Anemia/Anaemia: Anemia is a condition of low level of healthy Red Blood Cells, in day-to-day life hemoglobin test report use to diagnose Anemia. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carry oxygen to body’s tissue.

Maternal Anemia: Anemia in pregnancy is called Maternal Anemia. It decreases the number of healthy red blood cells during pregnancy that results in reduction in the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood stream. Maternal anemia is a very common condition during pregnancy and postpartum.

Cause: Anemia during pregnancy can cause due to many reasons:

Blood volume increases during pregnancy that needs more iron and vitamins require to make more red blood cells and lack of enough iron can cause anemia.

Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common reason for maternal anemia as baby use mother’s red blood cells for growth and development and if women does not have enough stored/intake of iron then it might cause anemia.

Vitamin B12 is another reason for maternal anemia as it is very necessary vitamin for production of red blood cells. In some cases, women may not consume enough Vitamin B12 via diet or any other supplement which leads to Vitamin-B12 deficiency anemia.

Folate deficiency anemia is also can be a reason behind maternal anemia as folic acid helps in cell growth and prevent neural tube defect. Women can take sufficient folic acid from diet or supplements.

Risks Factors For Maternal Anemia:

Have two close pregnancies

Pregnant with more than one baby

Frequent vomiting due to morning sickness

Inappropriate diet

Heavy pre-pregnancy menstrual flow

History of anemia

Effect Of Maternal Anemia On Fetal Outcome:

Severe maternal anemia can affect the fetus outcome like:

Risk of premature delivery

Low birth weight baby

Baby with anemia

Postpartum depression

Symptoms Of Maternal Anemia:

·         Fatigue

·         Weakness

·         Pale or yellowish skin

·         Irregular heartbeats

·         Shortness of breath

·         Dizziness or light-headedness

·         Chest pain

·         Irritability (due specifically to a B12 deficiency)

·         Trouble concentrating

Prevention Of Maternal Anemia:

Take iron rich diet

Take folic acid rich diet

Take folic acid, multivitamin supplements.

Add Vitamin C in your diet.

 

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/anemia-during-pregnancy/art-20114455

https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/a/anemia-in-pregnancy.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/anemia-during-pregnancy/art-20114455

https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/14412Panaemia.pdf