Anemia is commonly known as iron deficiency syndrome in a human being. As per studies and surveys conducted in the United States, more than 50 percent of American women suffer from anemia during pregnancy.

Iron deficiency in pregnancy or anemia during pregnancy has effects on the baby as well as on the mother. It can be severe and leads to low birth weight, premature birth of a baby and much more.

Read on to know more about anemia during pregnancy, its symptoms, its causes, and treatment.

What is anemia?

Anemia is a condition wherein your body has lower blood cells than normal, due to which the tissues in your body do not receive the required amount of oxygen to carry out basic functions. During pregnancy, most women develop anemia, as their body needs a high quantity of blood to provide proper nutrients to the child. Anemia mainly occurs due to low hemoglobin in pregnancy. It can become the cause of many major problems, so it is very important to get the right treatment.

What causes anemia to occur during pregnancy?

Anemia is mainly observed during pregnancy, as the mother needs more red blood cells for the growth of the child. If she goes through low hemoglobin in pregnancy, then there are risks that she may suffer from anemia, as her body cannot produce enough blood cells. Women can also suffer from Float-deficiency anemia, wherein they lack float, commonly known as vitamin B. Another type of anemia is vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, wherein women do not get vitamin B12 to generate red blood cells in their body.

What are the symptoms of anemia during pregnancy?

In the beginning, you may not notice the symptoms of anemia. But as the symptoms become more severe, they will certainly not escape your notice. Symptoms of anemia during pregnancy include:

-Weakness in your body due to low hemoglobin.
-Higher levels of fatigue, as compared to the normal tiredness that any pregnant woman can expect to feel.
-Dizziness.
-Shortness and difficulty in breathing.
-Improper and fast heartbeat.
-Chest pain.
-Light skin, pale lips, and nails.
-Cold hands and feet.
-Trouble concentrating.

What measures can be taken to prevent and to treat it?

There are many risks associated with anemia, which is not only harmful to the mother but can be harmful to the baby as well. Anemia can be cured if it is detected and treated at the proper time. So it is very important for pregnant women to consult a doctor to prevent the disease. Some preventive measures which can be taken are as follows:

• Do not take heavy medication to cure anemia without a doctor’s prescription, as it can lead to side effects in your body. If you notice anemic symptoms, then consult a doctor and take the prescribed dose.
• Ensure you go for a routine check-up and blood test to know if you are dealing with anemia. If it is observed in the early stages, then it can be easily treated.
• Take a healthy diet which includes iron. As iron can be hard to digest for some women, you can take vitamin C for easy digestion.
• Reduce the consumption of unhealthy beverages such as tea and coffee.
• If you experience bleeding during pregnancy , then surgical intervention might be necessary.