ACOM 115 ASSIGNMENTS 2 DISCUSSION ESSAY
Topic: Iron deficiency anaemia is a condition which affects many women during pregnancy, in developing countries. Discuss the causes and effects of iron deficiency anaemia on both mother and baby.
Introduction
Anaemia in pregnancy continues to be a major public health problem and it affects more than 56 million women worldwide (Imdad, & Bhutta, 2012). The world health organisation estimates that 58% of pregnant women in developing countries are anaemic. The greatest burden of anaemia is borne by Asia and Africa where it is estimated that 60% and 52% of women, respectively, are anaemic, and between 1% and 5% are severely anaemic (Guidotti, 2000). Multiple factors lead to anaemia in pregnancy, nutritional iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia (Guidotti, 2000). Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is due to insufficient iron, without enough iron, human body can't produce enough haemoglobin, which a substance in red blood cells, so that they cannot carry oxygen to body tissues (Mayo Clinic, 2014). Yong children and pregnant and postpartum women are the most commonly and severely affected because of the high iron demands of infant growth and pregnancy. IDA in pregnancy can be a risk factor for preterm delivery and subsequent low birth weight, and possibly for inferior neonatal health (Allen, 2000). This essay will discuss some of the causes and effects of iron deficiency anaemia on both mother and baby.
Body
One of the reasons which can cause IDA in developing countries is poor quality and lack of nutritious food intake duo to poverty (Galloway, 2002). In some rural areas, lack of available meat and competition for limited amounts iron rich foods leads to IDA. Many pregnant women in developing countries can't guarantee to eat enough meat which containing iron every day.