Impact of Nutritional Deficiency on Anemia in Pregnancy

 Written by: Wahida Sabir

Mothers are more prone to anemia during pregnancy. According to the WHO report, if the amount of blood in a pregnant woman decreases by 11 grams per deciliter, the mother is called an anemic.

AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some mothers and a physician about this issue.

A mother from Kabul province says, “When I was pregnant, I faced anemia; dark circles were seen around my eyes; stains appeared on my face, and I was suffering from general weakness and lethargy.”

A woman from Logar province says, “I am the mother of six children. I had anemia when I delivered my first and third children. I was suffering from dizziness and weakness.”

Doctor Pashtoon Jalalzai, an Obstetrician and gynecologist at one of the private hospitals in Kabul city, says, “Symptoms of pre-maternal anemia are skin paleness,  increase in heartbeat, fatigue at work, shortness of breath, weight loss, chest pain, and excessive nausea; cold hands and feet, anorexia and the dangers of premature rupture of the placenta, premature birth and so on.”

What do some mothers think about the causes of anemia in pregnancy?

A woman from Daikundi province says, “I don’t know about the causes of anemia in pregnancy.”

A mother from Kabul province says, “I did not have any appetite to eat and I faced anemia.”

Doctor Jalalzai says, “Some mothers are not fed properly or they do not know what to eat during pregnancy. If they eat rice but  not vegetables or they eat fried foods which are not to be eaten in this time, they might face anemia.”