What should be the normal hemoglobin level during pregnancy? Normal hemoglobin level during pregnancy and permissible deviations Elevated levels are the other side of the coin

Pregnancy is the happiest time in every woman's life. Only 9 months and mommy will see her long-awaited little blood. These months are not easy for all women. Despite the positive aspects, pregnant women also have to face difficulties. A common cause of concern for most women in an interesting position is the level of hemoglobin. What it should be normally, what products it is contained in and how to increase it, we will talk.

What should it be: high or low? The levels of this substance in the blood often become a cause for concern. Some women worry that their hemoglobin is low, while others, on the contrary, are happy about the high numbers.

What is hemoglobin

The human body is designed in such a way that with the onset of pregnancy, every week, as the child grows, the placenta grows and all the systems and organs of the woman adapt and begin to work with double the load. A pregnant woman’s blood volume also increases and this is normal when the hemoglobin level gradually decreases starting from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. Without speaking in the language of specialists, the process can be briefly described as follows: the volume of blood increases and in order for it to continue to circulate normally through the vessels, it must dilute. Accordingly, the level of hemoglobin decreases. This is normal during pregnancy. But you can’t let everything take its course, so it’s very important to monitor iron levels in the blood.

Hemoglobin is a protein with iron found in red blood cells. It helps combine carbon dioxide with oxygen, or, to put it more simply, it participates in the respiratory processes of tissues, being an intermediary or “transporting” blood through the vessels.

If the hemoglobin level decreases, then this phenomenon is called “anemia”, if the levels are too low - “anemia”. You can find out its amount in the blood by taking a blood test to detect red blood cell levels.

If the expectant mother does not have enough iron in her blood, then this can be very dangerous, especially in the first weeks of pregnancy, when the formation and formation of all vital systems and organs occurs. It also happens that throughout pregnancy the hemoglobin level remained within the normal range, and right before the birth itself, it dropped sharply. Such a fall can negatively affect the course of pregnancy and threaten the life of the fetus.

The hemoglobin level during pregnancy is considered normal - 110 g/l; the acceptable limits can range from 120 to 160 g/l - this is the norm for a healthy woman. If the volume of blood cells drops, then urgent measures must be taken, especially if a woman is carrying a baby under her heart.

What are the symptoms of low hemoglobin?

If a pregnant woman is not feeling well, there is no need to endure illness and blame everything on an “interesting situation.” It is possible that the level of iron in the blood has decreased and the woman needs help.

How does a lack of hemoglobin manifest itself?

dark circles under the eyes;
the appearance of blueness of the nostrils, mucous membranes and lips;
nausea and weakness, accompanied by profuse sweating. Women often complain of sticky sweat;
itching in the ears;
dizziness;
darkness in the eyes;
fainting conditions;
lack of air;
sleep disturbance;
paleness of the skin;
brittleness of hair and nails;
bowel dysfunction: frequent loose stools or too “steep”;
loss of appetite: refusal to eat or vice versa, absorption of everything in a row.

How to prepare for a blood test

To find out your natural iron level, you need to get tested. The procedure is extremely simple and does not take much time. The laboratory technician takes a blood sample from the client’s finger and within a few hours you can find out the result.

Preparation rules:

If the case is not an emergency, then you need to come for a blood test in the morning. You cannot eat anything, you are only allowed to drink a glass of purified water without gas;
if you urgently need to know your hemoglobin level, then you can take the test at any time of the day, 1 hour after eating;
1 day before the test, it is necessary to limit the consumption of alcohol (pregnant women are generally prohibited from drinking alcoholic beverages), and also exclude completely fatty and fried foods;
In addition to not eating, it is extremely undesirable to smoke on an empty stomach - the hemoglobin level may increase after smoking a cigarette;
half an hour before donating blood, you need to limit physical activity; if you were in a hurry to the laboratory and climb the stairs, it is better to skip your turn and rest for at least 5 minutes;
if you are taking medications, do not forget to tell the laboratory assistant;
if possible, it is best to monitor hemoglobin levels throughout pregnancy in one laboratory.

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy

The norm for a pregnant woman is a hemoglobin level of 110 g/l - this is the lower limit of the acceptable norm.

Doctors have their own table by which they evaluate the level of iron in the blood:

A mild degree of anemia is considered to be 90-100 g/l.
Indicators of the average degree of hemoglobin deficiency are 70-90 g/l.
A severe degree of anemia is considered to be hemoglobin that has barely reached 70 g/l.

If hemoglobin is low during pregnancy, doctors recommend that the woman take vitamin complexes and at the same time start taking iron-containing medications. In addition, it is necessary to adjust your diet. If you follow all the recommendations of specialists, the problem will be successfully solved. The main thing is not to start the disease, donate blood in a timely manner and visit a gynecologist. Do not forget that your ailments associated with low hemoglobin are transmitted to the child; he suffers even more than the mother.

When a woman is carrying twins or even triplets, the body does not have time to produce hemoglobin in normal quantities and its level, starting from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, can decrease significantly. This indicator is influenced by many factors, including a lack of B vitamins, folic acid and insufficient consumption of iron-containing foods.

The reasons for a decrease in hemoglobin levels may be different:

diseases of the kidneys, liver, heart and blood vessels;
severe toxicosis with severe bouts of vomiting - the body simply does not have time to absorb incoming nutrients;
short interval between pregnancies. In order for the body to fully recover after childbirth, it is necessary to pause for at least 3 years. If a woman becomes pregnant again immediately after her first pregnancy, the hemoglobin level will be lower than when carrying her first child;
hormonal imbalance in the body;
use of antibiotics;
nervous tension, exhaustion.

Low hemoglobin in the blood during pregnancy can most often bother a woman until the 34th week, since all this time the blood volume gradually increases. The baby lacks iron and takes most of the nutrients from the mother's body. In order not to disrupt blood circulation through the vessels, it is necessary to constantly maintain normal hemoglobin levels and take medications. Self-medication and its absence is unacceptable.

It is very important to donate blood during pregnancy in order to monitor iron levels and so that the gynecologist has the opportunity to distinguish a natural drop in hemoglobin from an incipient form of anemia.

If you miss time, the consequences can be serious:

weak labor activity;
labor begins ahead of schedule;
the child suffers from lack of oxygen;
toxicosis appears in the later stages;
amniotic fluid leaves prematurely;
external hemorrhage;
After birth, the baby's heart may stop on the first day.

As you already understand, a lack of iron in the blood can lead to dire consequences. Therefore, it is so important to visit a gynecologist on time and take a blood test.

How to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy

In order not to encounter during pregnancy the fact that you will have to look for ways to increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood, it is necessary to protect your pregnancy from preparing for conception. Namely: eat a balanced diet and take vitamin complexes. And in order to always feel great, you need to walk a lot in the fresh air, do not forget about hardening procedures and physical exercises, plus healthy sleep and only a good mood.

If you have to deal with the problem of lack of hemoglobin during pregnancy, your doctor may prescribe special medications containing iron. Effective complex preparations: “Totema”, “Ferrum Lek”, “Maltofer”, “Sorbifer”.

You need to immediately understand that 1-2 tablets will not make it any easier, so you need to get ready to take the medication for a long time (6 to 8 weeks), plus monitor your hemoglobin level and get your blood tested.

If due to health reasons (individual intolerance, malabsorption of the drug, diseases of the stomach, intestines, severe anemia) it is impossible to take the drugs, then doctors resort to emergency measures - donor blood transfusion (hemotransfury).

In addition to vitamin complexes for the purpose of prevention, it is necessary to include in the daily diet foods that will help increase hemoglobin levels:

legumes;
fatty fish;
greens, fresh vegetables and fruits;
beef, veal, turkey meat;
meat by-products: pork and veal heart and liver;
whole grain bread;
carrots, pumpkin, potatoes, beets;
dried fruits and mushrooms;
cocoa and dark chocolate (little by little, so as not to provoke allergies);
mushrooms (with the exception of forest mushrooms, only oyster mushrooms or champignons);
persimmons, peaches, apples and pomegranates.

Foods high in protein interfere with the absorption of iron, so it is necessary to reduce the consumption of kefir, milk and cottage cheese, and also accustom yourself not to drink any food with hot drinks (tea or coffee).

Increased hemoglobin during pregnancy

It is rare, but there are still cases when a pregnant woman’s hemoglobin reaches a high level. This is also not good and there is no need to rejoice at high performance.

High hemoglobin – 170 g/l can lead to serious problems:

the appearance of blood clots;
the birth of a child with low body weight and a barely audible pulse;
intrauterine fetal death.

Increased hemoglobin may indicate pathological changes in the body of the expectant mother: intestinal obstruction, pathology of the heart, lungs and blood vessels.

If you are asked to determine your glycated hemoglobin level, do not be alarmed in advance. Deviation from the norm or its absence will help doctors identify the problem. The analysis allows you to find out your blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. If the level does not exceed 6%, this is the maximum permissible norm; people with blood sugar levels from 6 to 6.5% are at risk (observation is necessary); starting from 6.5% and above – a diagnosis of “diabetes mellitus” is made. This indicator can affect the level of hemoglobin in the blood.

If iron levels exceed acceptable limits, it is recommended:

diet (limit consumption of foods high in iron). It is necessary to temporarily exclude seafood and fish, animal fats from food;
drink plenty of fluids;
take medications that thin the blood: “Curantil”, “Cardiomagnyl”.

Don’t forget about prevention, get tested regularly, stop drinking alcohol and quit smoking, treat chronic diseases without exacerbating the disease.

Remember that a timely visit to the antenatal clinic and constant monitoring of the course of pregnancy will help you safely carry and give birth to a strong and healthy baby. Have an easy birth!

Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein. This is the main component of red blood cells, the main function of which is to transport oxygen to tissue cells.

From the very beginning of pregnancy, a woman’s total blood mass increases in order to maintain microcirculation in vital organs and in the placenta. Therefore, the level of hemoglobin decreases during this period.

Hemoglobin norm in pregnant women in different trimesters

What hemoglobin should a pregnant woman have? The norm of hemoglobin in women during pregnancy:

1st trimester – 112-160 g/l;
2nd trimester – 108-144 g/l;
3rd trimester – 100-140 g/l.

Hemoglobin levels become lowest at 32-34 weeks. True iron deficiency anemia occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy. A drop in hemoglobin towards the end of pregnancy is normal and does not require special treatment. Before delivery, hemoglobin levels may increase on their own.

Signs of anemia are changes in blood counts, in which:

The hemoglobin level drops below 100 g/l;
Hemocrit number less than 0.3;
Red blood cell count 3.6*10/12 l;
The iron content in the blood serum is less than 10.7 mmol/liter.

There are 3 types of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women:

110-90 g/l for mild iron deficiency anemia;
90-70 g/l for moderate anemia;
Less than 70 g/l for severe anemia.

You can read about low hemoglobin levels in a newborn.

The reason for the decrease in hemoglobin levels in pregnant women

The main reasons for a decrease in hemoglobin during pregnancy:

Manifestation of violations of the norm

With a low level of hemoglobin in pregnant women, gas exchange between the body of the fetus and the mother is disrupted, as a result of which intrauterine hypoxia develops, and in severe cases, fetal death.

Symptoms of low hemoglobin during pregnancy are:

Prevention of deviations

The main prevention of low hemoglobin levels during pregnancy is proper nutrition. The most promising method is to fortify food products with iron, complete proteins and vitamins.

In a pregnant woman's menu, up to 70% of proteins should be of animal origin (meat, fish, eggs, dairy products); they promote the absorption of iron, unlike proteins from plant foods.

Foods rich in amino acids and iron are introduced into a pregnant woman’s diet:

30% of fats included in the diet should be of plant origin. Fats not only improve taste, but also give you a feeling of fullness. However, you should not overuse this, since excess amounts of fatty foods can lead to obesity, decreased appetite and reduce the body's resistance to infections.

Pregnant women with anemia are deficient in B vitamins and vitamin C, so they need to be taken additionally.

Particular attention must be paid to the culinary processing of food products, especially fruits and vegetables, since heat treatment destroys biologically active substances. In order to preserve them, vegetables or fruits must be placed in boiling water, covered with a lid and cooked only until tender, without overcooking. To do this you need to use enamel dishes.

Dishes made from raw fruits and vegetables are prepared immediately before consumption. It is also not recommended to store dishes for a long time, since when heated, the amount of nutrients in them decreases. You need to eat up to 6 times a day in small portions.

If your hemoglobin level is low, you should consult a doctor. In this case, he may prescribe iron-containing drugs that help increase the percentage of iron. Significant results from taking such medications are noticeable 3 weeks after the start of the course.

Also, during pregnancy, leukocytes may increase, for more details -.

Among numerous examinations, every pregnant woman must donate blood to determine his hemoglobin level. This indicator is very important during the period of bearing a child and allows one to judge the condition of the expectant mother and fetus. How does hemoglobin change during pregnancy?

Normal hemoglobin level in pregnant women

Hemoglobin is a special protein found in the red blood cells of every person. Hemoglobin has the ability to bind with oxygen and transport it from the lungs to all organs and tissues. It is thanks to hemoglobin that human blood acquires its characteristic red color.

Iron is necessary for the synthesis of hemoglobin. This element must be supplied with food as part of various food products. It is allowed to take iron in the form of vitamin complexes. With a lack of iron in the blood, hemoglobin synthesis is disrupted, and all the main manifestations of anemia develop.

Normally, in women over 18 years of age, the hemoglobin level remains between 120-150 g/l. During pregnancy, this figure decreases slightly. The thing is that in the body of expectant mothers there is a physiological increase in the amount of circulating blood. As a result, the volume of fluid increases, and hemoglobin does not have time to be synthesized at the same rate. This phenomenon occurs in all pregnant women, mainly after 20 weeks.

The normal hemoglobin level during pregnancy is 110-140 g/l. This parameter does not change much from conception to childbirth with a successful pregnancy. A decrease or increase in hemoglobin at any time indicates the development of some pathology. What can trigger a change in hemoglobin levels?

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy

Anemia in pregnancy is a condition in which the hemoglobin level drops below 110 g/l. The disease most often develops in the second and third trimesters and is caused by the restructuring of the body in connection with bearing a child. Low hemoglobin occurs in 20-80% of all expectant mothers (numbers vary in different countries of the world).

Causes of anemia

The immediate cause of low hemoglobin in expectant mothers is an increase in the amount of blood circulating in the body. At the same time, red blood cells do not have time to be produced in the required volume, and along with them, the supply of hemoglobin suffers. Most women develop iron deficiency anemia, which is associated with insufficient intake of iron from outside. Other forms of anemia during pregnancy are extremely rare.

Factors that provoke the development of anemia in pregnant women:

unbalanced diet (lack of iron, proteins, vitamins);
living in an environmentally unfavorable area;
chronic diseases that interfere with hemoglobin synthesis (diabetes mellitus, rheumatism, kidney disease);
multiple pregnancy;
frequent births with a short interval between them;
bleeding at any time;
heredity.

The initial lack of iron in the blood is of great importance in the development of anemia. Even in developed countries, only 20% of women have a sufficient supply of this substance to ensure a successful pregnancy. Other women, when carrying a child, experience a severe lack of iron, leading to the development of the main symptoms of anemia.

Low hemoglobin levels are also caused by a lack of vitamin B12, folic acid and protein. In this situation, the absorption of iron and the synthesis of hemoglobin are disrupted, which provokes the occurrence of anemia. Regular fasting and mindless dieting also leads to a lack of hemoglobin and oxygen starvation of tissues during pregnancy.

In most women, anemia occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy. During this period, the load on the hematopoietic system of the expectant mother increases and a lack of iron occurs. With severe toxicosis with frequent vomiting, anemia can develop in the early stages. Only a small number of women manage to carry a child to term without changes in blood hemoglobin levels.

Symptoms of anemia

Typical signs of low hemoglobin:

severe general weakness;
dizziness;
loss of appetite;
pale skin;
perversion of taste;
addiction to unusual types of food;
brittle nails;
deterioration of hair condition;
seizures in the corners of the mouth;
cardiopalmus;
dyspnea.

In some expectant mothers, the symptoms of existing gastritis worsen due to anemia. There is abdominal pain, heaviness after eating, belching, heartburn. In rare cases, the sphincters of the urethra and bladder are disrupted, which leads to involuntary urination.

Complications of pregnancy

The most unfavorable is anemia that existed before pregnancy. In this case, the woman’s condition worsens while she is expecting a child, and the risk of complications increases. Anemia that occurs for the first time during pregnancy is milder and less likely to lead to irreversible consequences for the woman and the fetus.

Complications of the 1st and 2nd trimester:

low placentation;
chorionic hypoplasia;
spontaneous miscarriage.

Complications of the third trimester:

premature birth;
delayed fetal development;
placental insufficiency;
fetal hypoxia;
gestosis;
premature detachment of a normally located placenta.

Complications after childbirth:

bleeding;
hypogalactia (insufficient milk production).

All these complications arise due to a lack of hemoglobin and insufficient oxygen supply to the tissues. For a newborn, anemia in the mother also does not go away without leaving a trace. Low hemoglobin levels during pregnancy significantly increase the risk of having a child with signs of developmental delay and damage to the nervous system. Severe anemia can cause slow weight gain after birth. These children also experience a decrease in the body's resistance to infections and frequent colds.

Diagnostics

To detect anemia, it is enough to take a routine blood test. The development of the disease is indicated by a decrease in the level of hemoglobin and red blood cells below normal. There are three degrees of severity of the disease:

mild degree (hemoglobin 90-110 g/l);
moderate degree (hemoglobin 70-90 g/l);
severe degree (hemoglobin less than 70 g/l).

Determining the concentration of iron in the blood serum is also important for diagnosing the disease. Normally, in expectant mothers this indicator is in the range of 12-25 µmol/l. In anemia, serum iron will fall below 12 µmol/L.

All blood tests are taken before specific therapy begins. Hemoglobin levels and other parameters will be false while taking medications. You can take a blood test for control only 7 days after stopping all medications. It is also necessary to monitor the effectiveness of therapy one month after starting medication.

A blood test to determine the amount of hemoglobin and red blood cells is performed once every trimester. If necessary, the doctor may order examinations more often. A blood test is required when a pregnant woman first visits a doctor, before giving birth and in the postpartum period.

Treatment of anemia

In the treatment of anemia in pregnant women, great importance is attached to proper nutrition. The diet of the expectant mother must include foods rich in iron. Most iron is found in red meat, liver, egg yolk, spinach, apples, apricots and cocoa. You should know that plant iron is absorbed much worse than that found in animal products. For the same reason, doctors do not recommend adhering to a strict vegetarian diet during pregnancy.

Drug treatment consists of taking iron supplements. The course of therapy is long and lasts at least 1 month. During treatment, regular monitoring of hemoglobin levels and other blood parameters is mandatory. If there is no effect from therapy, the dosage of the drug is changed or the entire treatment regimen is completely revised.

There are many iron-based preparations. All of these products are approved for use by expectant mothers from early pregnancy and do not pose a risk to the fetus. Some iron supplements need to be taken 2-3 times a day, while others need to be taken only once a day. Many medications also contain other vitamins (folic acid, vitamin C) that improve the absorption of iron in the digestive tract.

Many women take prenatal multivitamins for a long time. Some complex vitamins already contain iron in the required dosage. If the available dose of iron is not enough to relieve anemia, the doctor may prescribe additional iron supplements.

All drugs for the treatment of anemia are prescribed in tablets. Parenteral administration of drugs is justified in case of individual iron intolerance, as well as in case of gastric ulcer during an exacerbation. Intravenous drugs are also used in severe cases of the disease to quickly replenish iron reserves.

Treatment of severe forms of anemia is carried out in a hospital. When the hemoglobin level is below 70 g/l, red blood cell transfusion is indicated. This therapy avoids the development of serious complications and increases the chances of a successful pregnancy outcome.

High hemoglobin during pregnancy

Causes and symptoms

An increase in hemoglobin levels during pregnancy is rare. This condition occurs when the blood thickens and may indicate the development of serious complications. In particular, an increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit during gestosis should alert the doctor. This symptom indicates a high risk of bleeding due to gestosis and requires special attention to the pregnant woman.

There are no specific signs of increased hemoglobin levels. The woman feels weakness, lethargy, apathy, dizziness and rapid heartbeat. Such symptoms are similar to anemia, and without examination it is quite difficult to distinguish one condition from another. A routine blood test is required to determine your hemoglobin level. If hemoglobin increases, it is necessary to additionally undergo a hemostasiogram (blood clotting test).

Possible consequences

Why is blood thickening dangerous during pregnancy? First of all, the blood circulation in the placenta suffers in such a situation. Thick and viscous blood slowly circulates throughout the body, and the baby does not receive the nutrients and oxygen it needs. Fetal hypoxia develops, affecting the functioning of all internal organs and the nervous system. With a long course of the disease, a noticeable delay in fetal development is possible.

Thick blood also poses a risk of bleeding during pregnancy and the postpartum period. At any moment, placental abruption or other trouble associated with impaired blood flow may occur. In this case, the lives of mother and child will be at risk. To save a woman and her baby, an emergency caesarean section may be required at any stage of pregnancy.

Another problem with increased hemoglobin is the high risk of thrombosis. When blood thickens, blood clots form on the walls of the veins. These blood clots can block the lumen of the vessel and disrupt blood circulation in all nearby organs. Of particular danger is pulmonary embolism, which can cause sudden death in a pregnant woman.

Treatment methods

In case of high hemoglobin associated with blood thickening, mandatory correction of this condition is carried out. For this purpose, drugs are prescribed that reduce blood clotting and restore normal blood flow in the internal organs and placenta. The course of therapy is at least 10 days. At the same time, treatment of concomitant diseases and all detected complications is carried out. With timely initiation of therapy, the chances of a successful pregnancy outcome remain very high.

During pregnancy, many factors influence its course. Therefore, at the very beginning, and then several more times during pregnancy, women undergo a general blood test, in which one of the main indicators is the level of hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin is a component of red blood cells, it is responsible for the circulation of oxygen in the blood from the respiratory organs to the tissues. In addition, with the help of hemoglobin, carbon dioxide is transferred from tissues to the respiratory organs.

The concentration of hemoglobin in a person’s blood plays an important diagnostic role: by this indicator, a doctor can judge the well-being of his patient’s body. And during pregnancy, hemoglobin levels become even more important.

Hemoglobin norm during pregnancy:

In a healthy person, the hemoglobin level should be 120-140 g/l. However, during pregnancy it can naturally decrease: the blood thins out, its volume increases significantly, and so on, which leads to a decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin in it. In a word, its level in the blood may fluctuate, which is quite normal for pregnant women. Experts provide the following figures for the quantitative norm of hemoglobin for pregnant women:

in the first trimester - 112-160 g/l;
in the second trimester - 108-144 g/l;
in the third trimester - 100-140 g/l.

Gynecologists and obstetricians recommend that all newly pregnant women and women planning to conceive take care to prevent a decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the blood during the period of bearing a child, because at this time women often develop anemia.

It happens much less often when the level of hemoglobin in the blood of the expectant mother exceeds the permissible threshold.

- high hemoglobin

It is not at all necessary that an elevated hemoglobin level is an alarming sign. Sometimes this happens to pregnant women in the first trimester and then goes away on its own when the fetus begins to actively take from the mother’s body the resources necessary for its growth and development. Also, you should not worry if the increase in this indicator is insignificant and occurs once. It will be useful to know that high physical activity and intensive intake of rarefied air into the body (as, for example, among residents of high mountain areas) contribute to a natural increase in the level of hemoglobin in the blood. But sometimes this tendency is associated with problems on the part of the mother’s body.

An increase in hemoglobin may indicate a lack of certain substances in the pregnant woman’s body, in particular vitamins B9 (folic acid) and B12. The latter may simply not be absorbed due to disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.

High hemoglobin may be a symptom of kidney, heart, intestinal or stomach diseases. Although, it is possible that this is a hereditary feature of a woman’s body.

This condition is a risk factor for the formation of blood clots, which is extremely undesirable during pregnancy. Also, due to thickening of the blood with a high level of hemoglobin, it is not able to circulate normally in the vessels, which is why oxygen and nutrients may not reach the fetus in the required quantities. Therefore, the doctor will most likely advise the pregnant woman to take more walks in the fresh air and adjust her diet and drinking regimen.

An increased level of hemoglobin is said to be when it exceeds 150-160 g/l. However, more often the hemoglobin concentration decreases during pregnancy.

- low hemoglobin

Very often, hemoglobin in pregnant women decreases somewhat towards the end of the second, towards the beginning of the third trimester - this is normal. But if you notice that the level begins to decrease before the 24th week of pregnancy, then this indicates anemia. There are many reasons for this phenomenon: lack of iron, zinc, copper, as well as dysbacteriosis and nervous stress.

Doctors say that a pregnant woman is developing anemia if the level of hemoglobin in her blood drops below 110 g/l. Most often, pregnant women develop iron deficiency anemia, caused by insufficient intake or insufficient iron reserves in the body. In approximately half of all pregnant women, the level of hemoglobin in the blood is reduced.

Depending on its concentration, several degrees of iron deficiency anemia are distinguished:

110-90 g/l - mild anemia;
90-80 g/l - moderate anemia;
70 g/l and below is a severe form of anemia.

Low hemoglobin levels lead to lethargy, a constant feeling of fatigue and decreased emotional tone. Then it gets even worse - shortness of breath, muscle hypotension, decreased appetite, and indigestion appear. In addition, stomatitis, brittle hair and nails, dry skin, and frequent respiratory diseases are possible. All these signs and phenomena indicate a lack of iron in the body. For a pregnant woman, it is very important to replenish this deficiency as quickly as possible. After all, subsequently not only she suffers, but also her unborn child. A reduced level of hemoglobin can provoke the development of early toxicosis and late gestosis, premature onset of labor, and is also often the cause of the baby’s lack of oxygen, which causes intrauterine hypoxia to develop, and after birth the baby may experience difficulties in the functioning of the respiratory system and have insufficient body weight.

Foods that increase hemoglobin during pregnancy

To correct the level of hemoglobin in the blood, consult a doctor: let him prescribe iron-containing drugs to correct the level of hemoglobin. But it is best to make up for the deficiency with the help, especially since there are a lot of products that increase hemoglobin levels:

Among meat products: heart, kidneys, fish, poultry, tongue, white chicken meat;
Among porridges and cereals: buckwheat, beans, lentils, peas, rye;
Among vegetables and herbs: fresh tomatoes, potatoes, onions, pumpkin, beets, watercress, dandelion leaves, spinach, parsley;
Among the fruits: red or green apples, plums, persimmons, bananas, pears, peaches, apricots, quince
Among the berries: black currants and cranberries, strawberries, blueberries;
Among the juices:(no more than two sips daily), beetroot, apple juice with a high iron content.
Besides excellently raise hemoglobin levels, black caviar, various seafood, dark chocolate, dried mushrooms, dried fruits and hematogen.

To achieve results, do not forget about, constantly do breathing exercises and gymnastics.

Finally, I would like to add a few rules for proper digestion of food so that it brings maximum benefit to the body.

First, remember that iron is best absorbed when taken with foods that are rich in vitamin C, such as fruit and vegetable juices. To do this, it is better to pour orange juice over the porridge that you eat for breakfast, or, for example, pour over the cutlets that you eat for lunch.

Secondly, do not drink black tea, it interferes with the proper absorption of iron. It is better to replace this tea with green tea.

Thirdly, during pregnancy, do not consume liver, since it contains a lot of vitamins A and D. An overdose of these vitamins is possible.

Also, limit your consumption of pomegranate juice as it can cause constipation.

In any case, it is better not to overdo it, because an excess of iron is as undesirable as its deficiency.

Especially for- Maryana Surma

The period of waiting for a baby is not only joyful moments and a feeling of miracle inside, but, unfortunately, also ailments, which are sometimes impossible to avoid. Well, women are quite ready to endure any trials for the sake of the desired child.

But, nevertheless, you need to know what awaits you. At least in order to be able to cope with it. One of the pressing issues is the level of hemoglobin during pregnancy, which often decreases, but can also increase. There is nothing wrong with this, it’s enough just to be aware of the topic and take appropriate measures in time.

In general, today many people know that hemoglobin is a special type of protein responsible for transporting blood through blood vessels. It is also known that its decrease is called anemia or anemia. During pregnancy, a special test can determine that hemoglobin has dropped, showing the level of red blood cells (erythrocytes), which are the carrier of protein.

Anemia (iron deficiency) in expectant mothers is not uncommon, but it is still worth ignoring the problem, because it can cause a significant blow to the health of the woman and the fetus. Low hemoglobin is especially dangerous in the first trimester, when the baby’s organs are developing. It is extremely rare that protein levels drop late in pregnancy, which can lead to fetal hypoxia.

It is very good if the concentration of red blood cells is in the range of 120-160 grams per 1 liter of blood. This happens in absolutely healthy women. However, the norm for hemoglobin during pregnancy is considered to be at least 110 g/l. But if the volume of red blood cells has dropped even lower, this is called anemia.

There are three degrees of anemia in pregnant women:

mild degree: hemoglobin not less than 110-90 g/l;
medium degree: hemoglobin within 90-70 g/l;
severe: hemoglobin below 70 g/l.

In fairness, it is worth noting that about half of all women during pregnancy have low hemoglobin, and doctors successfully solve this problem. Therefore, the expectant mother is strongly recommended to regularly see a gynecologist and take all the necessary tests on time. Modern pharmaceuticals have learned to cope with almost any level of complexity of the disease, but it is still better to eliminate it in the early stages, avoiding an advanced stage. Don’t forget that your ailments are passed on to the baby, and you don’t want the baby to suffer.

Symptoms of anemia in an expectant mother

Ailments are good for one thing - they allow you to recognize the disease and cure it in time. The symptoms will tell you almost immediately that you have low hemoglobin during pregnancy. You just need to not brush them aside and not attribute everything to the “whims of the baby.” The signs of anemia are quite clear and understandable; any woman can identify them:

bluishness of the lips, nostrils and mucous membranes - circles under the eyes may stand out sharply on the face;
nasty “sticky” weakness leading to nausea and “itching” in the ears;
severe dizziness, darkening in the eyes - “floaters”;
fainting;
tachycardia (from 100 beats per minute);
rapid breathing, feeling of lack of air;
migraine;
sleep disorders;
pale skin;
increased hair loss and fragility;
fragility of nails;
problems with bowel movements - “steep” or “sheep” feces;
lack of appetite or, conversely, the desire to eat everything, mixing incompatible foods.

Let us repeat once again - do not attribute everything to the “machinations” of an interesting situation. The sooner you sound the alarm, the sooner you will learn how to increase hemoglobin, and during pregnancy this will be the key to the birth of a full-fledged healthy baby.

Causes of anemia in pregnant women

It is important not only to know your hemoglobin level; during pregnancy, the reasons for its decrease also play an important role - they help to identify the nature of anemia, facilitate diagnosis and treatment. Basically, the drop in the level of red blood cells is due to a rapid increase in the amount of blood - after all, now it should be enough for two.

Hemoglobin does not have time to be produced, and its level decreases. Therefore, anemia more often affects women carrying twins or triplets. Also, a decrease in the number of red blood cells is reflected in the lack of microelements such as copper, folic acid, vitamin B12 - their deficiency creates an unfavorable environment for the absorption of iron. Therefore, the cause of low hemoglobin during pregnancy is, first of all, an unbalanced diet of the expectant mother. Although there may be other explanations:

ailments of the liver, kidneys and cardiovascular system;
severe toxicosis, when after every meal you are tormented by an attack of vomiting - no wonder that the nutrients simply do not have time to be absorbed;
a short break between conceptions - it takes at least three years to restore hemoglobin after childbirth;
hormonal disbalance;
antibiotic treatment;
dysbacteriosis;
nervous exhaustion.

Possible complications

Low hemoglobin levels in pregnant women are usually observed before 34 weeks. This is not surprising, because the amount of blood is constantly growing, iron deficiency is increasing, and the baby takes the lion's share of nutrients for itself. In this case, treatment for low hemoglobin is not required, because the blood must be thinned, otherwise its circulation will be impaired. But do not confuse a natural drop in red blood cell levels with anemia, which simply needs to be treated. Against the background of a severe form of anemia, a number of serious pathologies can develop, such as:

weak generic forces;
premature birth;
intrauterine fetal hypoxia;
late toxicosis;
premature discharge of amniotic fluid;
severe external hemorrhages;
death of an infant within the first 24 hours after birth.

As you can see, low hemoglobin during pregnancy can have the most dire consequences, so do not neglect tests and doctor’s advice.

Increased hemoglobin - the other side of the coin

Although low hemoglobin is common during pregnancy, an increase can also occur. This picture is observed in people living in mountainous areas and spending most of their time outdoors. High hemoglobin during pregnancy (<170 г/л) может привести к эритроцитозу, образованию тромбов и варикозу у будущей мамы, рождению мёртвого ребёнка или гибели плода в утробе, а также быть признаками кишечной непроходимости, патологий сердечно-сосудистой системы и сердечно-лёгочной недостаточности. Повышение гемоглобина во время беременности, так же, как и малокровие, требует своевременного лечения.

Another important point: glycated hemoglobin, during pregnancy, its conformity or deviation from the norm allows us to identify the so-called degree of “sugarification” of the blood over the last 120 days. An indicator of up to 6% is a sign of a healthy person. If glycohemoglobin is within 6-6.5%, the woman is at risk of diabetes. A level<6,5% свидетельствует о самом диабете.

Relief and prevention of the problem

Naturally, rather than later asking the question of how to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy, it is easier to protect yourself and your unborn child from the very beginning. To do this, you just need good nutrition, as well as taking iron-containing vitamin and mineral complexes. And in order not to cause digestive upset, you need to devote time to physical activity and walks in the fresh air.