When you are anemia of pregnancy, your body goes through major changes. The amount of blood in your body increases by about 20-30%, which increases the supply of iron and vitamins your body needs to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to other cells in your body.
Many women lack the adequate amount of iron needed during the second and third trimesters. When your body needs more iron than it has available, you can become anemic.
Mild anemia is normal of pregnancy due to the increase in blood volume. However, more severe anemia can put your baby at a higher risk for anemia later in infancy. In addition, if you are significantly anemic in the first two trimesters, you are at greater risk of having a premature or low birth weight baby. Anemia also places a burden on the mother, increasing the risk of blood loss during delivery and making it more difficult to fight infection.
Am I anemia of pregnancy at risk?
You are at a higher risk of developing anemia of pregnancy if you have
- Have two pregnancies close together
- Carrying more than one child
- Vomited a lot due to morning sickness
- Not taking enough iron
- Having heavy periods before pregnancy
Many of the symptoms of anemia of pregnancy are also symptoms that may occur even if you are not anemia of pregnancy;
These symptoms include:
- Feeling tired or weak
- Gradual whitening of the skin
- Increased heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty concentrating
Your doctor will usually perform tests to check the percentage of red blood cells in your blood plasma and the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. These are indicators of whether you are at risk for anemia of pregnancy.
Is anemia of pregnancy preventable?
If you are anemia of pregnancy or trying to become pregnant, good nutrition is the best way to prevent anemia. Eating foods high in iron (such as dark green leafy vegetables, red meat, fortified cereals, eggs and peanuts) can help ensure that you maintain the iron supply your body needs to function properly. Your obstetrician will also prescribe vitamins to make sure you have enough iron and folic acid. Make sure you are getting at least 27 mg of iron a day. If you do develop anemia of pregnancy, it can usually be treated by taking iron supplements.
Ask your doctor about your risk of anemia of pregnancy and make sure you are tested at your first prenatal visit. You may also want to be tested four to six weeks after delivery. Depending on your condition, your doctor may refer you to a hematologist, a doctor who specializes in blood problems.
How do I test at home to see if I'm anemia of pregnancy?
Hemoglobin meter can be used easily and quickly to determine levels of red blood cells, test anemia.
A small blood sample obtained by a small prick of the finger is required to measure red blood cell levels. The test kits contain all the instruments needed to draw one drop of blood safely at home or anywhere.
See also:
2. What Is Blood Test For Iron Called?
3. 2022 Best Home Hemoglobin Meter Buyers Guide
4. Can I take anemia tests at home?
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6. What main factors influence the hemoglobin test for results?