Various efforts to prevent anemia in pregnant women

One of the diseases that often occurs among pregnant women is anemia. The severity of anemia also varies so that it can affect the condition of the fetus and the mother. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent anemia in pregnant women so that the mother and fetus remain healthy.

Why does anemia often occur in pregnant women?

According to a journal entitled Anemia in Pregnancy, anemia is a condition when your red blood cells lack hemoglobin. Hemoglobin itself is known as the oxygen-carrying protein in the blood.

Lack of hemoglobin in red blood cells results in a lack of oxygen in the body. You also become weak, have headaches, and become short of breath.

Anemia often occurs in pregnant women due to physiological changes that can affect hemoglobin levels.

In addition, the intake of nutrients and vitamins for pregnant women who tend to be unbalanced can cause the body to become deficient in iron so that anemia eventually occurs.

Apart from iron deficiency, several other causes of anemia in pregnant women include:

Folate deficiency due to an unbalanced diet
Vitamin B12 deficiency results from not consuming enough dairy products, meat, and eggs which causes unhealthy red blood cells.

Anemia in pregnant women certainly carries several risks that can potentially harm both mother and baby. Some that may be experienced if you experience anemia during pregnancy, namely:

Bleeding post-partum or excessive bleeding after childbirth
Placenta previa or placental cord is located at the bottom of the uterus
Premature birth
Low birth weight
Fetal death

Because of the various complications caused by anemia during pregnancy, you certainly have to be vigilant and really pay attention to food intake.

Taking measures to prevent anemia in pregnant women by adopting a balanced diet can help you avoid these complications.

Prevention of anemia in pregnant women

As reported by Maternal and Child Health Integrated Program, one of the effective ways to prevent anemia in pregnant women is taking iron supplements.

In addition, prevention of anemia in pregnant women can be started by adjusting their diet for the better, such as:

Take iron and folic acid supplements. The dosage is based on doctor's instructions, but 60 mg of iron and 400 mcg of folic acid are generally recommended.
Eating foods that contain high iron, such as meat, chicken, fish, eggs, and wheat.
Eat foods rich in folic acid, such as dried beans, oats, orange juice, and green vegetables.
Take supplements and foods that contain vitamin C., such as fresh fruit and vegetables.

It is not uncommon for pregnant women to find it difficult to get adequate iron intake, so they need iron supplements.

If iron supplements make your stomach uncomfortable, try taking them along with a few mouthfuls of food.

Efforts to prevent anemia in pregnant women are one of the steps to having a healthy pregnancy. However, if you are still worried even though you have followed a healthy diet and are taking supplements, it is better to consult your doctor.

Your doctor will provide the right solution to help answer your concerns.