Have you heard of anemia? In Indonesia, anemia is a health issue that requires special attention, especially for pregnant women. Why is this a concern? Let's explore the reasons in this article from Fitie.
Ladies, have you ever wondered what anemia is? Anemia is a condition where the level of hemoglobin (Hb) in your red blood cells falls below the normal range. In Indonesia, anemia is a nutritional problem that deserves extra attention. Various factors, including iron deficiency, lack of vitamin B12, insufficient folic acid, infectious diseases, genetic factors, and bleeding, can cause it. While anemia can affect people of all ages, from toddlers to seniors, did you know that pregnant women are at the highest risk?
Pregnant women are considered anemic if their Hb levels are less than 11 gr/dl. According to Basic Health Research, in 2018, nearly half of pregnant women in Indonesia, 48.9%, experience anemia. This means that one out of every two pregnant women in Indonesia is affected by anemia. This is especially concerning because anemia during pregnancy can lead to suboptimal fetal growth and development, as well as complications during pregnancy and childbirth, potentially endangering both the mother and the baby.
Here are some of the consequences of anemia in pregnant women:
- Weakened immune system.
- Increased risk of infections.
- Lower quality of life, which can lead to:
- Miscarriage or abortion.
- Severe bleeding may result in the mother's death.
- Premature birth (birth before 9 months).
- Low birth weight (babies weighing less than 2500 grams) and short stature (babies less than 48 cm in length).
- In severe cases, stillbirth.
Anemia during pregnancy occurs because the body's need for iron increases. Iron is essential for creating new cells and tissues in the developing fetus, as well as for forming hemoglobin in red blood cells. Hemoglobin plays a crucial role in carrying oxygen to all body tissues, including muscles and the brain. When pregnant women lack hemoglobin, they are said to have anemia or a shortage of blood.
In addition to increased iron needs, anemia in pregnant women can also be caused by:
- A diet lacking in diverse and balanced nutrition. Pregnant women should consume foods rich in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals with every meal.
- Insufficient consumption of iron-rich foods like liver, fish, eggs, meat, vegetables, and colorful fruits.
- Short intervals between pregnancies (less than 2 years apart).
- Experiencing Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) with an Upper Arm Circumference (LiLA) of less than 23.5 cm.
- Infections that lead to iron loss, such as worms and malaria, especially in malaria-prone areas.
How can you tell if a pregnant woman has anemia? Don't worry; anemia doesn't hide. Look out for these signs:
- Feeling sluggish, tired, weak, or fatigued.
- Paleness in the face, especially the eyelids, tongue, and lips.
- Drooping eyes.
- Dizziness.
Given the high prevalence of anemia in pregnant women in Indonesia and its potential dangers, recognizing the signs of anemia is crucial. Early detection allows for appropriate and timely treatment to prevent unwanted complications.
Stay tuned for our next article, where we'll discuss strategies to prevent anemia in pregnant women. Keep yourself updated with the latest health articles from Fitie, Ladies!
Source:
Kementerian Kesehatan RI. (2020). Pedoman Pemberian Tablet Tambah Darah (TTD) Bagi Ibu Hamil Pada Masa Pandemi Covid-19. Jakarta: Kementerian Kesehatan RI.