During pregnancy, our body goes through many transformations and changes over those nine months, which can make it possible or frequent for certain diseases, such as anemia.
A recent study, which analyzed information from 29 countries, found that suffering from severe anemia during pregnancy could publish the risk of maternal mortality. We share the results, as well as some tips to avoid it during pregnancy.
What is and why anemia occurs in pregnancy
Anemia is a disease that is characterized by a decrease in the amount of red blood cells, which decreases the ability to transport oxygen or iron to the rest of the body. Symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, paleness, lightheadedness and trouble breathing.
During pregnancy women often suffer from anemia at some level, although most in a degree that is not harmful to them. This disease appears particularly at this stage, because in pregnancy we need higher doses of iron, necessary for the production of hemoglobin in the red cells of the maternal and fetal blood.
When it occurs during pregnancy, the symptoms are similar to those mentioned above, but also It is also possible to feel apathetic, decayed or disappointed, and not wanting to take care of yourself or even your baby.
Suffer from anemia in pregnancy may increase the risk of complications in the health of the baby, such as poor fetal growth, premature birth or low birth weight, because the fetus depends on the mother's blood.
Similarly, in the case of the mother it can increase the probability of suffering from other diseases, such as preeclampsia or some type of infection or postpartum hemorrhage, as well as increasing the possibility of maternal mortality, as explained by the study that we will share below.
The study
Published in the British magazine The Lancet Global Health, The study analyzed the relationship between severe anemia and maternal mortality. For this, the most extensive and complete information available, collected by the World Health Organization and which includes more than 312,000 women from 29 countries, was used.
Directed by Queen Mary University of London, its objective was explore whether there was an independent relationship between mortality and suffering from severe anemia, which is when a person has an extremely low amount of red blood cells.
Of the total study participants, 4,189 cases of severe anemia were identified, of which 341 resulted in the death of the mother. After carrying out certain analyzes and calculations through two statistical models, it was found that both suggested a relationship between severe anemia and maternal mortality.
It was also found, that when anemia occurs in pregnancy, it increases twice the risk of dying during it or in the week after delivery, compared to those women who did not suffer from anemia during pregnancy.
How to avoid anemia in pregnancy
It is important to keep anemia at bay during pregnancy, and this will be achieved by carrying out a balanced diet that helps us cover that possible iron deficiency, which is one of the main causes of anemia at this stage of a woman's life.
To do this, you should consume foods rich in iron, such as fish, shellfish, green leafy vegetables, meat, dairy and nuts. And on the other hand, foods rich in vitamin C should also be included, as they facilitate the absorption of iron, while it is advisable to avoid the consumption of tea or coffee, as they cause the opposite and hinder the absorption of this mineral.
Remember that it is important attend medical checkups during pregnancy and check with your doctor before consuming any supplements, because each pregnancy is unique, as well as the needs of each woman.
Photos | iStock
Via | CNN
In Babies and more | Diseases that can complicate pregnancy: anemia, During pregnancy, keep anemia at bay
