During pregnancy, the woman’s body undergoes significant changes. The amount of blood increases by 20%, which means that your body needs even greater consumption of vitamins and iron, which are necessary for the production of hemoglobin. In the WHO reference,
iron deficiency anemia is the most common disease during pregnancy
. Almost 90% of expectant mothers suffer from this ailment, and this does not depend on material and social conditions.
Anemia is characterized by a sharp decrease in red blood cells (red blood cells). They are of great importance for the development of our body. Red blood cells provide oxygen to all internal organs and tissues. With insufficient oxygen supply and low hemoglobin, a person feels “broken” and tired. Women in position often have anemia of the 1st degree. During pregnancy, more iron is required, so the expectant mother must eat a balanced diet and take the necessary vitamins. Otherwise, anemia from a mild form will go into a severe stage, and this is dangerous for the health of the mother and the fetus.
Grade 1 anemia during pregnancy: the main mechanisms contributing to its development
- A change in the hormonal background, and in particular a significant increase in estradiol, causes a decrease in erythropoiesis.
- Iron deficiency, lack of vitamin B12.
- Multiple pregnancy.
- Oxygen starvation, as a result of which redox processes are disturbed.
- Immunological changes that are associated with antigenic stimulation of the mother's body, from the side of embryonic tissues.
- The accumulation of metabolic products during pregnancy.
Grade 1 anemia during pregnancy is determined using laboratory tests, which is why women in position must so often pass all the necessary tests in order to timely eliminate possible causes that adversely affect the development of the fetus. Anemia is recorded if the hemoglobin level is more than 20% below normal. With a mild stage of the disease, a woman does not feel any inconvenience, but a decrease in iron stores affects the child. The fetus is constantly experiencing a lack of oxygen, which can cause hypoxia.
A decrease in hemoglobin during anemia in 95% of pregnant women causes the following symptoms: dizziness, fainting, general weakness and drowsiness, or, conversely, sleep disturbance. Headaches, hair loss, and brittle nails may appear. In addition, appetite decreases, unusual taste preferences arise.
Prevention and treatment of early anemia
All pregnant women are recommended to take special vitamin preparations from the first days. Be sure to include
foods rich in iron and protein (beef liver, meat, dairy products, buckwheat, peaches, pomegranate, spinach, legumes, green apples, fish) in the menu. The increase in hemoglobin is facilitated by ascorbic and folic acid, regular walks, positive emotions and a
balanced diet. Everything in the complex gives effective results and helps to neutralize this condition.
As a treatment, the doctor prescribes preparations containing iron and additional medications that improve the absorption of the trace element. Without drugs, treatment is impossible, because with food a woman will receive a small amount of iron. Grade 1 anemia during pregnancy requires special attention. Therapy will protect against unpleasant consequences.