Iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy: Prevention tips

The article is professionally consulted by BSCK II Tran Thi Mai Huong - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital

During pregnancy, the likelihood of iron deficiency anemia in a woman increases. Iron deficiency anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough iron to make red blood cells, thereby leading to anemia.

The human body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen to tissues. During pregnancy, a woman's body needs twice as much iron as a normal non-pregnant woman. This iron will be used to create more blood, in order to provide oxygen not only for the pregnant woman's body but also for the fetus. If a pregnant woman does not have enough iron stores before pregnancy, or during pregnancy, she does not get the necessary amount of iron, iron deficiency anemia will appear.
Mild anemia is common in pregnant women, but if the anemia is caused by iron deficiency, the degree of anemia can be severe.
Women are at high risk of developing iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy if:
The interval between two consecutive pregnancies is too close. Pregnancy with more than one fetus (twins, triplets, even more). Vomiting too often, too much due to morning morning sickness. Pregnancy as a teenager. Not getting enough iron. Before becoming pregnant, a person has a heavy menstrual period (hypermenorrhea). Have a history of anemia prior to pregnancy.

Severe anemia during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth, low birth weight and postpartum depression. Some studies also show that iron deficiency anemia increases the risk of fetal death shortly before or after birth.

As mentioned above, the need for iron in pregnant women is higher than in non-pregnant women, specifically during pregnancy a woman needs 27 mg of iron per day. However, with a nutritious, balanced diet containing foods with high iron content, iron deficiency can be prevented.
Every day a pregnant woman should have at least three servings of iron-rich foods, such as:
Lean red meat, poultry, and fish. Dark green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, broccoli, and kale). Iron-fortified cereals and wheat. Legumes, lentils, and tofu. Seeds and sprouts. Egg. To increase the absorption of iron from plant sources (and iron supplements), use with foods high in vitamin C, such as:
citrus fruits and water pressed from them. Strawberry. Kiwi. Tomato. Bell pepper. However, if using iron supplements, avoid using them with calcium-fortified products, because although calcium is also essential for pregnant women, calcium can reduce absorption. iron.

Signs when pregnant women have iron deficiency anemia can manifest as:
Fatigue. Weak people. Pale or yellowish skin, especially pale skin, lips and nails. Abnormal heart rate. Breath fast. Dizziness or lightheadedness. Chest pain. Cold hands and feet. Headache. Loss of ability to concentrate. As seen, the signs of iron-deficiency eye deficiency are often similar to those of pregnancy, and in the early stages of anemia, there may be no symptoms. Whether present or not, pregnant women should have a blood test to detect anemia during pregnancy. If you are concerned about any of these symptoms, consult a specialist.

If you have followed a complete, iron-rich diet or have used iron-containing vitamin supplements and still have anemia, your doctor may order some tests to determine the causes. may cause anemia, and in rare cases will need to be seen by a hematologist. If iron deficiency is determined to be the sole cause of anemia, your doctor may prescribe an iron supplement (such as an iron supplement). In cases where a woman has a history of gastric bypass surgery, or has had bowel surgery, or is unable to take oral iron supplements, she may need intravenous iron supplementation. .
At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team throughout the pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of qualified doctors Regular check-up, early detection of abnormalities Maternity package helps to facilitate the process. birthing process Newborns get comprehensive care

Articles refer to sources: mayoclinic.org and webmd.com