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Anaemia is a lack of red blood cells, which can lead to a lack of oxygen-carrying ability,
causing unusual tiredness.
The deficiency occurs either through the reduced production or an increased loss of red
blood cells.
These cells are manufactured in the bone marrow and have a life expectancy of
approximately four months.
To produce red blood cells, the body needs (among other things) iron, vitamin B12 and
folic acid. If there is a lack of one or more of these ingredients, anaemia will develop.
a diet low in iron. Vegetarians, and dieters in particular, should make sure their
diet provides them with enough iron
lack of folic acid in the diet, or more rarely, a lack of vitamin B12
anaemia is more common in women who have pregnancies close together and
Good sources of iron are beef, wholemeal bread and cereals, eggs, spinach and
dried fruit.
Supplementing the diet with iron, vitamins and especially folic acid. Taking 400
micrograms folic acid when pregnant is important to reduce the risk of having child with
spina bifida. A doctor may advise taking combined iron and folic acid supplements
before becoming pregnant.
To absorb the maximum amount of iron from the diet, it will help to also eat a diet
rich in vitamin C. Raw vegetables, potatoes, lemon, lime and oranges are all good
sources of vitamin C.
Foods rich in folic acid include beans, muesli, broccoli, beef, Brussels sprouts
and asparagus.
A pregnant woman should take notice of her body's signals and consult a doctor
if any symptoms occur.
Difficulty in breathing, palpitations and angina.
Severe anaemia due to loss of blood after the delivery. If this occurs, then a
woman may be advised to have a blood transfusion.
How will a doctor treat anaemia during pregnancy?
A doctor will examine the expectant mother and prescribe any necessary treatment for
anaemia, such as vitamins or minerals.
Iron tablets can often cause constipation or diarrhoea and some women simply cannot
take them.
Side-effects on the gut can be resolved by taking the iron with or after food or by starting
with a low dose and increasing gradually talk to your doctor about this.
Iron supplements for non-anaemic pregnant women
Anaemia in women is often associated with low birth weight and preterm births, but that
does not mean that women should be taking iron pills, or any vitamin pills
indiscriminately, to prevent poor pregnancy outcomes.
Women who are not suffering from anaemia should ensure that they receive proper
advice on diet and nutrition from their doctors and midwives.
Iron supplements may have a harmful effect on women who do not need them in the first
place.
Conclusion
This study has shown that anaemia in pregnancy is still a major health problem in
Malaysia identifying primigravidae as being more at risk than multigravidae. So also are
women using TBH for antenatal care, pregnant teenagers and women that book late for
antenatal care. The use of TBHs being a common practice in Malaysia indicates that the
traditional health providers need to be enlightened on the need to include the use of iron
and folate supplements in the management of their pregnant patients. Educating women
on early ANC booking and compliance with the use of prescribed medications should
also be emphasized.
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