Iron Deficiency During Pregnancy: Prevention Tips

During pregnancy, our body needs to produce more red blood cells than a normal body to support the requirement of both the mother and the baby. Thus, doctors advice including a good quantity of iron-rich food in the diet during pregnancy. This iron is used by the body to form the core of the red blood cells, as the supply of iron has to be adequate to ensure proper growth of the placenta and the fetus. During pregnancy, the RDA (recommended dietary allowance) of iron is 30 milligrams.

Not incorporating adequate iron portions in your food has an adverse impact on the count of red blood cells produced by the body, which leads to iron-deficiency anemia. However, it is not very difficult to revive from such a condition as going back to an iron-rich meal can revive the situation with no damage caused.

At Cans Hospital, we have a team of the best gynecologist in Bangalore who constantly monitor your blood count and suggest ways and means to avoid any kind of anemic conditions. They usually advise intaking folate-based food or nutrients as a remedy.

Why Is There an Iron Deficiency/Anemia During Pregnancy?

Iron is required by our body to produce hemoglobin, the purpose of which is to carry oxygen to different parts of the body. Hemoglobin is the protein for red blood cells and thus, increasing its quantity facilitates the supply of oxygen to different parts of the body.

During pregnancy, the oxygen demand also rises to sustain the needs of the mother and the baby. Thus, the higher the need for hemoglobin, the more would be demand for iron. When the body fails to meet this demand, a deficiency of iron or anemia occurs.

Risk Factors Of Iron Deficiency Pregnancy:

It can result in the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and postpartum depression. In severe cases, it can also result in immediate infant death or birth defects. Thus, it is a must to consult with the best gynecologist in Bangalore at Sanjeevini Hospital to ensure that these deficiencies are identified, monitored, and rectified within their good time.

Situations Where Risk Factors Associated With Anemia Can Increase:

Here Are The 6 Common Factors That Can Enhance Anemia During Pregnancy:

  • If you are pregnant with two babies.
  • If the pregnancies are closely packed.
  • You do not consume iron-enriched food.
  • During pre-pregnancy, there is heavy menstrual flow.
  • If there is a family history of anemia.
  • If you suffer from morning sickness too frequently.

Signs And Symptoms

Weakness, feeling tired after some minimal work, etc are symptoms that appear only in case of severe anemia. Thus, during pregnancy, it is advised to visit the doctor and stick to the schedule followed by all the good Gynaecologist in Bangalore, go through blood tests once in 4 weeks, and intake iron supplements as prescribed.

Preventing Anemia

  • A pregnant woman must add iron-rich food items to their daily diet, such as chicken, fish, egg, meat, fortified grains, etc. Also, increasing the daily quantity of meat consumption can reduce the chances of iron deficiency in the body.
  • Citrus fruits and fresh raw vegetables are also highly recommended as they are high in Vitamin C.
  • Traditionally, food should be cooked in cast iron pots as it helps to enhance the iron content of food by 80%.
  • One should also include food that is rich in folic acid, such as dark green leafy vegetables, wheat germ, dried beans, etc.

Conclusion:

Prenatal multivitamins and mineral supplements are prescribed by our team of expert professionals at Sanjeevini Hospital as they have high folate content. At Sanjeevini Hospital, our team takes adequate care to ensure that all your deficiencies are properly followed up and supported by external supplements. Checkups are planned and scheduled considering your medical history and your tendencies identified during the last appointments.  Visit us and let us take the stress off your shoulder because we protect the health of your child as we do ours.