Pregnancy is often accompanied by anemia. In this condition, there are not enough he althy red cells in the blood to deliver oxygen to the tissues of the mother and baby.
During pregnancy, more blood cells are produced to support the development of the baby. If the mother's body does not receive enough iron or certain other nutrients, the hematopoietic organs are not able to produce enough red cells. As a result, anemia occurs. One of the drugs for its treatment is Ferrum Lek. During pregnancy, even a small course of injections of this drug is sufficient.
Classification
Anemia has three degrees of severity, which depend on the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood. This condition develops due to a lack of trace elements or vitamins. Anemia can be of the following types:
- folate-deficient;
- iron deficient;
- caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.
The most common anemia during pregnancy is iron deficiency. In this form, the amount of hemoglobin is reduced, whichtransports oxygen from the lungs to all cells in the body.
Consequences
Folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies can lead to birth defects, premature births and fetal growth retardation syndrome. During childbirth due to anemia, there is a high chance of developing weakness during childbirth. In addition, the following complications may occur:
- birth of a premature or underweight baby;
- loss of a significant amount of blood during childbirth, which requires transfusion of blood components;
- postpartum depression;
- birth of a child with anemia.
Predisposing factors
The risk of anemia during pregnancy increases if:
- before conception, a decrease in hemoglobin was determined;
- multiple pregnancy occurs;
- short interval between pregnancies;
- toxicosis of the first half with nausea and vomiting;
- teenage pregnancy;
- Foods a mother-to-be eats are low in iron.
All this is taken into account by the doctor when observing a pregnant woman. In this case, properly prescribed treatment avoids various consequences.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of anemia during pregnancy are:
- pallor of mucous membranes, skin, lips and nails;
- feeling tired or weak;
- dizziness;
- shortness of breath;
- heartbeat;
- trouble concentrating.
OnIn the early stages of anemia, there may be no obvious symptoms. And many of them are characteristic of a normal pregnancy. To receive correct and adequate treatment, it is required to pass a clinical blood test, and if necessary, a hematocrit and a blood test for iron ions.
When Ferrum Lek is appointed
Iron preparations are used to treat anemia. To date, there is a large selection of these drugs. Many doctors prefer to prescribe Ferrum Lek during pregnancy. This is due to many of its positive properties. In addition, convenient forms of release of Ferrum Lek have been developed: injections (solution for intravenous and intramuscular injections), chewable tablets and syrup.
A child who is born to an anemic mother also receives less iron ions. This component is not added when breastfeeding. Anemic mothers are more likely to have low milk supply and low iron content.
In children, iron deficiency in the body may not manifest itself, but during adolescence, symptoms of anemia are detected in adolescents. Quite often, these children are found with frequent colds, asthenic physique and some developmental delay. Because of this, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive treatment of anemia for expectant mothers. In addition to a diet rich in iron and protein, it is necessary to add vitamins and iron-containing products, which include Ferrum Lek.
Drug action
Feature of the composition of the drug - the combination of iron ions with polym altose -determines its action. Such a complex is similar to an iron storage protein. Therefore, the main component of Ferrum Lek during pregnancy does not lead to darkening of tooth enamel and is well absorbed by the body.
Many believe that you can raise hemoglobin only through food. The diet, indeed, should be rich in iron-containing foods and proteins. But you need to know that food products differ in different levels of assimilation of such an element as Fe. For example, in meat, its amount is 40-50%, and for products of plant origin, this figure does not exceed 3-5%.
Iron absorption is reduced due to the use of tannins (coffee, tea), phytins (s alt), phosphates (seafood, river fish). For the same reason, drinking tea is not recommended. The use of "Ferrum Lek" with various medications - antacids, tetracyclines, magnesium and calcium s alts - during pregnancy will not raise hemoglobin to the required level.
When prescribing drugs for pregnant women, the obstetrician takes into account many factors. Among the main requirements: good tolerance, a high percentage of assimilation in the body and safety of use. The drug "Ferrum Lek" (injections, tablets and syrup) has established itself as a medicine that fits all the necessary indicators.
Efficiency
In its effectiveness, it is similar to ferrous iron, but it is safer and does not allow complications after an overdose. "Ferum Lek" syrup, as well as other formsdrugs are characterized by a fairly high tolerance. This drug is not inactivated by various food ingredients. For this reason, taking it with meals does not reduce iron absorption.
Cases of irritant effects of the gastrointestinal tract are rare. The use of "Ferrum Lek" during pregnancy makes it possible to achieve a gradual improvement in laboratory and clinical signs of iron deficiency. These include weakness, tachycardia, dry skin, dizziness and fatigue.
Drug Forms
The drug is presented in different forms: chewable tablets, injections and syrup. The duration of treatment and dosage are determined by the general condition of the pregnant woman, the level of hemoglobin, the number of red blood cells and hematocrit. Most often, 3 tablets or syrup are prescribed in an amount of 20-30 ml daily. The course continues until the hemoglobin level rises to 110 g / l. This is monitored by blood tests. In most cases, 10-14 days is sufficient. In the future, the dosage is reduced to 1 tablet or up to 10 ml of syrup once. Prescribe the drug most often after a meal. "Ferrum Lek" (syrup) is recommended to be added to water or drinks, and tablets should be sucked or chewed.
With adequate therapy, effective, antenatal prevention of iron deficiency for mother and fetus and prevention of various complications is guaranteed.
Studies confirm the safety of the drug, but it can be prescribedexclusively by a doctor after the results of the tests. Self-medication with Ferrum Lek (syrup or tablets) is excluded. This can affect the mother's body and the condition of the fetus.
Pharmacokinetics
Iron enters the blood plasma quite quickly: 10% of the dose - after 10 minutes, 45% - after 30 minutes. The biological half-life is 3-4 days. Iron with transferrin is used for the production of enzymes, hemoglobin, myoglobin. The complex with dextran is not excreted through the kidneys, as it has a large molecular weight.
Contraindications
The drug is contraindicated in the first 12-13 weeks of pregnancy. Obstetricians, based on their experience, prescribe the drug in the II and III trimesters and during breastfeeding, but under the control of the fetus or newborn.
Use of the drug is contraindicated when:
- infectious diseases of the kidneys in the acute stage;
- cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis;
- pathological susceptibility to drug components;
- hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis;
- anemia not related to Fe deficiency;
- certain types of anemia;
- Osler-Rendu-Weber syndrome;
- hyperparathyroidism.
With caution, the drug is prescribed for bronchial asthma, cardiovascular insufficiency, chronic polyarthritis, insufficient iron-binding capacity of hemoglobin, lack of folic acid, children under 4 months.
Side effects
Of the negative effects, the following should be noted:
- arterial hypotension;
- joint pain;
- lymphadenopathy;
- hyperthermia;
- headaches, dizziness;
- drowsiness, weakness;
- nausea, vomiting.
Sometimes allergic reactions are possible. Incorrect injection technique can lead to soreness, swelling and inflammation at the injection site.
Method of use and dosage
Before the first injection, each woman must receive a test dose, which is 25-50 mg of iron for adults and half the dose for children. The absence of local reactions within 15 minutes indicates good tolerance.
Ferrum Lek: price
Pills of this drug in Russia can be bought at a price of 200 to 400 rubles. The cost of the syrup is 150 rubles. As for the Ferrum Lek ampoule solution, its price is quite high - from 800 to 1300 rubles. But it should be remembered that the effect of taking the drug justifies the high cost of Ferrum Lek. The price (tablets, syrup or ampoules) is quite reasonable. And most importantly - all this will undoubtedly benefit all pregnant women suffering from anemia.
