Anaemia Before Pregnancy: A Hidden Crisis
Over 57% of Indian women in reproductive age suffer from undiagnosed anaemia.
Symptoms like fatigue and dizziness are often ignored or dismissed.
Starting pregnancy with low haemoglobin levels increases risks of:
Preterm birth
Low birth weight
Maternal complications (e.g. pre-eclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage)
Shift Focus to Preconception Health
Maternal health should start before conception, not just during pregnancy.
Ask: “Is your body ready for pregnancy?” — not just “Are you ready for motherhood?”
Early screening can help prevent serious health issues for both mother and baby.
Go Beyond Oral Iron Supplements
Oral Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) is helpful but has side effects (nausea, constipation) and poor absorption.
IV Ferric Carboxymaltose (IV FCM) is a better option for quick and effective iron restoration.
IV FCM bypasses common barriers and restores iron directly in the bloodstream.
Don’t Miss Other Causes of Anaemia
Vitamin B12 deficiency affects nearly 49% of women and must be treated.
Thyroid issues and gestational diabetes also affect anaemia and foetal health.
Preconception screening should include:
Vitamin B12 and Folate
Thyroid function tests
Blood sugar levels
Role of Families and Community Health Workers
Families should support pre-pregnancy health check-ups.
ASHA and Anganwadi workers should educate women on preconception health.
Community health efforts can normalize preconception care like antenatal care.
A Societal Responsibility
Improving maternal health needs teamwork: families, doctors, government, and society.
Every woman deserves to start pregnancy healthy and strong.
Preventing anaemia can lead to smarter, healthier children.
Preconception care must become routine and urgent.
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