Friday 25 April 2014

Avoiding the Complications arising from Anemia During Pregnancy

Complications during pregnancy are common and can arise post -pregnancy as well. It involves the health of the mother, baby or both. It is crucial for women to get health care as soon as they get to know about any complication to lower their risk. According to Dr. Maureen Muoneke MD anemia is common among women during pregnancy and it leads to lowering the normal number of healthy red blood cells. In order to restore the number of healthy red blood cells, treating the main causes of anemia is important. Women may feel tired, fatigue or weak during anemia.

Importance of Iron is required during Pregnancy – Dr. Maureen Muoneke MD

Since our body requires iron to produce hemoglobin so our bodies are busy producing it blood during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the body of women needs more iron for themselves and the baby. The daily intake of iron increases from 18 mg to 27 mg.  But in case women don’t take enough iron than required, there is high probability of you being anemic.

Who are more vulnerable to being anemic?

Women who smoke or those with two pregnancies with less time span between them or with twins are more venerable to being anemic. Also, women who have heavy blood flow during periods before pregnancy or those who suffer from morning sickness with regular vomiting are likely to get anemic soon.

Symptoms of Being Anemic During Pregnancy

There are numerous symptoms of anemia. However, the common symptom is fatigue due to which most women don’t even realize that they have anemia. Other symptoms include weakness or lightheadedness, shortness of breath or a dull appearance. Anemia is harmful since it creates lot of complications during delivery. In cases, when women have lot of bleeding, situations can even get worse. Baby is likely to get the iron before your body uses it. But in case of severe iron deficiency, your baby can be anemic when born. Babies born to ladies suffering from anemia during pregnancy are likely to born premature or have low weight.

Detecting anemia with Dr. Maureen Muoneke MD

Doctors usually take two blood tests, one during pregnancy and other between 24 and 28 weeks to check if lady is anemic. The test is intended to identify the amount of RBCs or red blood cells in your blood level and also the amount of hemoglobin. In case, the tests show the red blood cells are too low then doctors recommend an iron supplement. Many times, an iron supplement is a sourceof digestive problems. When you start taking a special iron supplement, start slowly and have pills during time of meals.  Drink plenty of water to ensure you don’t suffer from constipation. Also, take fiber-rich unpeeled fruits and vegetables.


In order to avoid anemia, take healthy diet and incorporate rich dietary sources of iron comprising of meats, dehydrated fruits, oatmeal, beans and nuts, dark green leafy vegetables, and iron-fortified breads or cereals. Take iron rich foods with items rich in Vitamin C like juice, tomatoes, or strawberries. It helps in easy absorption of iron. Don’t take egg yolks, milk, coffee, tea or other calcium-rich food while taking iron rich food items since they tend to halt the absorption of iron. In case, you have craving for items like chalk so it could be sign of pica. It is a disease associated to iron deficiency. Don’t cooperate with such cravings and consult your doctor to get treated soon and properly.


Being anemic during pregnancy is common in ladies but should be treated in order to avoid any complications. Remain careful with your diet and health all the time during pregnancy. 

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