‘Anaemia in expectant women a risk factor’

With around 25% to 30% expectant women in Trichy district considered to be anaemic, health department officials and gynaecologists have stated that enough awareness regarding the intake of proper nutrition should be given to address the issue. The experts said that anaemia among pregnant women, apart from causing several health effects for them, also increases the risk of giving birth to a malnourished child.

Gynaecologists said that lifestyle changes and increasing misconception that keeping the baby’s weight less would increase the likeliness of normal delivery are the two main reasons for the high prevalence of anaemia among expectant women in Trichy district.

Joint director of health service, Trichy, Dr S Samsath Begum said that contrary to the perception that anaemia predominantly exists among expectant women from low socioeconomic sections of the society, it is prevalent among women from all sections of the society. "There is a lack of awareness about how anaemia could lead to pregnant women delivering babies with malnourishment," she said and added that awareness regarding nutrition would be given for them as a part of Rashtriya Poshan Maah this month.

According to experts, sufficient intake of iron and protein by women would help them prevent anaemia and also deliver healthier child.

Gynecologist and vice-president of Federation of Obstetric & Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI) Dr Jayam Kannan stated that due to the misconception that smaller foetus would lead to normal pregnancies, many expectant women restrict eating proper food. "This is one of the main reasons for women becoming anaemic. They should take food that contains holistic nutrition," Dr Jayam added.

Gynecologist Dr Charmila Ayyavoo said that the change in food pattern, swapping normal food with junk food, has been affecting the health of expectant women and increases the chances of them getting anaemic.


Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.