How should pregnant women supplement for anemia?

Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
Updated on September 06, 2024
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Under normal circumstances, if anemia symptoms are confirmed after pregnancy, further examination is still necessary for active symptomatic treatment. Normally, the specific cause of the anemia can be identified, whether it is due to iron deficiency, folate deficiency, or B12 deficiency. According to the specific cause of anemia, oral medication can be administered for symptomatic treatment, which can effectively alleviate the symptoms. After taking oral medication, it is also necessary to regularly check the rise in hemoglobin levels to properly manage the condition.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Symptoms of baby anemia

The earliest symptoms of anemia in infants might include dizziness, fatigue, and tiredness. The most common and notable sign is a pale complexion. The severity of the symptoms depends on the speed and degree of anemia, as well as the body's compensatory abilities. Other possible symptoms include tinnitus, headache, insomnia, frequent dreaming, memory decline, and lack of concentration. Additionally, there can be shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, palpitations, and some might experience digestive issues such as bloating and reduced appetite, among other manifestations.

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Written by Li Fang Fang
Hematology
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Can anemic people donate blood?

Patients with anemia cannot donate blood. After donating blood, due to the reduction of blood volume, it may worsen anemia and cause symptoms such as dizziness, excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, and other manifestations of low blood pressure. In severe cases, it can even induce acute cardiovascular and cerebrovascular accidents, so patients with anemia cannot donate blood. Clinically, the requirements for blood donors include not being anemic, weighing more than 45 kilograms, and being free of infectious diseases.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Causes of Anemia in Late Pregnancy

Anemia can be categorized into several different types, each caused by different reasons. Iron-deficiency anemia occurs in late pregnancy when the intake or absorption of iron by pregnant women is insufficient. Megaloblastic anemia is caused by a deficiency of folate or vitamin B12 in the patient's body. Additionally, there is thalassemia, which is caused by a genetic deficiency in the patient, leading to anemia in the fetus as well. Another type is aplastic anemia, which is caused by abnormal bone marrow hematopoietic function leading to anemia.

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Written by Li Fang Fang
Hematology
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Which department should I go to for anemia?

Anemia is classified as a hematological disease and requires further diagnosis and treatment in the department of hematology. In severe cases of anemia, the body can be in a state of ischemia and hypoxia, which can induce the occurrence of acute cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, such as acute angina and cerebral thrombosis. Therefore, patients with acute anemia need to have red blood cell transfusions to support treatment and correct the anemia. If the anemia is not severe, red blood cell transfusion is not necessary, but it is important to complete tests like anemia indicators, bone marrow aspiration, and bone marrow biopsy to further clarify the cause of the anemia and treat it accordingly.

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Written by Li Fang Fang
Hematology
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How to check for anemia?

Anemia requires an initial routine blood test, which is a complete blood count. If it indicates a reduction in red blood cell count and a significant decrease in hemoglobin, it suggests anemia. Once anemia is indicated by the complete blood count, further tests are guided by the size of the red blood cell volume. If it is microcytic anemia, common types include iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease, and tests such as serum iron, ferritin, and tumor markers are needed. If it is normocytic anemia, a bone marrow biopsy is required to rule out aplastic anemia, multiple myeloma, etc. If it is macrocytic anemia, tests for folate and vitamin B12 are needed to exclude myelodysplastic syndrome and megaloblastic anemia, among others.