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What is anemia and what are anemia symptoms? Anemia is having
less than the normal number of red blood cells or less
hemoglobin than normal in the blood. Anemia is the most common
disorder of the red blood cells, affecting 3.5 million
Americans. Anemia is not a disease, but during pregnancy anemia
is common. Not to worry though, since it just means that the iron
containing pigment of the red blood cells do not carry enough
oxygen to the rest of the body.
There are a number of anemia symptoms, especially detected
as one of the early signs of pregnancy. Early signs of pregnancy
vary greatly, and may be noted right away at 2 weeks pregnant
after conception.
In some women, the early signs of pregnancy can be missed, but
being aware of the early signs of pregnancy gives a woman more
control over the pregnancy, whether it is planned or not.
Other symptoms of anemia include fatigue, shortness of
breath, and malaise. Often, anemia symptoms can be nonspecific
and quite variable. Blood loss caused from surgery or heavy
periods, decreased production from the bone marrow caused by
chemotherapy, and increased destruction within the blood vessels
caused from an enlarged liver or spleen can all be linked to
anemia.
Anemia symptoms can be difficult to detect since they can
be confused with the classic fatigue that goes along with
pregnancy. There are many factors in what causes fatigue. One
thing is for sure, pregnancy will be one of the factors! We all
know pregnancy is a cause of fatigue, but we also know this
usually goes away after delivery. Chronic fatigue treatment is
available, but probably not necessary during pregnancy. There
are other temporary solutions for anemia and fatigue that will
relieve the symptoms.
An anti fatigue mat is particularly useful during pregnancy
since it relieves the symptoms of fatigue. For women that must
stand on the job, it can be really helpful. Many pregnant women
use the anti fatigue mat in the kitchen at home! Standing for
long periods of time can induce chronic fatigue syndrom, so it's
best to be proactive with the anti fatigue mat just to be safe.
People who have anemia symptoms should see their doctor to find
out if they have anemia and to get an anemia b12 vitamin or some
other treatment for anemia. A healthy diet will help, but there
is not much you can do during pregnancy, since pregnancy and
anemia often go together. At least these kind of anemia symptoms
during pregnancy are
temporary! So, what is anemia? I think we've answered the
question, but the important thing is to get plenty of rest
during pregnancy!
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