22/04/2025
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🤰 Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Pregnancy & Newborns
Vitamin B12 plays a critical role during pregnancy, affecting both mother and baby. Yet, it’s often overlooked in prenatal care. Here’s why B12 matters before, during, and after pregnancy.
🚼 The Risks of B12 Deficiency
⚠️ Infertility & Miscarriage – Low B12 levels can impact ovulation and fetal development.
⚠️ Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) – Deficiency increases the risk of spina bifida and anencephaly.
⚠️ Premature Birth & Low Birth Weight – B12 is essential for healthy fetal growth.
⚠️ Colic & Sleep Disturbances in Newborns – Low maternal B12 is linked to irritability & sleep cycle disruptions.
🍼 B12 & Breastfeeding
Newborns rely on breast milk for essential nutrients, but if a mother is B12 deficient, her baby may also become deficient—even if breastfed regularly. Undiagnosed deficiency can lead to serious developmental issues.
🩺 What Needs to Change? - The Pernicious Anaemia Society is campaigning for:
✔️ Routine B12 testing for all pregnant women.
✔️ Increased B12 treatment for those with PA during pregnancy.
✔️ Better awareness of the risks & long-term impacts of deficiency.
💡 B12 is water-soluble—there’s no risk of overdose. If you're pregnant or planning, make sure your B12 levels are checked!
🔗 Learn more by becoming a member: https://pernicious-anaemia-society.org/member/
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