Pregnant and Anemic? Here Is What You Can Do.

11/28/2019

Iron deficiency anemia is a type of anemia caused by an insufficient amount of iron in the body.

During pregnancy, your body’s iron needs increase greatly, especially starting in the second trimester. In India, over 50% of all pregnant women have anemia, the majority of which is due to lack of iron. (WHO/NHD/01.3).

There are various ways by which we can tackle iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy:

1. Iron rich diet - Make sure your diet comprises of foods which give you enough iron & folic acid. Here’s a list of top iron rich foods you can choose during pregnancy.

PROS : It’s always beneficial to have an iron rich diet to keep you energetic during pregnancy.

CONS : Your diet alone might not be sufficient for your increased iron demand during pregnancy. (Iron demands increase up to 3 times during this time).

2. Iron Pills - Different combinations of iron and folic acid fortified capsules/tablets serve as common supplements. An additional supplement/tablet of Vitamin C helps in increased absorption of iron.

PROS :

Iron pills help in providing iron for pregnant women’s daily needs.
These are also clinically tested/trusted by doctors.
Iron pills are cost efficient as compared to other traditional options.

CONS :

Iron pills often taste bad, cause discomfort like constipation/nausea or are just forgotten.
They are often disapproved by mothers/ mothers-in-law as they are seen as medicine.

3. Iron fortified foods/drinks - There are various powders/drinks to supplement your iron needs and are widely accepted.

PROS :

These drinks are tastier as compared to iron pills.
They are also culturally accepted better and women tend to remember taking them as they are linked to habit.

CONS :

There is no scientific evidence to show if they provide enough iron for pregnant women’s daily needs.
These are not clinically tested and hence, not very trusted by doctors.
Iron - fortified drinks are sometimes very expensive as compared to other options available.

4. Ayurvedic preparations - Ayurveda provides a lot of options for iron supplementation as well, especially in India.

PROS : They taste better than other options sometimes and are culturally accepted.

CONS :

There is no scientific evidence to show if they suffice pregnant women’s daily needs.
These are not clinically tested and hence, not very trusted by doctors.
Ayurvedic preparations are sometimes very expensive as compared to other options available.

5. Iron Injections - Parenteral IV administration of iron is the option in case of severely anemic patients.

PROS : They fulfil the iron needs for anemic patients and are clinically tested as well as trusted by doctors.

CONS : Injections are a painful experience for some patients and this alternative is sometimes expensive.

6. MamaBix - Special iron and folic acid biscuits which can fulfil pregnant women’s daily iron needs. They also contain added Vitamin C for increased absorption of iron.

PROS :

MamaBix biscuits provide iron & folic acid to suffice pregnant women’s daily iron needs.
They are clinically tested and trusted by doctors.
Vanilla flavor differentiates them from traditional iron supplementation options and masks the metallic taste of iron.
Being a food form, they are culturally better accepted.
They are gentler on your stomach and there are lesser side effects compared to other options.
Since it’s a happier experience, women stick better to their routines to take the, hence, the compliance is better.
The cost of MamaBix is comparable, if not less to that of iron tablets and are very cost effective given that they are an ideal nutritious snack during pregnancy.

Having a baby is a blessing which comes with happiness and responsibility. Your and your baby's health during pregnancy depends on the foods you eat and their nutrients. Essential during pregnancy is iron - truly a shakti nutrient!

If you prefer a nutritious iron supplement like MamaBix, speak with your doctor!