For most of them, their blood volume increases from five litres to 7.5 litres throughout their pregnancy. However, the red blood cell component does not increase as much as the fluid component. This results in a dilutional effect, which is called dilutional anaemia and is considered normal.
It is therefore recommended to change the dietary habit to increase fresh vegetables, fruits and iron-rich food in the diet. Green leafy vegetables that are not cooked in a salad is an easy option to increase the amount of folic acid and vitamin B12 in the dietary intake. Good examples of these vegetables include spinach and kale. Legumes and fruits such as oranges and avocados are also rich in folate.
There are many choices of supplementation available – so, look at the content of each supplement brand and choose the one that provides adequate levels of iron, folate and vitamin B12. These steps usually resolve most cases of anaemia.
Besides dietary causes of anaemia, a smaller number of women have blood disorders. The most common form is thalassemia. Other forms of blood disorders include spherocytosis, ovalocytosis and other haemoglobinopathies. Meaning, they cannot produce proper red blood cells that last 120 days compared with normal people and breakdown faster resulting in anaemia.
But, the amount and frequency of the blood transfusion will depend on your doctor’s advice. They will customise your treatment to ensure you have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
This article is contributed by consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist, maternal fetal medicine Datuk Dr H. Krishna Kumar.
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