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| Name: Jenni | Date: Aug 18th, 2005 9:55 PM |
| Hi, I was anemic when I was pregnant, all three times. I have read that it is pretty common. I had to take my prenatals, plus two extra iron pills everyday. When the doctor told me I was anemic, she said that I must be tired, so I guess that's one of the symptoms. Anemia and the iron also has something to do with your blood cells too. Here....I decided to search it for ya, I was curious too :)...here's the info, Here is the website I got it from http://www.moondragon.org/obgyn/an emia/pregnancyanemia.html BASIC INFORMATION DESCRIPTION Anemia is defined as an inadequate level of hemoglobin during pregnancy. Hemoglobin is the protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen to body tissues. Common anemias in pregnancy include iron deficiency anemia (75 to 85% of cases) and folic acid deficiency. In addition, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, thalassemia and sickle cell anemia have genetic implications and should receive special evaluation. ------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Sometimes no symptoms are apparent. Breathlessness. Tiredness, weakness or fainting. Paleness. Infrequent: Palpations or an abnormal awareness of the heartbeat. Inflamed, sore tongue. Nausea. Headache. Jaundice. ------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------- CAUSES Poor diet with inadequate iron. Folic-acid deficiency. Loss of blood from bleeding hemorrhoids or gastrointestinal bleeding. Even if iron and folic-acid intake are sufficient, a pregnant woman may become anemic because pregnancy alters the digestive process. The unborn child consumes some of the iron or folic acid normally available to the mother's body. ----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- RISK INCREASES WITH Poor nutrition, especially multiple vitamin deficiencies. Excess alcohol consumption, leading to poor nutrition. Medical history of any disorder that reduces absorption of nutrients. Use of anticoagulant drugs. Previous use of oral contraceptives. G6PD deficiency is more common in persons of Mediterranean, African American and Sephardic Jewish descent. Sickle cell anemia is found in African Americans and in persons of Italian, Middle Eastern and East Indian descent. -------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ PREVENTIVE MEASURES Eat foods rich in iron, such as liver, beef, whole-grain breads and cereals, eggs and dried fruit. Eat foods high in folic acid, such as wheat germ, beans, peanut butter, oatmeal, mushrooms, collards, broccoli, beef liver and asparagus. Eating foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and fresh, raw vegetables makes iron absorption more efficient. Take prenatal vitamin and mineral supplements if they are prescribed. Screening for several anemias, e.g., G6PD deficiency and sickle cell disease in high-risk women, should be considered prior to any attempt to become pregnant. ------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- EXPECTED OUTCOME Usually curable with iron and folic-acid supplements by mouth or by injection. ------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS Premature Labor. Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Dangerous anemia from normal blood loss during labor, requiring blood transfusions. Increased susceptibility to maternal infection after childbirth. TREATMENT GENERAL MEASURES Diagnosis is determine by laboratory blood studies. For most anemias, supplements are prescribed and dietary assessments are made. For G6PD deficiency, treatment is supportive and educational. Sickle cell anemia in pregnant women requires careful medical management; usually done by specialists. If the tongue is red and sore, rinse with warm salt water 3 or 4 times a day. Use 1 teaspoon salt to 8 ounces warm water. Brush teeth with a soft toothbrush. -------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ MEDICATION Iron, folic-acid and other supplements may be prescribed. For better absorption, take iron-supplements 1 hour before eating or between meals. Iron will turn bowel movements black, and often causes constipation. Iron sometimes may be taken with meals if it has caused an upset stomach. ------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ACTIVITY Rest often until the anemia disappears. ----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- DIET Eat well and take prescribed supplements. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation. ↑ |
| Name: munkygirl19 | Date: Nov 16th, 2007 7:21 PM |
| hemoglobin which is in your blood is what carries oxygen or O2 and other nutrients to all the organs that need it, iron is what binds the O2 molecules to the red blood cells or rbc's so it can carry them--- so if you aare anemic your blood dosnt have enough iron in it that will allow it to get the O2 to the organs that need it, iron is a mineral that is in vitamins food and sunlight symptoms are tiredness weakness, paleness in the hands and lower eyelids, fainting or dizzyness, and rapid heartbeat... to get more iron in your body, try eating meats, beans and green leafy vegetables, they are all high in iron. you can also get some iron pills also take a realy good multi vitamin along with eating right... i hope this helps, i think i have it too, but i guess from what i learned its not that bad! good luck! ↑ |
