TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Obstetrician, Fetomaternal Expert Rima Irwinda said that midwives are at the forefront of discovery anemia in pregnant women. Early detection of anemia in pregnant women can reduce the risk of serious complications for both mother and child. “Midwives must recommend screening anaemia “Every trimester of pregnancy, iron supplementation and early education for pregnant women to prevent and effectively treat anemia,” he said in a debate on Tuesday, November 26 2024.
It is also important to understand that the average total iron requirement during pregnancy is around 1000 milligrams. The maximum need includes 300 milligrams needed for the fetus and 500 grams to increase the amount of maternal hemoglobin. The World Health Organization recommends an iron supplement during pregnancy of 30 – 60 milligrams / day. For countries with a prevalence higher than 40 percent, development is continued for up to 3 months after saline.
Midwives must also provide counseling on the benefits of iron supplementation so that pregnant women take iron tablets as recommended. In addition to addition ironcounseling about food sources containing iron is also necessary to prevent iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. “If iron needs are not met during pregnancy, pregnant women are at risk of anemia, preeclampsia and postpartum bleeding, while fetuses are at risk of premature birth, stunted fetal growth, low birth weight and perinatal diseases,” he said.
Rima also reminded that anemic mothers can cause children to be born with low iron supply and are at risk of developing anemia at an early age. “This can increase disruption or barriers to children’s growth and development, including brain development,” he said.
Iron deficiency anemia has the potential to hinder children’s cognitive, motor, sensory and social development. If not treated properly, the effects can be permanent. This can happen because iron is not only important for carrying oxygen in the blood, but it also plays a vital role in the immune system. “One of the risk factors that increase the possibility of iron deficiency anemia in children in Indonesia is the lack of micronutrients and the consumption of foods rich in iron,” said Rima.
Another risk factor is that there are no guidelines or regulations for routine screening of iron status, especially in children, so there is a need for intervention from midwives as primary health providers for mothers and children. Iron has an important role in energy metabolism, oxidation systems, nerve development and function, tissue system connections, and hormone synthesis. For this reason, it is important to check Hb levels from the age of 2 years and then annually until adolescence. “If anemia is found, look for the cause and if necessary, refer to it. In children, iron is an important micronutrient for the growth and development process,” said Pediatrician – Growth and Development Specialist Social Pediatrician Rini Sekartini.
A positive iron balance is about 1 mg of ironper day. Since about 10 percent of dietary iron is absorbed, 8-10 mg of dietary iron should be consumed daily. “In addition to seeking early screening for iron deficiency, iron-fortified nutrition as a companion to breast milk can help meet iron needs, thereby reducing the risk of anemia in children,” Rini said. .
Director of Expert Community Medicine and Medical and Scientific Affairs Danone SN Indonesia Ray Wagiu Basrowi, said that anemia is a problem that must be prevented as early as possible. He sees screening for iron deficiency anemia as the most important thing in reducing the incidence of anemia in Indonesia, especially for mothers and children. “Therefore, a non-invasive screening in the form of an iron intake test based on a questionnaire can be an option for identifying the risk of iron deficiency anemia early which can be carried out by health workers the inclusion of midwives in primary health care facilities,” he said.
2024-11-27 08:43:00
#Midwives #Front #Guard #Detecting #Anemia #Pregnant #Women #tempo.co
**What specific steps does Dr. Sekartini suggest be taken to address the lack of standard guidelines for routine iron status checks in children? **
## World Today News: Special Report - Anemia in Mothers and Children
**Welcome to today’s special report on World Today News, where we dive deep into the critical issue of anemia in pregnant women and children. Joining us are two distinguished guests:**
* **Dr. Rima Irwinda:** An Obstetrician and Fetomaternal Expert, providing valuable insights into the role of midwives in anemia detection and prevention.
* **Dr. Rini Sekartini:** A Pediatrician specializing in Growth and Development, offering expert commentary on the long-term impact of anemia in children.
**Part 1: The Front Lines: Midwives and Anemia Detection**
**Host:** Dr. Irwinda, the article highlights the crucial role midwives play in detecting anemia during pregnancy. Could you elaborate on the specific actions midwives can take to ensure early identification and intervention?
**Dr. Irwinda:** Thank you. Absolutely. Midwives are often the first point of contact for pregnant women, making them perfectly positioned to screen for anemia. This involves routine blood tests to check hemoglobin levels, especially during each trimester. It also means providing crucial information about the importance of iron supplementation and encouraging healthy dietary choices rich in iron.
**Host:** It’s interesting that the article mentions the average total iron requirement during pregnancy is quite high, around 1000 milligrams. What are the potential consequences if these needs are not met?
**Dr. Irwinda:** Definitely. Ignoring iron deficiencies can have serious repercussions. For mothers, it can lead to anemia, potentially causing complications like preeclampsia, postpartum bleeding, and even premature birth. For the developing fetus, it poses risks such as slow growth, low birth weight, and increased susceptibility to infections. It’s a chain reaction that emphasizes the importance of proactive screening and timely intervention.
**Part 2: Long-Term Impacts: Anemia in Children**
**Host:** Dr. Sekartini, the article emphasizes the lasting consequences of anemia on children’s development. Could you shed light on these long-term effects and why early detection is so vital?
**Dr. Sekartini:** Absolutely. Iron is not just about carrying oxygen; it’s a crucial building block for brain development, immune function, and overall growth. Anemia in children can lead to cognitive delays, slowed motor development, and even impact their social and emotional well-being. Early detection allows for timely interventions, whether it’s dietary changes, iron supplementation, or addressing underlying medical conditions.
**Host:** The article mentions a lack of standard guidelines for routine iron status checks in children. What steps can be taken to address this gap and ensure children receive the necessary attention?
**Dr. Sekartini:** We need to advocate for routine iron screening from the age of 2 onwards. Implementing this would require collaboration between pediatricians, policymakers, and public health initiatives. Educating parents about the importance of iron and its impact on their child’s development is equally crucial.
**Part 3: Innovative Solutions and Collaborative Efforts**
**Host:** Mr. Basrowi, the article highlights the role of non-invasive screening techniques in identifying ironing intake risk. Can you elaborate on the potential of these methods and how they contribute to accessible and early detection?
**Mr. Basrowi:** Thank you.
Non-invasive methods like questionnaires focused on dietary habits and iron intake can be invaluable, especially in resource-limited settings. These tools empower healthcare workers, including midwives, to identify potential risks early on and guide individuals towards appropriate interventions.
**Host:** Collaboration seems key in tackling this issue. What are some potential collaborative efforts that can be implemented to effectively address anemia in mothers and children?
**Mr. Basrowi:**
Certainly. We need a multi-sectoral approach involving healthcare providers, policymakers, nutritionists, and the food industry. This could encompass educating the public about the importance of iron-rich diets, promoting fortified foods, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure to ensure accessible iron supplementation and screening programs.
**Closing Remarks:**
**Host:** We are grateful to our esteemed guests for shedding light on this critical issue. Anemia is a preventable problem, and through collective efforts – driven by awareness, proactive screening, and targeted interventions – we can ensure a healthier future for mothers and children worldwide.
**Call to Action:**
We encourage our viewers to learn more about anemia, its symptoms, and prevention strategies. Consult with your healthcare provider for individualized advice and join us in creating a world where every individual has access to the nutrients they need to thrive.
