When To Treat Anemia In Pregnancy

Preterm delivery and premature birth, and also maternal mortality and morbidity, have all been related to anemia in pregnant women. Iron deficiency is the most significant cause of pregnancy complications, and it is commonly treated with iron pills.

When compared to high-dose iron supplements, low-dose iron supplements may be more effective in treating anemia in pregnancy while having less gastrointestinal side effects. 

Anemia is one of the most common pregnancy-related problems. The term refers to a decrease in the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, which is best defined by a fall in hemoglobin concentration. This might be a relative or absolute value. In virtually all pregnancies, there is a greater rise in plasma volume compared to red cell mass, which explains for "physiologic anemia." These changes have been known for centuries, and the word "plethora gravidarum" was used in the Middle Ages to describe the disease. However, it is still unclear whether this "hydremia" is physiologic or pathogenic in nature.

CAUSES OF ANEMIA IN PREGNANCY

Diagnosing genuine anemia and identifying the etiology of anemia is difficult due to the typical physiologic changes in pregnancy that alter the hematocrit and some other markers, such as hemoglobin, reticulocytes, plasma ferreting, and unsaturated iron-binding capacity. Iron deficiency anemia and folate deficiency megaloblastic anemia are the most prevalent anemias. Women with poor diets and who do not receive prenatal iron and folate supplementation are more likely to develop these anemias. Aplastic anemia and hemolytic anemia are two less frequent types of acquired anemia in pregnancy. Anemias like thalassemia and sickle cell anemia can also have an effect on the mother and fetal health.

IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

Iron deficiency anemias account for the bulk of anemias diagnosed during pregnancy. Hemoglobin concentrations of less than 11 gr/dl are estimated in around 80% of pregnant women at term who do not take iron supplements. The iron-deficiency profile of the pregnant woman and the requirement for supplementing is determined by the increased fetal need for iron, as well as a number of other variables. Poor iron absorption during pregnancy, multiple gestations or consecutive gestations less than two years apart, teenage pregnancy and any accompanying chronic blood loss, as well as lower levels of total body iron prior to pregnancy, are all factors that contribute to this condition.

TREATMENT OF ANEMIA IN PREGNANT WOMEN

Oral iron therapy is the first-line treatment for iron deficiency during pregnancy. Intravenous iron therapy using iron carboxymaltose is a superior alternative in situations of lack of effectiveness, unnecessary adverse effects, or very low hemoglobin levels, however data on safety is lacking. Intravenous carboxymaltose is used to treat hemoglobin levels less than 95 g/L in the postpartum period, resulting in quicker hemoglobin recovery.

Anemia can also be readily managed during pregnancy by using iron or vitamin supplements in your regular routine. In most cases, which is all that is required to restore anemia's consequences. Women who suffer anemia, on the other hand, may take blood transfusion in extremely rare circumstances.

PREVENTION

Treatment of underlying medical conditions, iron and fol ate nutritional supplements given every week to all menstruating women, including adolescents, and daily to women during pregnancy and postpartum, and delayed umbilical cord clamping at delivery are all strategies for preventing anemia in pregnancy and its harmful impacts.

Ensure to take enough iron when pregnant to avoid anemia. Consume well-balanced meals and increase your intake of iron-rich foods.