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Healthy pregnancy is the basis for a happy future

Pregnant Women’s Day is an initiative designed to remind expectant mothers of the importance of taking care of their health, as this is the period when the foundation for a child’s healthy development and happy motherhood is established.

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 changes. In many cases, these symptoms are part of the body’s natural adaptation to a new condition. However, it is important to remember that any unpleasant symptoms are a reason to consult a doctor to make sure everything is progressing normally.
Remember that regular check-ups and consultations with healthcare professionals are key steps toward a healthy and comfortable 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 may negatively affect pregnancy outcomes 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) is the most common type 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
Women require 1.5–1.7 mg of iron per day, but during pregnancy this requirement 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:
  • complicates the course of pregnancy – potentially leading to preeclampsia (a condition characterized by high blood pressure, elevated protein levels in the urine, and often swelling), 7 placental insufficiency, weak labor activity, preterm birth, and bleeding;
  • Increases risks for the baby – including intrauterine growth and developmental delay and low birth weight;
  • may cause hypogalactia – a condition in which a woman produces insufficient breast milk during breastfeeding – and/or shorten the duration of breastfeeding, increasing the risk of anemia in the child;
  • 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, deficiencies of both iron and folic acid can mutually worsen each other’s effects. A combined deficiency of these two nutrients significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular malformations in newborns 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 increased heart rate;
  • dizziness 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
  • blood ferritin level;
  • serum transferrin level;
  • total iron-binding capacity (TIBC);
  • serum iron level;
  • transferrin saturation (TSAT).
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 formulations are based on a combination of organic iron and synergistic components – including folic acid and ascorbic acid – which improve absorption and tolerability. 14
During pregnancy, it is important to be prepared for long-term treatment of iron deficiency anemia (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 are essential parts of a healthy pregnancy
Disruption of the normal vaginal microflora and vulvovaginal infections (VVIs) in pregnant women are among the most pressing issues in obstetrics and gynecology.
15-37%
is the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among pregnant women — a syndrome that occurs when beneficial lactobacilli are replaced by increased levels of various opportunistic microorganisms in the vagina 15,16
30-35%
of expectant mothers experience nonspecific genital infections, including 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 nonspecific genital infections in expectant mothers is associated with hormonal changes – increased levels of estrogen and progesterone – as well as elevated vaginal pH and reduced local and overall immunity during pregnancy 17,18
The development of such infections during pregnancy can lead to: 16,18
  • miscarriage or pregnancy loss;
  • preterm birth;
  • intrauterine fetal infections;
  • 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 undergo a vaginal microflora smear test twice: during the first visit to a 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;
  • “foamy” mucopurulent discharge;
  • cottage cheese-like discharge;
  • itching and burning in the vulvar 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 miscarriages;
  • preterm birth;
  • late miscarriages.
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 treatments – such as suppositories, gels, and similar formulations – are also often preferred because they allow high effectiveness with lower doses, minimize systemic effects on the body, and reduce the risk of side effects. 17
Treating bacterial vaginosis and vaginitis during pregnancy is an extremely important task that requires consideration of many conditions and individual factors. Therefore, it should never be managed through self-treatment. Many medications may be contraindicated during pregnancy
Exogenous – that is, external – risk factors for the development of bacterial vaginosis include treatment with systemic antibacterial agents, cytostatic anticancer drugs, glucocorticosteroids, 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 intestinal tone;
  • frequent constipation;
  • a sharp increase in intra-abdominal pressure during childbirth.
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 area.
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 regular physical activity;
  • practice good 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 ointments, gels, and suppositories aimed at wound healing, pain relief, and reducing 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 are overweight, try to achieve a healthy weight before conception, and during pregnancy keep weight gain under control;
  • avoid work that involves prolonged standing, heavy physical нагрузка, exposure to X-ray radiation, or night shifts;
  • engage in regular moderate physical activity (20–30 minutes per day). At the same time, avoid exercises that may lead to abdominal injury, falls, or excessive stress;
  • follow the principles of a healthy diet and include green and orange vegetables, meat, fish, legumes, nuts, fruits, and whole-grain products in your meals;
  • avoid a vegetarian diet and reduce coffee consumption;
  • refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption.

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 self-care
Do not postpone caring for yourself and your baby – visit your doctor regularly and follow their recommendations!
Sources cited:

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