Anemia

Hello!

I am a Dr. Hamrah Siddiqui, gynecologist practicing in several hospitals in Delhi for last 27-28 years. Now I have my own Hospital where I am practicing. I am specialized in laparoscopic surgery, infertility, and high-risk pregnancy. Topics close to my heart are PCOS, ovarian disease and the anemia. I will tell you about Anemia. When the hemoglobin level is less than 11 gram per deciliter, it can create a problem in pregnancy. The cause is hookworm infestation. It causes decreased absorption of iron. We give iron by folic acid and vitamin B12 rarely causes anemia. If it is, then do not take any animal product. There can be no signs and symptoms. When patient comes for an antenatal check-up, then we find out that the patient has the anemia problem. Patient can suffer from depression constipation, diarrhea, lethargy. Patient does not feel like doing day to day activity. They might deliver a premature baby.

Postpartum hemorrhage is a dreaded complication patient could face due to this problem. Baby may bear premature and has less iron reserve. So, it is very important that anemia should be treated on time and mother should be healthy. Male requires 1 mg per day iron in a day but a female requires 2 mg because they have to compensate the menstrual loss. We give iron supplements, injections and sometimes blood. We also advice patient to have iron-rich diet. And if patient is vegetarian, dates, black channa, raisin, green leafy vegetables are recommended in the diet. Absorption depends on the need base. We can give iron injections only after taking a sensitivity test. The demand for iron increases because of growing fetus. Iron can be given in any form but the oral form is preferable. That is the reason that iron-rich diet has been advised. Jaggery and sattu are rich in iron. Iron also has its side effects like gastritis, nausea, vomiting, feeling of sickness, the heaviness of stomach.

Now, when we can give blood to the patient for iron deficiency? When patient is at the advance stage of the surgery like 36 weeks onwards. Blood also has its side-effects. Red blood cell is a great choice. Loss of blood can be because of excessive bleeding, breastfeeding. So, iron supplementations are further required. So, patient should be on iron supplements for at least 3 months. Folic acids are also essential. For this green vegetables can be consumed. It is also prescribed at the pre-pregnancy stage because it is very helpful. It helps in the growth of fetus. It is present in all non-veg food like egg, meat, fish. In vegan, vitamin B12 deficiency can be there so, we five supplements for the same.

Thank You.