Anemia is a health condition that’s caused by an iron deficiency in the bloodstream or insufficient levels of vitamin B12. Low red blood cell numbers also cause anemia. In addition, it can also result from hereditary factors that prevent the body from producing appropriate red blood cells levels.
When it comes to cases of anemia, the body has to work harder for oxygen that its organs and tissues require, which results in health problems and fatigue. In this article, we’ll take a look at some remedies to help treat anemia during pregnancy.
What You Need to Know to Treat Anemia During Pregnancy
Women might develop anemia during their pregnancy because of hereditary factors, meaning that they lack hemoglobin in their blood. As you can imagine, this deficiency can affect the pregnancy.
During pregnancy, the amount of hemoglobin and red blood cells lowers due to a process called “hemodilution.” This process dilutes the components that are transferred as nutrients for the growth of the fetus.
Thus, pregnant women need to know how to eat properly to prevent these kinds of complications during their pregnancy. It’s essential both for the mothers as well as for their babies to treat anemia during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, the fetus depends on blood vessels. In the cases of anemia, the body needs to work harder to meet these needs, which could affect the fetus. As a result, the fetus’ development is compromised and risks developing health conditions during the pregnancy. Possible complications might include cases of premature babies, or babies with a low birth-weight.
In order to prevent anemia during pregnancy, women should follow a diet that includes foods rich in vitamin B and iron such as:
- Meat
- Fish
- Eggs
- Grains
- Green vegetables
Foods that treat anemia during pregnancy
Here are some examples of foods that you should eat during your pregnancy:
- Drink three cups of milk every day to treat anemia during pregnancy. Milk is a rich source of nutrients and A, B and C group vitamins, which help the body generate blood.
- Prepare some oats and eat three to four cups a day. Oats provide the body with fiber and help the fetus grow strong and healthy.
- As we mentioned previously, aim to eat fish frequently (preferably tuna, sardines, salmon or cod) for vitamin B, which the body needs for hemodilution.
- Replace carbonated drinks with tomato juice, as it can provide you with E and C group vitamins.
- Eating granola is also a great way to obtain iron. Grains and nuts, in addition to boasting essential nutrients for the blood, provide the body with plenty of fiber.
Iron Rich Smoothies to help You Treat Anemia During Pregnancy
1. Strawberry, blackberry and Apple Juice Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 5 large strawberries
- 1 apple
- 5 blackberries
- 1 cup of water (20 ml)
- 1 tbsp. of honey (25 g)
Preparation:
- First, wash the fruits and move them to a blender along with the cup of water and tablespoon of honey.
- Blend for 5 to 10 minutes, until the mixture is the same color throughout.
- Strain the juice and enjoy.
- You can have this juice once or twice a day.
2. Apple and guava juice
Ingredients:
- 1 red apple
- 2 guavas
- 1 tbsp. of honey (25 g)
- 1 cup of water (200 ml)
Preparation:
- Wash the apple and leave the skin on.
- Cut the guavas in half and remove the pulp.
- Move the fruit to a blender. If you want, add the skin of one guava to give the juice more body.
- Add the honey and cup of water. Blend for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain and enjoy.
- Drink in the morning and after lunch.
3. Carrot, beet and watercress juice
Ingredients:
- 4 carrots
- 2 cups of watercress (80 g)
- 1 beet
Preparation:
- Peel and wash the carrots and beet.
- Then, wash the watercress and move it to a blender along with the other vegetables. Blend for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain and enjoy.
- Have a glass two or three times a day to obtain minerals such as iron.
Keep in mind that if you still show signs of anemia, you should make an appointment with your doctor or notify the attendee during your pregnancy checkups.
Try including the foods mentioned above to help your body create more blood and carry out hemodilution more efficiently. By doing so, you’ll help your baby grow healthy.
Via: Bustle | JimenaLerma
