Have you ever heard people lovingly joke about how a pregnant woman must eat for two? This does not mean that a woman must double her food intake out of the blue. However, the mother’s body will indeed use up all essential nutrients for the baby first. This is why it is common to find pregnant women suffering from health conditions like nutritional anemia. It is described as a deficiency disorder in which the patient lacks certain nutrients in their body.
Antenatal Nutritional Anemia: Causes and Prevention During Pregnancy
As a result, the woman’s body is unable to produce the required number of red blood cells that may carry oxygen to all parts. Antenatal nutritional anemia is common because blood volume increases during pregnancy. This means more nutrients will be required to match the rise in demand for red blood cells. After all, the baby will derive its sustenance from the mother’s body. In this article, we will discuss this condition in detail along with ways to prevent it among expecting mothers.
Types of Antepartum Nutritional Anemia
A lot of young expectant mothers, especially those with their first baby, believe that there is only one type of anemia. This is not true as antepartum nutritional anemia can be classified into three main types –
Iron Deficiency Anemia
The iron needs of an expectant mother’s body are significantly higher than others. This is because the body needs iron to –
- Meet the rising demands of the placenta and the baby
- Keep abreast with the increased production of red blood cells
- Compensate for the loss of iron that also occurs during labor and delivery
It has been found that anemia due to iron deficiency is the most common type among young mothers. Over 40% of women will experience this type of anemia during their pregnancy.
Folate Deficiency Anemia
Another nutrient required in higher amounts during pregnancy is folate. This water-soluble B vitamin is necessary for the growth of the baby inside the womb. Expectant mothers must consume a diet rich in folates. This would include leafy greens like spinach, kale, and cabbage. Other foods rich in folates are citrus fruits, beans and nuts, whole grains, and fortified flour and cereals. Additionally, doctors may recommend a certain daily intake of folic acid supplements if the levels are dangerously low.
Vitamin B 12 Deficiency Anemia
The third type of anemia common among pregnant women is Vitamin B12 deficiency. This vitamin is essential to multiply red blood cells. Women diagnosed with this type of anemia must consume lots of animal sources of food. These would include lean meats, fish, eggs, and dairy. Again, nutritional supplements or prescription medication may be required if the level of Vitamin B12 is alarmingly low.
Why Does Preventing This Condition Matter So Much?
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that anemia affects half a billion women between the ages of 15 and 49. However, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) clarifies that women in the reproductive age-range are at a greater risk of developing this condition. Anemia during pregnancy has become a word that gets thrown around casually. It is not something to be taken lightly. The repercussions can affect both maternal and fetal health. For instance – iron deficiency anemia increases the risk of preeclampsia, low birth weight, and premature birth.
- Similarly, anemia caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to gastric atrophy. Finally, folate deficiency anemia can cause spinal cord and brain abnormalities in the baby. All nutrients are essential in a balanced way.
- Even more concerning is that the effects of anemia do not stay limited to physical health. They affect the expectant mother’s emotions as many report feeling depressed, low self-esteem, and anxious. This can wreak havoc on the mind already tormented by hormones going all over the place.
- Nutritional anemia during pregnancy may categorize respective mothers into high-risk cases requiring holistic care. This is why such women are safest in the hands of a well-trained midwife.
- According to Baylor University, specialized midwives are equipped to handle maternal and newborn complications. This means their area of operation would include emotional support required during nutritional anemia.
Addressing Antenatal Anemia in the Childbearing Family
The midwifery course is focused on caring for the entire childbearing family. Some independently practicing professionals join a midwifery school online to learn at their personal pace. They try to engage as closely as possible with the mother and other family members. To help deal with antenatal anemia, a midwife’s role would involve closely monitoring health through blood tests, offering emotional support, and prescribing supplements. Without holistic pregnancy and delivery care, it’s easy for anemia to run its deadly course.
Ways to Nip the Condition in Its Bud
As per the Mayo Clinic, a pregnant woman requires at least 27 milligrams of iron each day. It is good news that nutritional anemia can be prevented when the right quantities of nutrients are present in the mother’s body. Let’s look at some ways women can prepare themselves.
Following the Instructions of the Healthcare Provider
If a woman is likely to suffer from antenatal nutritional anemia, the same will be conveyed by the healthcare provider in advance. It is important to stay in touch and follow the advice the doctor, nurse, or midwife offers. If any question comes to mind, the expectant mother must ask their healthcare provider immediately. Any recommended tests or follow-ups must not be postponed.
Consuming Foods Rich in the Required Nutrients
We have previously discussed each anemia and its reason. The three main nutrients whose deficiency leads to antenatal nutritional anemia must be consumed in proper quantities. Regular check-ups may be required to ensure nutrient levels do not drop suddenly. A balanced diet is the key to preventing the condition or keeping it under check. UNICEF recommends pregnant women consume three wholesome home-cooked meals along with two nutritious snacks throughout the day. The pregnancy cravings are real and there for a reason. They are opportunities to eat healthily so that the mother and baby grow stronger.
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Taking Supplements if Necessary
Even healthcare providers will only recommend supplements when the situation is somber. In most cases, dietary changes should suffice. However, when not, young mothers must ensure they take the necessary supplements and in the prescribed dosage. Even so, no appointments or follow-ups should be skipped since anemia levels can fluctuate easily. Pregnancy is a sensitive time and one cannot practice too much caution.
Did you know that 36.5% of women with child(ren) suffer from anemia worldwide? Even among this populace, those with a family history of the condition are at a higher risk of developing it. Others with chronic autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis may also suffer from nutritional anemia during pregnancy. An informed mind and proactive prevention are the antidotes to this problem. With proper medical support, it should be smooth sailing before, during, and after the arrival of the little one.
