what causes anemia in pregnancy

what causes anemia in pregnancy

1 year ago 75
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Anemia is a common condition that can occur during pregnancy. Anemia is a condition where the blood doesnt have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues and to your baby. The most common cause of anemia in pregnancy is iron deficiency. During pregnancy, your body produces more blood to support the growth of your baby. If youre not getting enough iron or certain other nutrients, your body might not be able to produce the amount of red blood cells it needs to make this additional blood. Other types of anemia that can occur during pregnancy include folate-deficiency anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Women who are at higher risk of developing anemia during pregnancy include those who are pregnant with multiples, not consuming enough iron, having back-to-back pregnancies with minimal time between, vomiting frequently due to morning sickness, and having a heavy pre-pregnancy menstrual flow. Symptoms of anemia during pregnancy include fatigue, weakness, light-headedness, pale skin, rapid and weak pulse, fainting, low blood pressure, and shortness of breath. If anemia is severe, it can increase the risk of serious complications like preterm delivery and low-birth-weight baby. Good nutrition is the best way to prevent anemia if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Eating foods high in iron content (such as dark green leafy vegetables, red meat, fortified cereals, eggs, and peanuts) can help ensure that you maintain the supply of iron your body needs to function properly.

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