According to the study on anemia, published by the World Health Organization, almost 37% of pregnant women suffer from anemia during their pregnancy. During this period, the body experiences many upheavals, starting with an increase in blood volume, and it needs a greater quantity of iron. Pregnant women are more likely to develop anemia. It is important to be able to detect it as early as possible, in order to manage it and limit the risk of complications.
Definition of anemia of pregnancy
Hemoglobin is a vital protein that allows red blood cells to carry oxygen from the lungs to other cells in the body. To produce it, the body needs to have enough iron. In people with anemia, the amount of hemoglobin is too low. The red blood cells may also be too small or in less quantity, which lowers the hemoglobin level. Eventually, the body’s organs and tissues lack oxygen and symptoms may appear.
According to the study on iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy, published by the National Library of Medicine, doctors consider iron deficiency in the event of a ferritin level below 30 μg/L, and ask a diagnosis of anemia of pregnancy when the hemoglobin level is less than 110 g/L. Depending on this rate, anemia can be mild, moderate or severe. Pregnant women who suffer from anemia must be taken care of to prevent possible complications for them, but also for the birth and the baby: low birth weight, fetal growth retardation, prematurity, need for transfusions. for the mother, postpartum hemorrhage, neurocognitive disorders.
Causes of anemia during pregnancy
According to’World Health Organization, the leading causes of anemia worldwide are nutritional iron deficiency, thalassemia (blood disease), sickle cell trait, and malaria. In pregnant women, anemia is mainly caused by an iron deficiency (iron deficiency anemia), which prevents the body from producing the right amount of hemoglobin. However, the body has significant oxygen needs to carry the pregnancy to term and allow the growth and development of the baby. Lack of iron can be linked to insufficient dietary intake, multiple pregnancy, children close together, and problems with the absorption of iron by the body. In pregnant women, anemia can also be caused by a deficiency in folic acid (vitamin B9) or vitamin B12, linked to an unbalanced diet or the significant needs of pregnancy.
Signs of anemia during pregnancy
Anemia can be difficult to diagnose during pregnancy. Indeed, its revealing signs can be ignored and confused with “classic” pregnancy ailments, linked to major physiological changes. They differ from one pregnant woman to another, and depend on the severity of the anemia. According to the National Library of Medicine, symptoms of anemia during pregnancy include:
Usually, it is not the symptoms that can diagnose anemia. Doctors can detect it during the pregnancy monitoring course, from a control blood test.
Anemia during pregnancy: how to prevent and manage it?
Without appropriate care, anemia can cause significant complications: growth delays, low birth weight, premature delivery, postpartum hemorrhage. It is therefore important to detect it early enough and to prevent it. Pregnant women benefit from a monthly blood test to assess the quantity of iron and folate available. During the third trimester of pregnancy, supplementation with iron, vitamins and folic acid is offered. These supplements may be prescribed earlier in pregnancy if doctors deem it necessary. The latter can also opt for parenteral iron administration, from the second trimester of pregnancy. At the same time, it is important to adopt a good diet during pregnancy, and to consume foods rich in iron: red meat (well cooked), nuts, oatmeal, legumes, eggs.
Sources
- Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia during pregnancyNational Library of Medicine, October 4, 2021
- AnemiaWorld Health Organization, May 1, 2023
- Anemia caused by a lack of iron during pregnancye, University of Montreal Hospital Center, 2021
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