Anemia can occur in pregnant mothers and often affects the growth of the fetus, causing slow growth, premature birth, or if born at term, the baby may have a lower than normal weight. Anemia is divided into 2 groups as follows:
- Normal anemia caused by pregnancy because the blood plasma volume increases more than the red blood cell volume, resulting in diluted blood during pregnancy.
- Anemia from iron deficiency, various nutritional deficiencies, and anemia from genetic diseases such as thalassemia, etc.
The first group, normal anemia, is commonly found but is not harmful to pregnant mothers. The second group, caused by iron deficiency or genetics, affects the fetus because red blood cells normally carry nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. Whenever the number of red blood cells decreases or their shape is abnormal, the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the baby is reduced, causing slow growth, premature birth, and even if born at term, the baby may have a lower than normal weight.
Normally, during delivery, mothers lose some blood. Natural delivery results in blood loss of about no more than 500 cc, and cesarean section results in blood loss of no more than 1,000 cc. Therefore, when anemia occurs and there is insufficient blood, it can cause the mother to be very fatigued after delivery.
Symptoms of anemia in pregnant mothers
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting easily, fatigue, frequent drowsiness
How to care for pregnant mothers with anemia
- When anemia is detected, doctors will supplement iron to help reduce symptoms and increase the number and strength of red blood cells, improving nutrient delivery to the fetus and promoting better fetal growth.
- Eat iron-rich foods such as beans, black sesame, green leafy vegetables, and various meats including beef, pork, chicken, liver, offal, egg yolks, as well as fruits rich in vitamin C to enhance iron absorption, such as sour fruits, oranges, lemons, guava, etc.
When pregnancy is confirmed, mothers should visit a doctor for prenatal care. The doctor will perform a physical examination, screen for diseases that may occur during pregnancy, including anemia. Moreover, when a mother knows she has anemia, she should promptly consult the prenatal care doctor to plan proper and safe pregnancy care.
