Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 4: Imagine being an expecting mother in an Indian village, filled with hope and anticipation, yet constantly battling exhaustion that never seems to fade. For millions of pregnant women across the country, this is a harsh reality shaped by anaemia — a condition affecting 52.2 per cent of expectant mothers in India, according to NFHS-5 (2019–21) data cited by PTI.

Anaemia is not merely about fatigue. Medical experts warn it significantly increases the risk of life-threatening complications such as severe bleeding during childbirth, premature deliveries and low birth weight babies, often setting off a lifelong chain of health problems.

Despite marginal improvement over earlier surveys, India continues to record one of the highest anaemia rates among pregnant women globally. In states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, prevalence exceeds 60 per cent, disproportionately impacting marginalised communities. Studies cited by PTI describe anaemia as a “silent emergency”, contributing to nearly 20–30 per cent of maternal deaths linked to haemorrhage. Infants born to anaemic mothers face a 25 per cent higher risk of poor health outcomes, while chances of preterm delivery nearly double.

Experts attribute the crisis to a combination of dietary patterns, health conditions and biological factors. Staple Indian diets dominated by rice, wheat and millets contain phytates that inhibit iron absorption. The common habit of consuming tea or coffee after meals further worsens absorption. Many women enter pregnancy with already depleted iron reserves due to adolescent nutritional gaps, heavy menstrual bleeding or parasitic infections like malaria.

Pregnancy-induced inflammation also raises levels of hepcidin, a hormone that blocks iron absorption, making oral supplements far less effective. Clinical reviews suggest iron uptake can reduce by up to 70 per cent during pregnancy.

While iron tablets remain the first line of treatment for mild anaemia, they often fall short. Nearly 30–40 per cent of women experience side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain and constipation, leading to poor compliance. Restoring iron levels through tablets alone can take months — time many women in late pregnancy simply do not have.

Medical experts now point to intravenous (IV) iron therapy as a breakthrough for moderate to severe cases. A 2025 meta-analysis published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found IV iron increased haemoglobin levels faster and with fewer side effects than oral supplements. Trials in India are exploring early second-trimester IV iron use to ensure safer deliveries. Newer formulations allow higher single-dose infusions, reducing hospital visits.

Under government protocols, IV iron is administered at primary health centres and above, with mandatory monitoring to manage rare allergic reactions. The Anemia Mukt Bharat programme has expanded access to such treatments across more than 1.5 lakh facilities nationwide.

Health professionals stress that prevention remains the strongest weapon. Iron-rich diets including leafy greens, pulses, jaggery and animal protein, paired with vitamin C for better absorption, can make a significant difference. Early antenatal check-ups, routine haemoglobin testing and food fortification initiatives are equally crucial.

Experts underline that tackling anaemia is not about alarm, but awareness. Ensuring healthy mothers today is key to securing healthier generations tomorrow.