Anaemia is a condition that occurs when the Red Blood Cells (RBCs) or haemoglobin in the blood are low or insufficient, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. Fatigue, weakness, and paleness are some of the common symptoms of the condition, often a result of nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, or blood loss. While anaemia can occur in anyone, women, especially those menstruating and pregnant, are more at risk of developing it, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). What's worse is that it may even go unnoticed.
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Rahul Bhargava, Principal Director and Chief of BMT, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, shared that anaemia in pregnant women is especially underdiagnosed for various reasons.
Also Read: What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency (Anemia)?
Why Anaemia Is Underdiagnosed In Pregnant Women
37% of pregnant women are anaemic, as per WHO estimates.
The reasons can be varied, as listed below:
Subtle symptoms: Anaemia symptoms during pregnancy can often be masked by the normal fatigue and discomfort experienced by expecting mothers.
Lack of standardised screening: While some prenatal healthcare protocols include routine anaemia screening, there isn't always a consistent approach across different regions or providers. This inconsistency can result in missed diagnoses, especially in situations where risk factors aren't readily apparent.
Focus on other pregnancy-related conditions: Due to the changes and potential concerns during pregnancy, anaemia might not always receive the necessary attention unless symptoms become severe.
Iron deficiency is often assumed: Since iron deficiency anaemia is the most common type of ailment in pregnant women, healthcare providers might prioritise iron supplementation without proper diagnosis or investigation into other potential causes of anaemia.
Health Risks Of Undiagnosed/Untreated Anaemia
In general, undiagnosed and untreated iron-deficiency anaemia may cause serious complications, such as fatigue, headaches, restless legs syndrome, heart problems, pregnancy complications, and developmental delays in children, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
In pregnant women, the health risks can be different and more adverse. According to Dr Bhargava, here’s how unaddressed anaemia can affect pregnant women:
- Shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and an increased risk of infection impact the mother as well as the unborn child
- Adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as premature birth, low birth weight, and even stillbirth
- Increased risk of severe complications like preeclampsia and postpartum haemorrhage
- Due to limited oxygen delivery to the foetus, anaemia can impact its growth and development, especially in terms of cognitive function and iron stores.
How To Mitigate The Risk Of Anaemia During Pregnancy
To minimise the risk of severe health complications associated with anaemia in pregnant women, a multifaceted approach is crucial. This involves implementing standardised screening protocols for early detection while empowering pregnant women with knowledge of the symptoms and risk factors associated with anaemia. This encourages prompt consultation, contributing to earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes for both mother and child.
Additionally, certain lifestyle and diet changes can mitigate the risk of anaemia during pregnancy. These include:
- Eating iron-rich foods, such as lean red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, dark leafy greens, fortified cereals, and eggs
- Increasing vitamin C intake by consuming citrus fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers, and broccoli
- Including folate-rich foods, like leafy greens, fortified grains, and lentils, in the diet
- Supplementation under the supervision of doctors
- Regular prenatal appointments with your doctor
- Pay attention to your body and address any symptoms, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and pale skin
Conclusion
Anaemia in pregnancy is a major health concern, more so because it is often underdiagnosed due to factors such as overlapping symptoms, a lack of regular screenings, simultaneous occurrences of pregnancy-related issues, and a general lack of awareness among patients as well as healthcare providers. Therefore, it is important to improve healthcare provider training and enhance patient awareness when it comes to managing any form of disease. In the case of anaemia in pregnant women, nutrition should also be prioritised. Besides eating iron- and folate-rich foods, pregnant women can also resort to supplementation after consulting with doctors.