A specialized body fluid with various functions is called blood. Its functions are really important to stay healthier. Main functions of blood are:
- Body temperature regulation
- Fighting infections by carrying cells and antibodies
- Preventing excess blood loss by forming blood clots
- Filtering and cleaning the blood by bringing waster products to the liver and kidneys
- Bringing Oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and lungs.
When a woman is pregnant, the body passes through various changes. The main change that happens in the basic hematology is that, the blood amount increases by around 20-30%. As a result, the vitamin and iron supply also increases. The body requires vitamin and iron to make hemoglobin. The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to other cells in the body is called hemoglobin. During the second and third trimesters, many women face problems due to lack of iron. Being anemic is dangerous while a woman is pregnant. It will increase the blood loss during delivery and decrease the power to fight with infections.
Pregnancy may increase the risk for developing blood clots easily. It may cause various conditions such as deep-vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism etc. Blood clots that from inside the placenta are dangerous to the baby also. So, it is important to check whether the blood supply and functions are proper or not during pregnancy.