Anemia during pregnancy

Anemia during pregnancy

    Anemia during pregnancy: is it serious? How to treat it?

    What is anemia? Why does pregnancy tend to increase its onset? How can it be treated?

    Anemia is a common condition among pregnant women. It is caused by a decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is the molecule located inside red blood cells and is made up of iron, which ensures the transport of oxygen throughout the body. It also requires vitamin B12 and vitamin B9 (or folic acid) for its synthesis and the development of red blood cells.

    We speak of anemia when the hemoglobin level in the blood is less than 130 grams per liter (g/l) in men, 120 g/l in women outside of pregnancy, and 115 g/l in pregnant women.

    What are the signs of anemia during pregnancy? What are the symptoms?

    Why and how does anemia occur during pregnancy?

    The pregnant woman's body adapts to its new role and thus most often mobilizes all of its iron reserves. At the same time, it increases its capacity to assimilate it (this is called intestinal absorption). However, it is common for pregnant women to be anemic due to iron deficiency. Iron levels are low at the beginning of pregnancy; this normal process of hemodilution can lead to anemia, as blood volume increases. This is also referred to as "iron deficiency," which simply corresponds to a greater iron requirement for the pregnant woman, which is also responsible for this condition.

    It can also sometimes be a deficiency in vitamins B12 and B9, which are essential for the growth and maturation of the fetus. Vitamin B9, or folic acid, contributes to its physiological development, the production of its genetic material, and the development of its nervous system.

    According to the study "Prepartum anemia: prevention and treatment" published in 2008, 10 to 20% of women develop anemia during the third trimester of pregnancy.

    What are the risk factors for anemia in pregnant women?

    There are several risk factors for anemia during pregnancy, including:

• multiple pregnancies, which may not have allowed the mother's body to replenish sufficient iron stores;
• multiple pregnancies, since iron requirements then increase to ensure the growth and development of both fetuses;
• impaired iron absorption, which can be caused by cancer, chronic intestinal disease (such as Crohn's disease), removal of part of the intestine, etc.;
• insufficient iron intake, particularly if following a special diet (including vegan or vegetarian).

    The symptoms of this anemia are multiple. It most often manifests as generalized physical and mental fatigue. The expectant mother may experience weakness, dizziness, nausea, ringing in the ears, headaches, etc. Anemic pregnant women are often more irritable and pale. Their heart rate may also change, becoming accelerated and irregular.

    Anemia: How can you tell if you are deficient in ferritin or vitamins during pregnancy?

    A simple blood test (hemoglobin measurement via a CBC (Complete Blood Count)) can determine if the pregnant woman has sufficient iron and vitamin stores and if she needs appropriate supplementation.

    This helps restore adequate iron levels at the time of delivery.

    Anemic pregnant women: what are the consequences for the mother-to-be? What are the risks for the unborn baby during pregnancy?

    Without treatment, and in cases of severe anemia, the expectant mother may have difficulty tolerating the heavy blood loss that is inevitable during childbirth and may require a blood transfusion.

    Anemia can also lead to premature delivery with a low-birth-weight baby, who risks inheriting this anemia at birth (the anemia is then called iron deficiency anemia).

    Iron deficiency: how to treat anemia during pregnancy?

    Pregnant women: how to raise iron (ferritin) levels during pregnancy?

    In the case of anemia during pregnancy, it is possible to undergo a course of treatment. It is recommended to take iron as a preventative measure during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.     This will ensure sufficient hemoglobin levels before delivery, when significant blood loss can occur, and thus avoid the need for a blood transfusion. Sometimes, the course of treatment is not sufficient; in this case, specialists indicate that it is possible to administer "an iron infusion in the third trimester if the level is too low despite oral treatment."

    Regarding vitamin B12 and B9 deficiencies, supplementation with essential vitamins and minerals for pregnancy (including these vitamins) is systematically prescribed to pregnant women from the beginning of their pregnancy.

    Furthermore, these supplements can be taken when planning a child to increase fertility and promote implantation.

    Anemia and Diet During Pregnancy: What to Eat?

    Furthermore, diet plays an important role in iron deficiency. In cases of anemia, doctors recommend maintaining a healthy diet by consuming foods rich in iron (for example, red meat, fish, lentils, spirulina, whole-wheat bread, etc.), vitamin B12 (from green vegetables, beef, tuna, spirulina, etc.), and folic acid (from organ meats, egg yolks, dried fruits, spinach, etc.). It is recommended to combine these foods with products containing vitamin C, such as orange juice.

    Conversely, it is best to avoid foods that slow iron absorption, such as tea or coffee.