Growing a baby inside you can be tiring… Sometimes, more tiring than you think!
Pregnancy changes your body in so many ways to cater for the physical growth requirements of this tiny human. From hormonal changes to an increase in size, your body goes through significant changes. A part of this pregnancy preparation comes from an increase in blood volume.
This increased blood volume can sometimes leave you deprived of energy. You may feel sluggish all the time and may not have enough energy to do your routine activities. You might be suffering from anemia during pregnancy.
According to research, 40% of all pregnant women suffer from anemia during pregnancy.
Anemic Pregnancy – Are These All Same?
Anemia simply refers to the lack of enough red blood cells in your body that leads to poor oxygen supply to your body tissues. Pregnancy anemia is a quiet condition that results in low hemoglobin levels in blood. Let us see what different types of anemias during pregnancy look like.
- Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron can be the reason behind your constant energy levels throughout your pregnancy journey… This lack of energy simply comes from a lack of iron in the body. Iron is an important mineral in the body that supplies blood to your body cells.. Yes, to every single cell in your body.
- Vitamin Deficiency Anemia
It’s not always about the iron… Other nutrients such as vitamins are important as well.
This takes in folic acid and vitamin B-12. Folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiency in your body affect the production of red blood cells in your body. With a lesser number of red blood cells, you can develop anemia.
Hey Ladies, Here Is What Anemia During Pregnancy Feels Like?
Pregnancy anemia is part of many women’s mommy battles. However, before it appears on any blood test, your baby body tries to give you the signals. Here is all you need to know about these clues:
1- A Racing Heart
Strong and rapid heart palpitations are probably one of the earliest signs of an anemic pregnancy. You could feel your heart pounding like a drum and could even hear this. This is simply because of the reason that when there are not enough red blood cells, your heart has to do the hard work. This results in rapid heart beating and can be the earliest sign of pregnancy.
2- Feeling Drained
Lack of energy and fatigue is one of the very common consequences of anemia. You may not be having enough energy because of interrupted oxygen supply to your body tissues. This constant feeling of tiredness and lethargicness might be associated with an anemic pregnancy.
3- Pale Skin
Skin changes are evident during pregnancy. While many women get a pregnancy glow on their faces due to increased blood volume, many others develop pale skin. This altered skin colouration is one of the ideal ways to detect pregnancy anemia. Your doctor examines your eyes and sees if your eyes’ mucous membrane is showing the signs of anemia.
4- Cramps
Just like period crampons, pregnancy cramp is a thing but do you know that this could be the iron deficiency? When your body prepares itself to nourish the tiny human grown inside, not having enough red blood cells can cause pregnancy cramps.
5- Weird Food Cravings
Have you ever heard pregnant women complaining about weird food cravings? This includes a strong urge to chew on ice or even paper. All other food preference changes, pregnancy can make you develop these unusual food cravings. The possible explanation behind this is that chewing ice or even clay can bring women mental pleasure. So, ladies iron deficiency anemia can bring you these unusual cravings.
Other than this, many women experience a lack of sensation in their bodies. The numbness or tingling sensation commonly affects the body in extreme areas such as fingers. Further, shortness of breath can also indicate an anemic pregnancy.
Anemia During Pregnancy – What Causes It?
Hey mommies, you must be thinking about what can make you anemic during pregnancy. Many different things can cause anemia in pregnancy.
- Pregnancy itself is a big cause. This is because the body increases blood volume to nurture the tiny human. This can result in anemia.
- NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY is the second main reason behind pregnancy anemia. When you don’t intake enough iron-rich foods then your body can ultimately fall short of the red blood cells to keep you going.
- You may be having enough iron in your blood but POOR IRON ABSORPTION of this iron could leave you struggling with anemia. For instance, if you don’t intake enough vitamin C your body is likely to absorb dietary iron. Or having certain medical conditions such as stomach and intestinal problems could also interfere with iron absorption in your body.
- MATERNAL AGE is a big thing when it comes to anemia during pregnancy. Teenage and older age mothers have an increased risk of pregnancy anemia.
- You always longed for a twin pregnancy.. Don’t worry you are not alone in this. However, being pregnant with twins or multiples can make you anemic during pregnancy.
- If you have been anemic before conception, you may suffer from anemia during pregnancy.
- Anemic pregnancy chances increase if you don’t take sufficient gaps between pregnancies.
- Just like most women, suffering from morning sickness during pregnancy can increase your risk of an anemic pregnancy.
Is Anemia During Pregnancy Harmful?
Anemia during pregnancy is a common condition but requires attention. Women who are anemia have a greater chance of premature and stillbirth. Further, your child might be underweight and suffer from congenital anemia. So, proper pregnancy nutrition is a must alongside routine checkups.
Bottom Line!
Journey to motherhood comes with its fair share of physical and psychological challenges. Anemia during pregnancy is one such part of your pregnancy battle. Now when you have understood anemic pregnancy and the health risks associated with it, here is my piece of advice for you.
- Make sure you get enough nutrition during pregnancy and consume iron-rich foods.
- Be it calcium or vitamin, take your supplements regularly to ensure proper absorption.
- Get a routine checkup from your gynecologist for a healthy pregnancy.
You can consult the best gynecologists in Lahore via Healthwire.pk and make wise decisions regarding your pregnancy planning.