Anemia is a condition where the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin (Hb) concentration is lower than it should be. Normal hemoglobin levels are above 11 g/dL in pregnant women, above 12 g/dL in adult women, above 13 g/L in adult men. Mothers who experience anemia are mothers who have hemoglobin levels below 11 g/dL.
Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen to all body tissues so that the tissues can function properly. If the hemoglobin (Hb) in the blood is low, then less oxygen is carried to all body tissues, making the body tissues not function properly.
Causes of anemia
Caused by various causes, but generally due to deficiency of iron and vitamin B12. This is caused by unhealthy eating patterns. Other medical conditions such as bleeding, kidney disease and immune disorders also cause anemia.
Symptoms of Anemia
Here are some of the symptoms caused:
- Feeling constantly lethargic, weak and tired
- Cold hands and feet
- Skin, lips and nails become pale
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Hard to breathe
Dangers of Anemia for the Health of Pregnant Women and Babies
If anemia is not treated properly, it will increase the risk of complications in pregnancy. Pregnant women need more blood cells to support fetal development. If the mother experiences anemia, this will result in insufficient blood requirements resulting in less oxygen being distributed to the body's tissues and the fetus. This can cause complications, such as:
- Babies born with Low Birth Weight (LBW)
Mothers who experience anemia in the first trimester will increase the risk of a baby being born with a low birth weight, namely a baby weighing less than 2.5 kg, which is at risk of causing respiratory problems, infections and impaired motor development.
- Premature birth
Premature birth is birth that occurs before the estimated date of delivery or before the 37th week of pregnancy. Premature birth has many risks for the baby, ranging from growth and development disorders and other diseases.
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- The baby was born with anemia
Pregnant women who experience anemia can result in the baby being born also experiencing anemia. If not handled properly, the baby will experience health problems such as heart problems, brain damage, and even death.
- Fetal death
Prevention of Anemia in Pregnant Women
- Consume foods that are nutritious and highly nutritious
Increase your intake of foods that contain high levels of iron and folic acid. Foods that contain high levels of iron, for example:
- Lean meat that is cooked thoroughly
- Seafood such as fish, squid and shrimp that are cooked well
- Hard cooked eggs
- Green vegetables, such as spinach and kale
- Peas
- Pasteurized dairy products
- Potato
- Wheat
Foods that contain high levels of folic acid, namely:
- Green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli
- Fruits such as oranges, avocados, papaya, bananas
- Legumes such as peas, red beans, soybeans
- Wheat
- Egg yolk
- Taking supplements
Take iron supplements, vitamin B12 and folic acid, which can prevent and treat anemia in pregnant women.
- Taking Vitamin C
Vitamin C can help the process of absorbing iron from food more actively. Consuming vegetables and fruit that are high in vitamin C such as oranges, strawberries, kiwi, guava, mango, broccoli and tomatoes can also help overcome anemia in pregnant women.
Ensure that pregnant women's nutritional intake is met to maintain the health of the mother and fetus.
Carry out routine checks with a gynecologist if you complain of symptoms of anemia.
Article written by dr. Elita Gustiana Ardi, Sp.OG (Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).