Various Effects of Vitamin A Deficiency on Pregnant Women

The impact of vitamin A deficiency on pregnant women is not the same as its effects in general. This is because vitamin A deficiency will also affect the condition of the uterus and the fetus. Vitamin A is needed in various stages and phases of a woman's life. During pregnancy, vitamin A is needed for the development process of the fetus's heart, lungs, kidneys, eyes, and bones. After giving birth, vitamin A can help improve maternal body tissue, reduce the risk of infection, strengthen the immune system, and maintain vision health.

Impact of Vitamin A Deficiency on Pregnant Women

In pregnant women, vitamin A deficiency usually occurs in the third trimester. This is caused by an increased need for vitamin A due to increased blood volume and rapid fetal development. Although it is rare, vitamin A deficiency will usually cause vision problems and immune system weakness. In addition, pregnant women who experience vitamin A deficiency can also experience the following effects:

1. Miscarriage

Lack of vitamin A can increase the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women. A study found a link between vitamin A deficiency during pregnancy with fertility and spontaneous miscarriage.

2. Xerophthalmia

Vitamin A deficiency will cause xerophthalmia. This can also occur in pregnant women. Xerophthalmia is a progressive disease characterized by dry eyes. This condition needs to be dealt with immediately, because it can lead to blindness.

3. Blindness

In general, vitamin A deficiency can reduce vision sharpness, especially in the afternoon and evening. Vitamin A deficiency can even increase the risk of blindness.

4. Iron anemia

People who experience vitamin A deficiency tend to have low iron levels, so they are prone to anemia. This condition can also occur in pregnant women.

Meet the Needs of Vitamin A during Pregnancy

One simple way that can be done to meet the needs of vitamin A is to adopt a healthy diet with balanced nutrition during pregnancy. Some foods that are rich in vitamin A can be the following choices:

• Green and yellow vegetables, such as carrots, pumpkin, and broccoli.
• Fruits, such as cantaloupe and mangoes.
• Some types of fish, such as salmon and bluefin tuna.
• Dairy products, such as cheese.

In addition, beef liver also includes foods rich in vitamin A. However, consumption should not be excessive, because it can cause excess vitamin A (hypervitaminosis A) which is actually dangerous for the fetus. In pregnant women, vitamin A supplementation is generally not needed. If pregnant women experience severe vitamin A deficiency, to cause complaints and symptoms, do a doctor's examination. The doctor will provide vitamin A supplements in safe doses. Pregnant women should not take supplements of vitamin A, because excess vitamin A can cause a more dangerous effect, namely the occurrence of disability in the fetus. Some other effects of excess vitamin A are dry and rough skin, blurred vision, and swelling of bones. The impact of vitamin A deficiency on pregnant women not only on the health of pregnant women themselves, but also on the fetus. So, as much as possible meet the needs of vitamin A during pregnancy by adopting a healthy diet. But remember, avoid taking vitamin A supplements outside the advice of obstetricians.