What should pregnant women do about anemia?

Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
Updated on September 05, 2024
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We often find that anemia in pregnant women is very common during prenatal check-ups. There are three main reasons for anemia. The first reason is iron deficiency anemia, which is due to insufficient intake during pregnancy while the fetus requires a large amount, leading to iron deficiency anemia. The second reason is megaloblastic anemia, which is caused by insufficient intake of vitamin B6 and folic acid, resulting in anemia. Another condition is thalassemia, which is due to a genetic mutation causing anemia.

For treatment of anemia, we first need to address the specific cause. If it is iron deficiency anemia, iron supplements are necessary, and the diet should include foods like pork liver and lean meat. If it is megaloblastic anemia, supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B12 is needed. Moreover, for thalassemia, mild cases can be observed, while severe cases may require a small amount of blood transfusion treatment.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
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The hazards of anemia in pregnant women

Firstly, the occurrence of anemia during pregnancy is very common, and most cases are mild anemia, but a small proportion can be severe. The harm of anemia comes from two aspects: one is that it is harmful to the fetus, as anemia during pregnancy can affect the intellectual development of the fetus, which is very clear. Another harm comes from the mother, such as the possibility of postpartum hemorrhage or infection. If a cesarean section is performed, our hemoglobin must not be lower than 80 grams. If it is below 80 grams, a blood transfusion or intraoperative blood preparation is needed.

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Written by Li Fang Fang
Hematology
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Which department should I go to for anemia?

Anemia is classified as a hematological disease and requires further diagnosis and treatment in the department of hematology. In severe cases of anemia, the body can be in a state of ischemia and hypoxia, which can induce the occurrence of acute cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, such as acute angina and cerebral thrombosis. Therefore, patients with acute anemia need to have red blood cell transfusions to support treatment and correct the anemia. If the anemia is not severe, red blood cell transfusion is not necessary, but it is important to complete tests like anemia indicators, bone marrow aspiration, and bone marrow biopsy to further clarify the cause of the anemia and treat it accordingly.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Symptoms of anemia in late pregnancy

Patients with mild anemia in the late stage of pregnancy may not exhibit any obvious symptoms. However, patients with severe anemia may feel a lack of energy and dizziness throughout the body, and experience symptoms such as palpitations and shortness of breath after doing just a little bit of activity. Additionally, some individuals may experience gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal bloating and diarrhea. Moreover, those affected may have a reduced appetite. In anemic women, signs on the skin and mucous membranes include pallor, dry skin, and sparse hair. Additionally, the nails may also be fragile and thin, and there is an increased likelihood of developing oral inflammation and similar symptoms.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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Symptoms of low blood pressure and anemia

Main clinical symptoms of low blood pressure and anemia: general fatigue, pale complexion, heart palpitations and shortness of breath, cerebral ischemia causing dizziness and vertigo, insomnia and frequent dreams; some patients may also experience loss of appetite, indigestion, and other symptoms. Low blood pressure and anemia are not the same disease, and their clinical treatments differ. Low blood pressure is caused by excessively low blood pressure leading to ischemia above the brain, and the treatment should aim to increase blood volume and elevate blood pressure. Anemia is caused by a reduction in hemoglobin, leading to ischemia and hypoxia in the body, and treatment should involve supplementation of nutrients and the essential trace elements that are lacking, which should be treated seriously.

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Written by Li Fang Fang
Hematology
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Can anemic people donate blood?

Patients with anemia cannot donate blood. After donating blood, due to the reduction of blood volume, it may worsen anemia and cause symptoms such as dizziness, excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, and other manifestations of low blood pressure. In severe cases, it can even induce acute cardiovascular and cerebrovascular accidents, so patients with anemia cannot donate blood. Clinically, the requirements for blood donors include not being anemic, weighing more than 45 kilograms, and being free of infectious diseases.