Iron Deficiency (Anemia) in Pregnancy: How to Overcome Iron Deficiency?

It is normal to feel tired during pregnancy. But what if this fatigue reaches the point where you are out of breath while climbing stairs or don't want to get out of bed in the morning? Maybe it's not just "pregnancy fatigue," it could be **Anemia** (Iron Deficiency). Approximately 40% of pregnant women worldwide suffer from iron deficiency anemia. This means your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells (erythrocytes). The good news is that this condition is easily diagnosed and can be completely eliminated with the right approach. Let's learn ways to get your energy back and provide your baby with full oxygen.Why does our "blood decrease" during pregnancy? In fact, the amount of blood in your body does not decrease during pregnancy; on the contrary, it **increases**. Blood volume increases by approximately 50% to nourish the baby. But there is a "trick" here: the liquid part of the blood (plasma) increases faster than the red blood cells. As a result, the blood becomes somewhat "diluted." This is physiological anemia and is normal. But if your body does not have enough **iron** stores to create additional red blood cells (especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters), then real anemia occurs. The baby takes the iron it needs from the mother, and the mother is left without reserves.The Hidden Enemy: Symptoms of Anemia Sometimes symptoms are so mild that women accept them as a natural part of pregnancy. However, pay attention to the following signs: - **Extreme weakness and fatigue.** - **Dizziness:** Especially when standing up suddenly. - **Shortness of breath:** Even if you move a little. - **Pallor:** In the skin, lips, and nail beds. - **Palpitations:** Frequent fluttering of the heart (Tachycardia). - **Cold hands and feet.** - **Strange cravings (Pica):** Some women have a desire to eat ice, chalk, soil, or raw rice.Risks for Baby and Mother Untreated severe anemia can lead to several complications:1. **Preterm birth or low birth weight:** The baby may suffer from growth restriction when it does not receive enough oxygen. 2. **Postpartum depression:** It becomes more difficult for mothers with anemia to recover after birth, and the risk of depression increases. 3. **Risk of bleeding:** It becomes difficult to compensate for the blood lost during delivery.How to Increase Iron? (Golden Rules) "Iron discipline" is needed to prevent or treat anemia.1. "Iron Table": What to eat? Iron in food comes in two types: **Heme (Animal origin)** and **Non-heme (Plant origin)**. Heme iron is more easily absorbed by the body. - **Best sources:** Red meat (beef), liver (1-2 times a month), chicken, fish. - **Plant sources:** Lentils, chickpeas, spinach, dried apricots, raisins, pomegranate, walnuts/hazelnuts, beets.Tip: Lentil soup or bean stew with meat, favorite dishes of Azerbaijani cuisine, are excellent sources of iron!2. Friends of Iron (Vitamin C) To increase iron absorption, be sure to combine it with Vitamin C. - Eat a **tomato salad** with your meat dish. - Squeeze **lemon** on lentils. - Take your iron pill with orange juice.3. Enemies of Iron (Tea and Calcium) Our biggest mistake is drinking "steeped tea" immediately after a meal. - **Tannins:** Substances in tea and coffee reduce iron absorption by 50-60%. Drink tea **at least 1 hour after** a meal. - **Calcium:** Milk, yogurt, and cheese hinder iron absorption. Try not to mix meat dishes with dairy products (except ayran). If you are taking a calcium supplement, take it at a different time from your iron supplement.Iron Supplements: When and How? Often, nutrition alone is not enough, and your doctor prescribes iron pills (supplements). - **How to take:** For best results, take on an empty stomach or 2 hours after a meal with water or fruit juice. - **Side effects:** Constipation, nausea, or darkening of stool color is normal. If constipation occurs, drink plenty of water and eat high-fiber foods (apricots, plums).Anemia should not be the "nightmare" of pregnancy. With a timely blood test (checking Hemoglobin and Ferritin) and proper nutrition, you will both feel vigorous and give your baby a healthy start. If you feel weak, do not ignore it by saying "it's pregnancy, it will pass." Be sure to consult your doctor. **Want to track your nutrition?** In the **Anacan app**, you can monitor your health by recording your daily menu and water intake.