The hazards of anemia in pregnant women

Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
Updated on September 22, 2024
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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 Gong Hui
Pediatrics
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How to supplement baby's anemia?

The treatment for childhood anemia primarily focuses on addressing the underlying cause. Nutritional anemia is the most common type of anemia in children, which includes iron-deficiency anemia and megaloblastic anemia. For iron-deficiency anemia, the main treatment is iron supplementation. This can be done through dietary means, such as increasing the intake of foods high in iron like pork liver and egg yolks. Additionally, treatment should address any underlying causes of iron deficiency. For instance, if parasitic infections are causing blood loss, then treating the parasitic infection is necessary. If the anemia is due to poor dietary habits or picky eating, then changing these habits is crucial. If general treatments are ineffective, then oral iron supplements should be considered. In the case of megaloblastic anemia, it is important to address the vitamin deficiencies that cause it, namely the lack of folate and vitamin B12. Supplementation of folate and vitamin B12 is recommended.

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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 He Li Fang
Hematology
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Iron deficiency anemia is a type of anemia.

Anemia is a condition in which the total volume of red blood cells in the circulating blood is reduced below the normal value. Iron deficiency anemia belongs to a category of anemia caused by a lack of hematopoietic raw materials. It occurs when the body's stored iron is depleted and cannot meet the needs for normal red blood cell production. Iron deficiency anemia is a common disease among red blood cell disorders and is categorized under anemias caused by a deficiency in hematopoietic raw materials.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Symptoms of anemia

Patients with anemia are prone to symptoms like fatigue, tiredness, and dizziness. Generally, anemia is caused by a disorder in blood production. The most typical symptoms of anemia can include dizziness, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, and pale complexion. It is advised that patients with severe symptoms should visit a formal hospital promptly and undergo targeted treatment according to medical guidance. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and engage in physical exercise regularly to boost the body's immunity. Dietarily, it is advisable to avoid spicy, stimulating, and cold foods to prevent aggravating the condition. It is also recommended to avoid staying up late and sitting for long periods.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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How should pregnant women supplement for anemia?

Under normal circumstances, if anemia symptoms are confirmed after pregnancy, further examination is still necessary for active symptomatic treatment. Normally, the specific cause of the anemia can be identified, whether it is due to iron deficiency, folate deficiency, or B12 deficiency. According to the specific cause of anemia, oral medication can be administered for symptomatic treatment, which can effectively alleviate the symptoms. After taking oral medication, it is also necessary to regularly check the rise in hemoglobin levels to properly manage the condition.