Patient's question:
My wife is pregnant. During her recent early pregnancy check-up, she was found to have iron deficiency anemia (six grams). What should be done about iron deficiency anemia in early pregnancy?Doctor's answer:
Iron deficiency anemia refers to anemia that occurs when the body's stored iron is depleted and cannot meet the needs for normal red blood cell production. Before the production of red blood cells is restricted, the body's iron stores are exhausted, at which point it is called iron deficiency. This condition is most often slow to develop and is common in infants and children over 4 months old, as well as in women of reproductive age (mostly multiparous) between 20 and 50 years old. Clinical manifestations include: symptoms caused by the anemia itself; symptoms and signs resulting from cellular dysfunction due to the lack of iron-containing protein enzymes in tissues; and the clinical manifestations and complications of the primary disease causing iron deficiency. It is recommended to undergo pre-pregnancy check-ups, which is responsible for the infant and also for the family. Pregnant women should take more calcium supplements and should not stop taking them. Wishing you early recovery and good health.