Anemia in pregnancy increases the risk of complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, cognitive problems in the baby, and death of the fetus or newborn. A pregnant woman with deep anemia is also more likely to have bleeding before and after delivery, which increases the risk of maternal death.
Anemia decreases the resistance of the pregnant woman to infections and increases up to 3 times the occurrence of complications in pregnancy and childbirth. If left untreated during the post childbirth anemia may also cause a decrease in women's cognitive levels and physical abilities, as well as increased stress and emotional instability.
Iron participates in the brain development of the fetus and is important for cognitive functions of the newborn. Lack of iron can permanently damage a baby's brain and impair its intelligence, cognition and behavior, not only in childhood but also in adulthood.
About 40% of pregnant women have some degree of anemia, and in more than half of the cases anemia is caused by iron deficiency.
This is because, during pregnancy, a woman's iron needs increase about 6 times. If the pregnant woman can not get enough iron from her food, her body will anemia.
The treatment and prevention of anemia during pregnancy are important to prevent possible complications and thus protect the health and life of the hand and baby.
For more information about the risks and ways of treating anemia in pregnancy, talk to the doctor responsible for prenatal follow-up.
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