ANAEMIA IN PREGNANCY

by Olajumoke

January 30, 2017

1723

• Maternal health
• maternal Monday
• Maternalhealth
• Nigerian woman
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy nutrition

Anemia is a medical condition in which there is not enough healthy oxygen supply to the tissues in the body. When the tissues do not receive an adequate amount of oxygen, many organs and functions are affected. Pregnancy increase the risk of developing anemia due to increased amount of blood being produced in the body. Anemia in pregnancy can be a mild condition and easily treated if caught early on. However it can be dangerous, to both the mother and baby if it goes untreated.

What causes anemia in pregnancy

The main cause of anemia  in pregnancy is due to the increased volume of blood in the body.

What are the types of anemia?

There are over 400 different types of anemia, but some are more prevalent in pregnancy. The most common experienced types of anemia are : 1) iron deficiency anemia 2) folate deficiency anemia

• Iron –deficiency anemia: it is the most common type of anemia during pregnancy , this type of anemia is due to a lack of iron in the body to produce red blood cells.
• Folate-defiency anemia : this is due to a lack of folic acid in the body which is why folic acid is a common supplement taken by pregnant women. Folic acid also helps to reduce neural tube defects.

How would I know I have anemia?

Some of the signs and symptoms of anemia include: tiredness, lack of energy, shortness of breathe, noticeable heartbeats, pale complexion, headache, an altered sense of taste, feeling itchy, hair loss.

What the effects of anemia?

Anemia is especially a concern because it is associated with low birth weights, premature births and maternal mortality.

What can I do to prevent anemia in pregnancy?

It can be prevented by taking recommended iron supplements and folic acid supplements, eat foods rich in iron such eggs, meat, fish, nuts and seeds.

Sources

American preganancy association. www.americanpregnancy.org