KARACHI, Nov 7: Anaemia has appeared to be one of the most common problems among women in child-bearing age, exposing them and their babies to severe complications during delivery and afterwards.

Breathlessness, dizziness, exhaustion and constant weakness are cited to be common manifestations among the anaemic. Doctors warn that such women are more prone to bear weak children — a cause which may threaten the latter’s chances of quality survival.

Excessive post-natal bleeding often significantly contributes to higher maternal mortality rates in the country.

It is, therefore, extremely advisable for mothers to ensure consumption of iron tablets from the fourth month of their pregnancy till six months after delivery. The iron supplement, be it in a form of syrups, tablets or capsules, helps produce blood in the body as contributed by food items, including meat, fish, liver, eggs, beet root, spinach, pulses, apples, dates raisin etc.

Doctors, however, advise that these iron supplements should not be taken with milk, tea or soon before/ after meals as adequate digestion of the former is the best possible through plain water. It must be taken two hours before or after each meal and breakfast.

Those taking iron complain of heart burning, nausea, slight pain in abdomen.

According to the health practitioners these are nothing to be worried about and are reflective of the adequate absorption of iron content in the body. Iron intake must be continued as the symptoms would diminish after a passage of few days.—APP