Is tothema good for pregnant woman?
Good morning Sir. Please I am 28 weeks pregnant and my hemoglobin or PCV is low. My last PCV check yesterday showed 26%…My doctor said I was anemic and prescribed tothema. I want to know if tothema is safe in pregnancy and whether it will help boost my hemoglobin…Thank you. I want to also know taking it will harm my baby.
My reply
Pregnancy brings joy, but it’s essential to address potential health concerns. Anaemia, a common condition in expectant mothers, occurs when the body lacks enough red blood cells. This can lead to fatigue and affect both mother and baby.
Tothema is an iron supplements that comes in syrup. It contains strictly iron and some amino acids but no folic acid. Tothema is used to increase pcv fast in anemic patients be it pregnant women or other wise. It is very safe in pregnancy you can go ahead to have it.
Daily iron and folic acid supplementation is currently recommended by WHO as part of antenatal care, to reduce the risk of low birth weight, maternal anaemia and iron deficiency.
Anaemia during pregnancy places women at risk for poor pregnancy outcomes, including maternal mortality; it also increases the risks for perinatal mortality, premature birth and low birth weight.
Infants born to anaemic mothers have less than one half the normal iron reserves and this reduces their chances of survival
Morbidity from infectious diseases is increased in iron-deficient populations, owing to the adverse effect of iron deficiency on the immune system.
Iron deficiency is also associated with reduced work capacity and reduced neurocognitive development in the foetus.
Prevent becoming anemic in pregnancy by:
🥦 Boosting Iron Intake:
Include iron-rich foods like leafy greens, unripe plantain, beans, and lean meats in your diet. Pair them with vitamin C-rich foods for better absorption.
💊 Doctor’s Guidance:
Regular prenatal check-ups help monitor iron levels. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice on supplements and adjustments to maintain optimal health.
🚫 Don’t ignore symptoms:
Fatigue, weakness, and dizziness could be signs of anaemia. If you experience these symptoms, consult your healthcare professional promptly.
Thank you.
