be treated by consuming vitamin supplements for iron deficiency in your daily routine. Discussing with your physician about which supplements might be significant is crucial.

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