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Healthy pregnancy is the basis for a happy future

Pregnancy Day is an initiative aimed at reminding expectant mothers of the importance of taking care of their health, as this period lays the foundation for the child’s healthy development and a joyful motherhood.

Learn how to take care of yourself and your baby during pregnancy!
Pregnancy is a special period in a woman's life and a unique physiological process during which the expectant mother’s body undergoes significant changes
During this time, the functioning of internal organs, the immune system, and other bodily systems is being restructured, while the strain on the expectant mother's health increases day by day. 1 This period also lays the foundation for the baby’s future health and the emotional bond between mother and child. That’s why it’s so important to show special care for yourself and pay close attention to your well-being during pregnancy.
Every woman is unique, and that’s why each expectant mother’s body responds differently to the changes taking place
During pregnancy, many women experience various discomforts, including fatigue, nausea, heartburn, and frequent mood swings. Often, these are part of the body’s natural adaptation to the new condition. However, it's important to remember that any unpleasant symptoms are a reason to consult a doctor to ensure everything is progressing normally.
Remember, regular check-ups and consultations with healthcare professionals are key steps toward a healthy and stress-free pregnancy
Next, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common health issues expectant mothers face and share practical tips on how to manage them and maintain well-being throughout pregnancy

Iron Deficiency Anemia During Pregnancy

Anemia is the most common complication during pregnancy and can have a negative impact on its outcome 2
This condition occurs when the body has a reduced number of healthy red blood cells (erythrocytes) or a lower level of hemoglobin — the protein within red blood cells that is essential for transporting oxygen to all the organs and tissues of the body. 3 Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) ranks first in prevalence among all types of anemia, accounting for 80–90% of all cases.4
30-50%
can reach the prevalence of IDA among pregnant women in several regions of Russia 5
Risks and consequences of IDA in pregnant women
In women, the daily iron requirement is 1.5–1.7 mg, but during pregnancy, it doubles 6
If the expectant mother’s body doesn’t receive enough iron, it can lead to various negative consequences. In particular, iron deficiency can:
  • complicate the course of pregnancy — potentially leading to the development of preeclampsia (a condition characterized by high blood pressure, elevated protein levels in the urine, and often swelling), 7 cause placental insufficiency, weak labor activity, preterm birth, and bleeding
  • increase risks for the baby — such as intrauterine growth restriction, developmental delays, and low birth weight
  • provoke hypogalactia — a condition in which a woman produces an insufficient amount of breast milk — and/or shorten the duration of breastfeeding, increasing the risk of anemia in the infant
  • increase the risk of psycho-emotional disorders in women during and after pregnancy
It is also important to note that when iron deficiency develops, folic acid deficiency tends to intensify rapidly. 8 Folic acid plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of neural tube defects in the developing baby. 9
х2 times
higher is the risk of folic acid deficiency among patients with iron deficiency anemia8
At the same time, both iron and folic acid deficiencies mutually exacerbate each other’s effects. A combined deficiency of these two elements significantly increases the risk of congenital cardiovascular defects in the newborn 10
Diagnosis of IDA in pregnant women
Although iron deficiency anemia often presents without pronounced symptoms, its typical signs may include: 3
  • increased fatigue
  • shortness of breath
  • dizziness
  • cold extremities
  • pale skin and mucous membranes
  • rapid breathing and pulse rate
  • lightheadedness when standing up
To detect anemia in a timely manner and take effective measures to address it, pregnant women are advised to undergo a complete blood count (CBC) to screen for anemia at their first prenatal visit, at 28 weeks, at 34 weeks of pregnancy, and at any time if symptoms of anemia appear 11
All pregnant women with suspected IDA are additionally recommended to have the following iron metabolism indicators assessed: 11
  • serum ferritin level
  • serum transferrin level
  • total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)
  • serum iron level
  • transferrin saturation (TS%)
Treatment of IDA in pregnant women
To treat mild to moderate iron deficiency anemia, expectant mothers are prescribed oral iron supplements. 11 When prescribing treatment for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, it is important to consider the specific aspects of therapy in pregnant women.
  • Recent studies have shown that in the treatment of IDA, there is no dose-dependent effect—meaning higher doses do not necessarily lead to more effective outcomes. In fact, high doses of iron can potentially increase the risk of side effects. Therefore, it may be more appropriate to prescribe iron supplements in lower doses or with intermittent dosing, as well as to use slow-release iron formulations. This approach allows for maximum effectiveness while minimizing unwanted reactions. 11,12,13
  • The latest generation of iron supplements is based on a combination of organic iron and synergistic components — including folic acid and ascorbic acid — which enhances absorption and improves tolerability. 14
During pregnancy, it’s important to be prepared for long-term treatment of IDA — restoring normal ferritin levels may take up to 6 months. 11

VAGINAL MICROFLORA IN PREGNANT WOMEN

Caring for the vaginal microflora and preventing infections is an essential part of a healthy pregnancy
Disruption of normal vaginal microflora and vulvovaginal infections (VVIs) in pregnant women are among the most pressing issues in obstetrics and gynecology.
15-37%
ranges the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among pregnant women. This condition occurs when 'beneficial' lactobacilli are replaced by increased amounts of various opportunistic microorganisms in the vaginal environment 15,16
30-35%
of expectant mothers experience non-specific genital infections such as vaginitis, vulvitis, and vulvovaginitis 17
60%
reaches the incidence of non-specific genital infections in pregnant women with endocrine disorders and HIV infection 17
The high prevalence of non-specific genital infections in expectant mothers is linked to hormonal changes — increased levels of estrogen and progesterone — elevated vaginal pH, as well as a decrease in both local and overall immunity during pregnancy 17,18
The development of such infections during pregnancy can lead to: 16,18
  • miscarriage
  • preterm birth
  • intrauterine infections in the fetus
  • low birth weight
  • septic complications in the postpartum period
That’s why it is especially important during pregnancy to promptly detect and treat conditions related to disrupted vaginal microflora.

Diagnosis and treatment of vaginal microflora disorders and infections

All pregnant women are recommended to have a vaginal swab test for microflora twice — at the first visit to the gynecologist in the first or second trimester, and again in the third trimester of pregnancy. 8

It’s also important to see a doctor and undergo additional testing if you experience symptoms that may indicate disrupted vaginal microflora or vulvovaginal infections. These symptoms include: 16
  • heavy discharge with a fishy odor
  • purulent discharge with a foul smell
  • 'frothy' mucopurulent discharge
  • cottage cheese-like discharge
  • itching or burning in the vulva and vaginal area
It’s important to note that in some cases, bacterial vaginosis can be asymptomatic. However, regardless of the presence of symptoms, treatment is recommended for all expectant mothers with a history of: 16
  • missed miscarriage
  • spontaneous miscarriage
  • preterm birth
  • late miscarriage
It has been proven that treating bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women reduces the frequency of preterm birth, infections that prevent pregnancy from progressing, and postpartum endometritis. 16
In the treatment of bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal infections, doctors are increasingly moving away from using single-agent medications that target only one type of pathogen. Instead, combined medications with proven efficacy against bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms are being used more frequently. 17

Local treatment options such as suppositories, gels, etc., are also often preferred, as local therapy allows for high efficacy with small doses of the medication, eliminates systemic effects on the whole body, and reduces the risk of side effects. 17
The treatment of bacterial vaginosis and vaginitis in pregnant women is a crucial task that requires consideration of many conditions and specifics. Therefore, it should never be done independently. Many medications may be contraindicated for use during pregnancy
Exogenous — or external — risk factors for the development of bacterial vaginosis include the use of systemic antibiotics, cytostatic anti-cancer drugs, glucocorticoids, and systemic antimicrobial medications. 19
In all cases, it is essential to consult a specialist

Hemorrhoids in pregnant women

Hemorrhoids are one of the most common conditions during pregnancy and after childbirth 20
This is due to various physiological changes that occur in a woman's body during pregnancy, which can contribute to the onset and development of hemorrhoids. These include: 21
  • weight gain
  • pressure from the growing uterus on the pelvic blood vessels, leading to blood stagnation and dilation of the rectal veins
  • hormonal changes that reduce the tone of the intestines
  • frequent constipation
  • a sharp increase in intra-abdominal pressure during labor
х5 times
are hemorrhoids less common in women who have never given birth compared to those who have given birth at least once 20

Hemorrhoids during pregnancy often complicate the course of labor and the postpartum period

In half of the cases, women who suffer from hemorrhoids during pregnancy experience a flare-up of the condition after childbirth. 20 The symptoms may include: 20
  • pain in the anal area, especially after bowel movements
  • rectal bleeding
  • itching in the anal region
In some cases, however, hemorrhoids can be asymptomatic. 20 Therefore, it is important to have regular check-ups with a doctor to detect the problem early and prevent its development or exacerbation.

Prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids in pregnant women

To reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids and flare-ups: 22
  • monitor your diet: drink enough fluids, eat more vegetables and fiber-rich foods, and avoid spicy and fatty foods
  • maintain physical activity
  • follow proper personal hygiene
When treating hemorrhoids in pregnant women, in addition to the lifestyle recommendations mentioned above, patients are prescribed: 20
  • systemic therapy
  • local therapy using creams, gels, and suppositories aimed at wound healing, pain relief, and alleviating itching
Among the medications for local therapy of hemorrhoids in pregnant women, the use of products based on Escherichia coli cultures is effective. These help strengthen the local resistance of damaged tissues to harmful microorganisms and enhance their regenerative abilities, promoting rapid recovery 20

Healthy Lifestyle During Pregnancy

To maintain both their own health and the health of their unborn child, as well as to prevent pregnancy complications, women who are expecting should pay attention to the following recommendations: 9
  • if you have excess weight, try to normalize it before conception, and during pregnancy, keep your weight gain under control
  • avoid work that involves prolonged standing, excessive physical strain, exposure to X-rays, or nighttime shifts
  • engage in regular moderate physical activity (20–30 minutes a day). Avoid exercises that could lead to abdominal injuries, falls, or stress
  • follow healthy eating habits and consume green and orange vegetables, meat, fish, legumes, nuts, fruits, and whole grain products
  • avoid following a vegetarian diet and reduce your coffee consumption
  • avoid smoking and alcohol

In addition, it is important for all expectant mothers to regularly visit their doctor and undergo necessary check-ups on time

Medical supervision and the recommended check-ups throughout pregnancy contribute to its successful course and the birth of a healthy baby, helping to identify potential risks in a timely manner and take action if necessary.
A healthy pregnancy is the result of attentive care for oneself
Don't postpone taking care of yourself and your baby — regularly visit your doctor and follow their recommendations!
Sources cited:

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