Posts Tagged ‘Anemia in pregnancy’
Anemia in Pregnancy
Anemia is one of the most frequent complications during pregnancy. Many women suffer particularly from the second quarter. Anemia is a common condition during pregnancy. Red blood cells carry oxygen through the body and baby. It is important to prevent anemia before, during and after pregnancy. If a woman is anemic, it means that the quantity and / or size of red blood cells of women is lower than normal.
The baby’s development depends largely on the supplier to the mother’s blood, so that untreated anemia can cause poor fetal growth, premature birth and low infant birth weight.
You are likely to perform tests to assess their level of anemia at least twice during pregnancy: during their first prenatal visit and again between weeks 24 and 28. If you have anemia, your health professional may prescribe an iron supplement.You can help reduce your risk of anemia by eating foods that contain iron throughout your pregnancy. These include :
* Red Meat
* Seafood
* Poultry (dark meat)
* Breakfast cereals,
* Whole grains
* Blackstrap molasses
* Spinach and other leafy greens
* Baked potato with skin
* Beans or kidney beans
* Raisins, dates, prunes, figs, apricots
Foods containing vitamin C can increase the amount of iron your body absorbs. For this reason, you should eat foods like orange juice, tomatoes, strawberries and grapefruit. Coffee and tea, egg yolks, milk, fiber and soy protein prevent the absorption of iron.
When to call the doctor during pregnancy?
In all cases mentioned below is necessary to consult and go to the doctor immediately.
Vaginal Bleeding
The bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy, however small, require medical consultation. Before spotting or dark red, with or without pain, the danger of abortion. Bleeding can occur at any time during pregnancy, which is associated with various pathologies. It is important to consult a doctor immediately.
Leaking fluid from the vagina
The loss of fluid from the vagina-colored, scented bleach, indicating that broke the water bag. Normally, this bag is not broken until the time of delivery. If it breaks spontaneously and no contractions or discomfort, you should go to hospital as there is risk of infection. In this case, it is risky to take baths.
Extreme pallor
Anemia can be recognized because the pregnant woman is weak, tired, has pale skin and gums, brittle nails, a rapid pulse (over 100 beats per minute) and / or gasp with ease. AThe cause of these symptoms can be severe anemia.
This problem can be very serious at the time of delivery or postpartum, as acute blood loss anemia. It is advisable to eat dark green vegetables (chard, spinach, broccoli and others), meat (organ meats, liver, heart, blood sausage) and vegetables. Anyway, it is important to consult with your doctor to assess the evolution and treatment.
Uterine contractions
If they are painful contractions, frequent, regular and appear before 8 months of gestation, suggest that labor may be advanced. It should tell your doctor or go to the clinic quickly.
Fever
Faced with fever, particularly high and persistent, it is imperative to go to the doctor to assess the case and its treatment. Never take any medication without prior approval of the obstetrician. During pregnancy the drugs act on the fetus (after crossing the placenta), causing possible damage to the baby.
Pain or burning when urinating
Faced with complaints and / or burning when urinating, you should consult your doctor to rule than the product of a urinary tract infection, which requires appropriate treatment.
Emotional problems
Facing strong emotions during pregnancy and critical situations, such as loss of a loved one, family breakdown, abandonment of the couple, among others, can affect women in both their physical and mental health. The doctor treating the pregnant woman and the household of the mother, must take into account these changes and be aware of them, and if necessary, will be held a consultation with a psychologist.
Baby movements
From the fifth month of pregnancy, it is important to consult a doctor if not seen the baby move, or decrease in frequency and intensity.