3 Common blood Conditions During Pregnancy

Prepared by Team of Consultant Haematologists

Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur

In Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur, our partnership with you begins from the day you conceive your child. You are your best health advocate. Listen to your body and recognise early signs of common conditions that can affect you during your pregnancy.

Anaemic

Pregnancy increases the likelihood of becoming anaemic. Which is why getting a simple blood test done before getting pregnant will determine if you’re at risk for being iron-deficient. During pregnancy, the recommended amount of iron intake increases from 18 milligrams (mg) per day to 27 mg per day. You need extra iron to support additional formation of red blood cells, the placenta, and your growing baby. Plus, the extra iron prepares your body for any blood loss that may occur during delivery. It's normal to feel worried about being diagnosed with anaemia, but mild anaemia that's diagnosed and treated early shouldn't pose a problem during your pregnancy. Anaemia in pregnancy is more of a concern if it's severe, untreated, or lasts a long time. You doctor will recommend a proper diet and supplements to take to ensure the condition is kept under control.

How will I know if I have anaemia?

Fatigue

Weakness

Pale Complexion

Palpitations

Chest Pain

Irritability or Poor Concentration

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

Did you know that pregnant women are at an increased risk of VTE, known as venous thromboembolism? This includes blood clots in the legs and pelvic veins that may then migrate to the lungs to cause dangerous complications. Some conditions can further increase the risk of VTE in women, such as:

• obesity
• ages above 35 years
• pregnancy following fertility treatment
• severe vomiting in early pregnancy
• smoking
• major bleeding post-delivery
• prolonged labour
  

In Malaysia, statistics show that almost 9 in every 100,000 birthing women die due to VTE complications. Professional consultations and blood testing are the best way to get an accurate understanding of the health of your blood before, during and after pregnancy.

Thalassaemia

Thalassemia is a lifelong condition. It is an inherited blood disorder that is passed on from parents to children, like hair, eye or skin colour. It is passed on equally by men and women.

Most people who are carriers do not know they have it as they are healthy. In Malaysia, 10% of the population are carriers of the more common type of thalassemia gene.

When two healthy carriers of the commonest thalassaemia trait have a child, there is a one in four chance with each pregnancy that the child will be born with a serious blood disorder. It is best to get a blood test done prior to conception. Studies in Malaysia have shown that ethnicity plays a role in determining if you are a carrier. Malays and Chinese are at higher risk of being carriers of the gene.

Get Your Blood Test Done Before Pregnancy

Blood conditions that occur during pregnancy are easily detected with a simple blood test which can be done even prior to pregnancy. Get tested and treated to ensure you and your baby remain healthy throughout your pregnancy.