Anemia during pregnancy Causes

Causes of ANEMIA DURING PREGNANCY

The body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues and the fetus. During pregnancy, the blood volume expands to accommodate changes in the body and allow the baby to make up its entire blood supply. This doubles the mother’s need for iron. If adequate stores are not there the mother develops iron deficiency anemia.

Ayurveda explains that Imbalanced pitta affects tissues/organs (dhatus) and is reflected as loss of complexion, strength, shine of skin and loss in other properties of ojas (immunity). Blood and immunity is affected because of this and it causes deficiency of blood, deficiency of fat, low immunity, weak body, pale body and skin.³

Some of the common types of anemia are –

• Iron-deficiency anemia - This is the leading cause of anemia and is the most common type of anemia during pregnancy.
• Folate-deficiency anemia – Deficiency of folic acid. Folic Acid, a common supplement taken during pregnancy, is also found in fortified foods such as breakfast cereals, green leafy vegetables, bananas, melons and legumes. Folic acid helps in development of red blood cells.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia -Vitamin B-12 is required in the body for production of red blood cells.