Dangers of Anemia in Pregnant Women

Anemia during pregnancy is still a serious health problem. Based on the 2018 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas), as many as 48.9% of pregnant women experience anemia. 

This condition has a direct impact on the increased risk of premature birth, stunting, and maternal death during childbirth. Not only that, but anemia also causes impaired concentration, fatigue, and decreased immunity in women.

Are pregnant women with anemia dangerous? Dr. Kevin Adrian, through his presentation in Alodokter, explained that anemia in pregnant women that is not treated can even be one of the causes of maternal and fetal death.

Research shows that anemia during pregnancy is closely related to the birth of babies with low birth weight (LBW), especially if anemia occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy.

A baby is said to have low birth weight if it is born weighing less than 2.5 kg. Babies born with this condition are at greater risk of experiencing health problems than babies born with a normal weight.

How to deal with pregnant women who suffer from anemia

Anemia in pregnant women can be overcome by increasing their intake of iron, folic acid, and vitamin C, as well as by consuming iron supplements prescribed by a doctor.

Foods rich in iron include red meat, liver, dark green vegetables, and beans. Vitamin C helps the absorption of iron and can be found in fruits such as oranges and kiwis. If Hb levels are very low, a blood transfusion may be needed.

In addition, pregnant women can also consume additional supplements or vitamins. One of them is Ferospat as an iron supplement for pregnant, breastfeeding, and elderly women, and Formom as a vitamin and mineral supplement during pregnancy.

This supplement from PT Pyridam Farma Tbk (Pyfagroup) through the consumer health business unit—Pyfahealth was launched in a health talk show entitled “Essential Nutrition to Realize a Healthy Generation with Pyfahealth”, which took place at Twin House Cipete, Jakarta.

Two choices of vitamin and mineral supplements that help meet the needs of iron, folic acid, vitamins, and other minerals to support the nutritional needs of pregnant women. 

Ferospat comes in the form of effervescent tablets (water-soluble tablets) with a strawberry flavor that is comfortable to consume, contains iron, vitamin B12, vitamin C, folic acid, and other essential minerals that play a role in helping to meet daily needs which are also important in helping to prevent iron deficiency anemia (IDA).

Meanwhile, Formom contains a combination of eight vitamins and five minerals, including iron, folic acid, beta-carotene as an antioxidant, vitamin C, and calcium for bone growth. Formom is specially formulated as a prenatal multivitamin and mineral supplement that is important for pregnancy.

This supports and provides comfort for pregnant women in consuming supplements. This product is present as an effective choice with complete vitamin and mineral content, especially being a better choice than pregnancy supplements in general.

Dr. Matthew Simangunsong, Sp.OG (obstetrician and gynecologist) and Midwife Ony Christy, who attended the event, explained, “Fulfilling nutrition during pregnancy is not only about the health of the mother, but also about long-term investment for the quality of future generations. Deficiency of iron and essential vitamins must be prevented as early as possible,” said Dr. Matthew.

At this moment, Pyfahealth also introduced a campaign entitled “Great Women, Strong Generation”, as a form of support for Indonesian women to be more aware of the importance of proper nutrition since pregnancy.

Through this campaign, we want to encourage easy-to-understand nutrition education and access to quality products such as Ferospat and Formom. The hope is that Indonesian women can become agents of change in creating a healthy, smart, and strong generation,” said Adi Prabowo, Head of Marketing and Business Integration, Pyfagroup.