During pregnancy the concentration of hemoglobin, which is the protein inside red blood cells carrying oxygen to body tissues, is reduced.
Causes of Anemia During Pregnancy
Anemia during pregnancy can be caused by a variety of reasons. They may include: iron poor diet, lack of folic acid, blood loss due to hemorrhoids or gastrointestinal bleeds, destroying iron and other nutrients in food by excessive cooking. During pregnancy, anemia may be present even with iron and folic acid supplements because pregnancy alters the digestive process and the unborn child consumes the nutrients normally available to the mother.
Signs and Symptoms of Anemia During Pregnancy
The usual symptoms are breathlessness, tiredness, weakness, fainting, or paleness. Less frequently there are palpitations, loud heartbeat, inflamed tongue, nausea, headache, forgetfulness, jaundice, and abdominal pain.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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