The impact of maternal iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia on child’s health

The maternal and child (infant) mortality rates in Indonesia are still quite high. According to the 2015 National Socio-Economic Survey (Susenas), the maternal mortality rate is quite high, namely 305 per 100,000 population. However, the infant mortality rate in 2017 was 24 cases per 1,000 live births. One of the causes of high maternal mortality is anemia in pregnant women. Therefore, there is a need for active education for pregnant women to make them aware of the risk of anemia during pregnancy. Hermina Friends Low nutritional intake in pregnant women due to inadequate nutritional factors will cause anemia.

Pregnancy anemia is a condition where the HB level of pregnant women is below 11 g% in the 1st and 2nd trimesters and below 10.9 g% in the third trimester. To prevent anemia during pregnancy, pregnant women diligently consume iron-rich foods, iron supplements, or blood-boosting tablets during the 90th day of pregnancy. Pregnant women should avoid anemia because the effects of anemia on pregnant women include miscarriage, bleeding during pregnancy, premature birth, fetal abnormalities, birth defects, and the postpartum period. Monitoring HB levels in pregnant women during pregnancy is very important, one of which is monitoring HB at least twice during pregnancy (1–3 months) and 7-9 months.

Symptoms of anemia in pregnant women can include fatigue, tiredness, pale skin, palpitations, shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, and cold feet or hands. Untreated anemia in pregnant women can have an impact on the mother's health and the safety of the fetus. The following are some of the dangers of anemia in pregnant women:

1. Postpartum Depression

Postnatal depression is depression experienced by mothers after giving birth. Anemia during pregnancy can increase the risk of postpartum depression.

2. Postpartum Bleeding

If a pregnant woman experiences anemia during childbirth, then the bleeding threatens her safety. In addition, anemia can make it more difficult for a pregnant woman's body to fight infections.

3. Babies with a low birth weight

Research shows that anemia during pregnancy is closely related to the birth of babies with low birth weight (LBW), especially if anemia occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy. A baby's birth weight is said to be low if the birth weight is less than 2.5 kilograms. Babies born with this disease have a higher risk of experiencing health problems than children born with a normal weight.

4. Premature babies

The next risk of anemia in pregnant women is premature birth. Premature birth is a birth that occurs before the estimated date of birth or before the 37th week of pregnancy. Apart from several health problems, premature babies are also at risk of experiencing growth and development disorders. Research shows that anemia in the first trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth.

5. Babies are born with anemia.

Anemia during pregnancy can also cause anemia in newborn babies. This condition can affect a child's appetite and lead to eating disorders. If left untreated, this can affect the child's growth and development.

6. Fetal death

Several studies show that anemia in pregnancy can increase the risk of fetal death before and after birth.

To overcome anemia during pregnancy, you can increase your intake of iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. These nutrients can be obtained from the food you consume every day or from food supplements recommended by your doctor. Foods rich in iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 include red meat, mixed dark green vegetables, eggs, nuts, chicken, and fish. To avoid the dangers of anemia in pregnancy, visit your doctor regularly for pregnancy checks.

If you have symptoms that suggest anemia, your doctor may recommend blood tests and nutritional supplements to treat the condition.