Best Solution for Nurturing a Smart Baby

Author: Yang Yaqin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Anemia is one of the common complications during pregnancy. After a woman becomes pregnant, plasma increases more significantly than red blood cells. As a result, the blood is diluted, and the diagnostic criteria for anemia in pregnant women are relatively lower. When hemoglobin drops below 10 grams and red blood cells fall below 3.5 million, anemia can be diagnosed. Women with pre-existing anemia may experience worsened anemia during pregnancy. Anemia during pregnancy is most commonly iron-deficiency anemia, while megaloblastic anemia is less common, and aplastic anemia is extremely rare.
(1) The Impact of Anemia on Pregnancy
Anemia poses significant risks to both the pregnant woman and the fetus. Generally, when hemoglobin drops to 8 grams, it is considered mild anemia, while a level below 6 grams is classified as severe anemia. Pregnant women with anemia are prone to developing preeclampsia, which tends to be more severe. In cases of severe anemia, symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, anemia-related heart disease, and even heart failure may occur. During childbirth, anemia often leads to uterine inertia, prolonging the labor process and necessitating surgical assistance. Postpartum, there is a higher risk of hemorrhagic shock. Due to anemia, the ability of red blood cells to transport oxygen decreases, leading to fetal hypoxia in the womb, delayed growth and development, and an increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth.
(2) Prevention and Treatment
After becoming pregnant, it is essential to undergo regular prenatal examinations. If anemia is detected, consult a doctor promptly to determine the cause and type of anemia for effective treatment. Pregnant women should consume more iron-rich foods, but it is important to note that iron from food is not easily utilized by the body, and much of it is lost during cooking. Therefore, ensuring that pregnant women receive sufficient iron is a critical issue. Relying solely on dietary intake is often insufficient to meet the demands of pregnancy. It is generally recommended to supplement with iron daily starting from the fourth month of pregnancy, with ferrous sulfate being a common choice. For pregnant women with pre-existing iron-deficiency anemia who cannot tolerate oral iron supplements, intravenous iron injections may be used, accompanied by vitamin C or hydrochloric acid to enhance iron absorption. When hemoglobin falls below 6 grams, small, frequent blood transfusions or red blood cell transfusions may be necessary. For megaloblastic anemia, in addition to consuming fresh vegetables and liver-rich foods, folic acid and vitamin B12 should be administered. Patients with aplastic anemia, if the doctor deems it safe to continue the pregnancy, may require repeated small blood transfusions and must maintain good oral and skin hygiene to prevent infections. P14-15