Symptoms of anemia during pregnancy

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist II Lai Thi Nguyet Hang - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital

The prevention of anemia during pregnancy should be focused on with a reasonable rest, a nutritious menu with regular iron supplements daily to "round mother, square child".

Like normal people, to determine whether anemia or not is through a test of hemoglobin (Hb) levels in the blood. Pregnant women are diagnosed with anemia when Hb is less than 11g/dl.
Although there are many causes of anemia, in pregnant women, the most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency. This is the result of the body not being supplied with enough iron needed to make hemoglobin, a protein-based component responsible for the main function of red blood cells.
Women of reproductive age are inherently subject to a very high risk of anemia, during pregnancy, the need for iron increases many times to supply the fetus. At this time, anemia is further promoted.
Therefore, women who are malnourished before pregnancy with an unscientific diet, do not get proper rest during pregnancy will cause anemia even more.

The role of hemoglobin is to carry oxygen with the blood stream to provide energy-generating metabolism in each cell, especially in important organs such as the brain and heart. During pregnancy, these processes take place even more actively, both ensuring energy for the mother and helping to form and develop the fetus.
Therefore, anemia in pregnant women will cause dangerous complications not only for the mother but also in the fetus.
For women, miscarriage is likely to happen in the first trimester or stillbirth or premature rupture of membranes, placental abruption, premature birth in the last trimester. At the same time, the pregnancy period also faces a high risk of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia - eclampsia, amniotic infection, premature rupture of membranes; the labor period is prone to prolonged labor, postpartum haemorrhage, postpartum infection. When the baby is born, the mother may have a lack of milk to feed the baby, easily exhausted...
For the fetus, chronic fetal distress due to malnutrition is common. Babies born with low birth weight, premature birth, jaundice after birth, prolonged nursing treatment time. In addition, children of mothers with anemia during pregnancy will have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases than other children. On the other hand, if the diet is accompanied by a deficiency of folic acid, it can cause neural tube defects in the fetus such as craniocervical defects, split spine; Iodine deficiency makes children born with congenital hypothyroidism, mental retardation...
Accordingly, maintaining hemoglobin within physiological limits is very important in the general population, pregnant women in particular. At the same time, pregnancy with signs of anemia, iron deficiency will be considered a high-risk pregnancy.

3.1 Pale skin The color of the mucous membranes reflects a lot about the state of health in general, and the quantity and quality of blood cells in particular. This is the fastest sign for the doctor to recognize an anemia patient.
Pregnant women are not only anemic due to inadequate diet, but also at risk of blood loss due to complications during pregnancy. At that time, the skin looks pale, the palm of the hand is less pink than the average person, the lips are paler and the mucous membranes when flipping the lower eyelids are also sparser with blood vessels, the tongue or the roof of the mouth is also pale...
3.2 Dry nails, broken hair and easy to fall The skin accessory components, due to anemia and lack of nourishment, will also become weaker. Pregnant women will find their nail base is lighter in color than before, sometimes the surface is streaked, flat or concave, lost its shine, opaque, brittle and extremely easy to break even without doing anything heavy. Besides, the hair will also be drier and easier to fall in patches when combing.
3.3 Reduced exercise capacity If ischemia is just beginning, the woman may experience a rapid pulse, palpitations, intermittent palpitations, mild dyspnea, and possibly a feeling of pre-cardiac pressure due to myocardial ischemia. If the progress is more severe, the mother will see ringing in the ears, dizziness, dizziness often or when changing positions or when exerting; It is possible to faint, especially when there is a lot of anemia.
Some observational studies show that anemia during pregnancy can lead to heart failure later in life. Not only that, babies born with anemia also have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than the general population.

3.4 Digestive disorders Pregnant mothers often feel anorexia, nausea or vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain. In addition, alternating between loose bowel movements and constipation is also extremely uncomfortable. However, these signs are often overlooked because they are thought to be just normal signs of pregnancy.
3.5 Vulnerable to infections Anemia also reduces the body's resistance. Pregnant women are prone to transient or recurrent respiratory, gastrointestinal, and mucosal infections.
In addition, observe on the skin of pregnant women with anemia or cracks on the lips and heels; the tongue mucosa is prone to burns, blisters, tearing of the tongue... especially in cases of vitamin B2, PP, C, E deficiency... accompanied by iron deficiency.
3.6 Neuropsychiatric dysfunction The normal person with anemia also sometimes manifests indirectly through vague neuropsychiatric symptoms such as: headache, memory loss, insomnia or somnolence, mood changes (or irritable), numbness of hands and feet, decrease in mental and physical work. In pregnant women, these signs are sometimes more pronounced and are often inadvertently associated with depression during pregnancy.
When the above symptoms appear, anemia has become severe. Regular blood tests will help detect anemia early.