Normal hemoglobin levels during pregnancy and tolerances. Low hemoglobin during pregnancy - what to do? Hemoglobin 110 in the first trimester

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

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

The norm of hemoglobin in pregnant women in different trimesters

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

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

The hemoglobin level becomes as low as possible at 32-34 weeks. True iron deficiency anemia manifests itself at a gestational age of more than 20 weeks. A drop in hemoglobin by the end of pregnancy is normal and does not require special treatment. Before delivery, hemoglobin levels may rise on their own.

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

  • The hemoglobin level falls below 100 g/l;
  • Hemocrit number less than 0.3;
  • The number of erythrocytes is 3.6 * 10/12 l;
  • The content of iron 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 with mild iron deficiency anemia;
  • 90-70 g / l with moderate anemia;
  • Less than 70 g / l with severe anemia.

You can read about the low level of hemoglobin in a newborn.

The reason for the decrease in hemoglobin levels in pregnant women

The main reasons for lowering the hemoglobin rate during pregnancy:

The manifestation of violations of the norm

With a low level of hemoglobin in pregnant women, gas exchange between the body of the fetus and mother is disturbed, 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 lowering hemoglobin levels during pregnancy is proper nutrition. The most promising method is the enrichment of food products with iron, high-grade proteins and vitamins.

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

Foods rich in amino acids and iron are introduced into the diet of a pregnant woman:

30% of the fats included in the diet should be of plant origin. Fats not only improve taste, but also give a feeling of satiety. However, this should not be abused, since an excess amount of fatty foods can lead to obesity, loss of appetite and lower the body's resistance to infections.

Pregnant women with anemia are deficient in B vitamins and vitamin C, so it is necessary to take them additionally.

Particular attention should be paid to the culinary processing of food products, especially fruits and vegetables, since biologically active substances are destroyed during heat treatment. 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, use enamelware.

Dishes from raw fruits and vegetables are prepared immediately before consumption. Also, dishes are not recommended to be stored for a long time, because when heated, the amount of useful substances in them decreases. You need to eat up to 6 times a day in small portions.

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

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

The health of the expectant mother is constantly monitored by doctors. And one of the most commonly prescribed tests is a blood test for hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin during pregnancy is an important indicator that signals many problems in a woman's body, primarily anemia.

Consider what this characteristic of blood is, what the value of the hemoglobin norm should be during pregnancy, why this indicator decreases or increases.

What is blood hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is a complex protein found in red blood cells. It consists of two parts - the protein itself (globin) and iron atoms (hemo). Iron is what gives blood its red color.

The main function of hemoglobin in the body is the transport of oxygen from the lungs to all organs and tissues and the reverse movement of carbon dioxide. In addition, this element maintains blood pH.

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy

A decrease in hemoglobin in the blood is called anemia (anemia). There are three degrees of anemia in pregnant women:

  • Light - the value of hemoglobin is in the range of 110-90 g / l;
  • Average - the level of hemoglobin corresponds to 90-70 g / l;
  • Severe - the value of hemoglobin in the blood is below 70 g / l.

According to medical statistics, about 50% of pregnant women suffer from anemia of one degree or another. This explains the need to take a blood test so often to determine this indicator.

Why does hemoglobin level decrease during pregnancy? The main reason is the rapid increase in the volume of circulating blood in a woman during this period. Hemoglobin simply does not have time to be produced in the right amount. The lack of this blood element is especially common in those expectant mothers who are carrying twins or triplets.

Also, poor nutrition leads to a decrease in hemoglobin, in which there is a deficiency of vitamin B12, folic acid and copper. The lack of these substances leads to problems with the absorption of iron. Hemoglobin is a complex of protein and iron, therefore, an insufficient amount of protein in food also contributes to the development of anemia.

In addition, there are the following reasons for low hemoglobin during pregnancy:

  • Severe toxicosis of pregnant women;
  • The period between births is less than three years;
  • Diseases of the cardiovascular system, kidneys, liver;
  • Hormonal disorders in the body;
  • Nervous and mental exhaustion;
  • Dysbacteriosis.

As you know, hemoglobin in the blood is determined using a laboratory test. But there are some symptoms that indicate the presence of anemia in a woman even before the analysis. These include:

  • Frequent weakness, the appearance of sticky sweat, a feeling of ringing in the ears;
  • Dizziness, accompanied by "flies" in the eyes;
  • Dark circles under the eyes, cyanosis of the mucous membranes, nostrils and lips, pale skin;
  • Headaches, migraines, fainting, sleep disturbances;
  • Tachycardia (increased heart rate), feeling short of breath, rapid breathing;
  • Increased hair loss, brittle nails;
  • Frequent constipation;
  • Lack of appetite or, conversely, a strong desire to eat "inedible" (chalk, whitewash).

If the above symptoms appear, to increase the level of hemoglobin during pregnancy, you should consult a doctor. Severe anemia can lead to many complications. So, the following conditions most often occur:

  • Intrauterine fetal hypoxia;
  • Late toxicosis;
  • Early discharge of amniotic fluid, premature birth;
  • Weakness in childbirth;
  • External hemorrhages;
  • Death of a newborn within the first day after birth.

How to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy

The most natural way to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy is a proper balanced diet. The menu of the future mother must be present: meat, liver, sea fish, cottage cheese, kefir, milk, cheese, eggs, buckwheat, cereals, legumes, nuts, dried fruits, buckwheat honey. From vegetables and fruits, you need to consume a sufficient amount of apples, pomegranates, cabbage, beets, carrots, spinach, peaches, persimmons. It is recommended to drink orange and pineapple juices, take flower pollen. It is advisable for a woman during pregnancy to give up coffee, strong tea, cocoa, carbonated water.

If necessary, the doctor will prescribe to the expectant mother preparations containing iron, or vitamin complexes, which include iron and folic acid. But you should not take such medicines on your own.

High hemoglobin levels in a pregnant woman

In some cases, there is a problem of high hemoglobin during pregnancy. In the first trimester, such an increase is not a deviation from the norm. It is due to the fact that the woman's body adapts to the new state of bearing a child.

In addition, a high level of this blood element can be hereditary. There are people who have a slightly higher hemoglobin content during their lifetime than others. A high rate is observed in residents of high mountainous regions, where the air is significantly rarefied. All these reasons do not cause concern for the health of a woman and her baby.

But an increase in hemoglobin during pregnancy can be triggered by pathological factors in which the number of red blood cells increases. So, diseases of the heart, kidneys, intestines, stomach, and even smoking contribute to an increase in hemoglobin levels.

Symptoms of elevated hemoglobin in the blood: drowsiness, fatigue, decreased visual acuity, loss of appetite, dysfunction of the genitourinary system, pale skin. A high concentration of this element leads to an increase in blood viscosity and, as a result, an increased risk of developing thrombosis (the formation of blood clots inside blood vessels). 5 out of 5 (1 vote)

The waiting period for a baby is not only joyful moments and a feeling of a 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 baby.

But, nevertheless, you need to be aware of what awaits you. At least to be able to deal 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 is enough just to be in the subject 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 the vessels. It is also known that its decrease is called anemia or anemia. To determine that hemoglobin has fallen during pregnancy, a special analysis can show the level of red blood cells (erythrocytes), which are the carrier of the 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 a woman and fetus. Especially dangerous is low hemoglobin in the first trimester, when the baby's organs are laid. It is extremely rare that the protein level falls at a later date, which is fraught with 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 perfectly healthy women. However, the norm of hemoglobin during pregnancy is considered to be at least 110 g / l. But if the volume of red blood cells dropped even lower, this is already called anemia.

There are three degrees of anemia in pregnant women:

  • mild degree: hemoglobin not less than 110-90 g/l;
  • average 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 be regularly observed by 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, preventing an advanced stage. Do not forget that your ailments are transmitted to the baby, and you do not want the baby to suffer.

Symptoms of anemia in a future mother

Ailments are good for one thing - they allow you to recognize the disease and cure it in time. The fact that you have low hemoglobin during pregnancy, the symptoms will tell almost immediately. You just need not to dismiss them and not write off everything on the "whims of the baby." The signs of anemia are quite clear and understandable, any woman will be able to determine them:

  • cyanosis of the lips, nostrils and mucous membranes - circles under the eyes can stand out sharply on the face;
  • nasty "sticky" weakness to nausea and "itching" in the ears;
  • severe dizziness, blackouts in the eyes - "flies";
  • fainting;
  • tachycardia (from 100 beats per minute);
  • rapid breathing, feeling of lack of air;
  • migraine;
  • sleep disorders;
  • pale skin;
  • increased hair loss and brittleness;
  • fragility of nails;
  • problems with emptying - "cool" or "sheep" feces;
  • lack of appetite or, conversely, the desire to eat everything, mixing incompatible products.

We repeat once again - you should not attribute everything to the "intrigues" of an interesting situation. The faster you sound the alarm, the faster 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 a big 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 the rapid increase in the amount of blood - because now it should be enough for two.

Hemoglobin does not have time to be produced, and its level decreases. Therefore, anemia more often overtakes women who are carrying twins or triplets. Also, a decrease in the number of red blood cells is reflected in the lack of trace elements 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, in the first place, is the unbalanced diet of the expectant mother. Although there may be other explanations:

  • ailments of the liver, kidneys and cardiovascular system;
  • severe toxicosis, when after each meal you are tormented by an attack of vomiting - it is 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 useful substances. In this case, the treatment of low hemoglobin is not required, because the blood must be thinned, otherwise, its circulation will be disturbed. But do not confuse a natural drop in the level of red blood cells 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 tribal forces;
  • premature birth;
  • intrauterine fetal hypoxia;
  • late toxicosis;
  • premature discharge of amniotic fluid;
  • the strongest external hemorrhages;
  • death of an infant within the first day after birth.

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

Elevated hemoglobin - the other side of the coin

Although it is common to have low hemoglobin during pregnancy, an increase can also occur. This pattern 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 compliance or deviation from the norm allows you to identify the so-called degree of "sugarization" of blood over the past 120 days. An indicator of up to 6% is a sign of a healthy person. If glycohemoglobin is in the range of 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 asking later the question of how to raise hemoglobin during pregnancy, it is easier to protect yourself and your unborn child from the very beginning. To do this, you only need good nutrition, as well as the intake of iron-containing vitamin and mineral complexes. And in order not to cause indigestion, you need to devote time to physical activity and walks in the fresh air.


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

The norm of hemoglobin in pregnant women

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

Iron is needed 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 in the range of 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 norm of hemoglobin during pregnancy is 110-140 g / l. This parameter does not change much from conception to the very birth with a successful pregnancy. A decrease or increase in hemoglobin at any time indicates the development of any pathology. What can cause a change in hemoglobin levels?

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy

Anemia of pregnancy is a condition in which the hemoglobin level drops below 110 g/l. The disease most often develops in the II and III trimesters and is due to the restructuring of the body in connection with the bearing of the child. Low hemoglobin occurs in 20-80% of all expectant mothers (figures differ 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 right amount, and the supply of hemoglobin suffers along with them. Most women develop iron deficiency anemia due to insufficient intake of iron from outside. Other forms of anemia during pregnancy are extremely rare.

Factors provoking the development of anemia in pregnant women:

  • unbalanced nutrition (lack of iron, proteins, vitamins);
  • living in an ecologically unfavorable area;
  • chronic diseases that disrupt the synthesis of hemoglobin (diabetes mellitus, rheumatism, kidney disease);
  • multiple pregnancy;
  • frequent childbirth with a small interval between them;
  • bleeding at any time;
  • heredity.

Of great importance in the development of anemia is the initial lack of iron in the blood. Even in developed countries, only 20% of women have a sufficient supply of this substance that can ensure a successful pregnancy. In other women, when carrying a child, there is a pronounced lack of iron, leading to the development of the main symptoms of anemia.

Lack of vitamin B12, folic acid, and protein also leads to low hemoglobin levels. In this situation, the absorption of iron and the synthesis of hemoglobin are disrupted, which provokes the occurrence of anemia. Ordinary starvation and thoughtless dieting also leads to a lack of hemoglobin and oxygen starvation of tissues during pregnancy.

Most women experience anemia after 20 weeks of pregnancy. During this period, the load on the hematopoietic system of the expectant mother increases and there is a lack of iron. With severe toxicosis with frequent vomiting, anemia can develop even in the early stages. Only a small number of women manage to bear a child without changes in the level of hemoglobin in the blood.

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;
  • fragility of nails;
  • deterioration in the condition of the hair;
  • seizures in the corners of the mouth;
  • cardiopalmus;
  • dyspnea.

In some expectant mothers, against the background of anemia, the symptoms of existing gastritis are exacerbated. There is pain in the abdomen, 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 during the period of expectation of the 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 I and II trimester:

  • low placentation;
  • chorion hypoplasia;
  • spontaneous miscarriage.

Complications of the III trimester:

  • premature birth;
  • delayed fetal development;
  • placental insufficiency;
  • fetal hypoxia;
  • preeclampsia;
  • 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 pass without a trace. Low hemoglobin levels during pregnancy significantly increase the risk of having a baby with signs of developmental delay and damage to the nervous system. Severe anemia can cause slow weight gain after birth. These children also have a decrease in the body's resistance to infections and frequent colds.

Diagnostics

To detect anemia, it is enough to pass 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. In this case, there are three degrees of severity of the disease:

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

For the diagnosis of the disease, the determination of the concentration of iron in the blood serum is also important. 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 starting specific therapy. Hemoglobin and other parameters against the background of taking drugs will be false. You can take a blood test for control only 7 days after the cancellation of all medications. It is also mandatory to monitor the effectiveness of therapy one month after the start of taking medications.

A blood test to determine the amount of hemoglobin and red blood cells is performed once a trimester. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe an examination more often. Be sure to take a blood test at the first appearance of a pregnant woman to the doctor, before childbirth and in the postpartum period.

Anemia treatment

In the treatment of anemia in pregnant women, great importance is attached to proper nutrition. Iron-rich foods must be present in the diet of the expectant mother. Most iron is found in red meat, liver, egg yolk, spinach, apples, apricots and cocoa. You should know that vegetable iron is absorbed much worse than that contained in animal products. For the same reason, doctors do not recommend following a strict vegetarian diet during the period of bearing a child.

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. In the absence of the effect of therapy, the dosage of the drug changes or the entire treatment regimen is completely revised.

There are many preparations based on iron. All these funds are approved for use in expectant mothers from early pregnancy and do not pose a danger to the fetus. Some iron preparations need to be taken 2-3 times a day, others are enough to drink only 1 time per day. The composition of many medicines additionally includes other vitamins (folic acid, vitamin C), which improve the absorption of iron in the digestive tract.

Many women take prenatal multivitamins for a long time. The composition of some complex vitamins already includes iron in the required dosage. If the available dose of iron is not enough to stop 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 for individual iron intolerance, as well as for gastric ulcer during an exacerbation. Intravenous preparations are also used in severe cases of the disease to quickly replenish iron stores.

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. Such 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 is noted with thickening of the blood and may indicate the development of serious complications. In particular, an increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit during preeclampsia should alert the doctor. Such a symptom signals a high risk of bleeding against the background of preeclampsia and requires special attention to a pregnant woman.

There are no specific signs of an increase in hemoglobin levels. The woman feels weakness, lethargy, apathy, dizziness and palpitations. Such symptoms are similar to anemia, and without an examination, it is quite difficult to distinguish one condition from another. To determine the level of hemoglobin, a routine blood test is required. With an increase in hemoglobin, it is necessary to additionally undergo a hemostasiogram (analysis of blood coagulation).

Possible consequences

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

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

Another problem of elevated hemoglobin is the high risk of thrombosis. When the 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 the sudden death of a pregnant woman.

Treatment Methods

With high hemoglobin associated with thickening of the blood, a 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, concomitant diseases and all detected complications are treated. With timely therapy, the chances of a successful pregnancy outcome remain very high.

Hemoglobin- This is a complex protein that is part of erythrocytes and contains two parts: protein and iron. This element performs an important function of transporting respiratory gases in the body: oxygen from the lungs to all tissues and organs through the arteries and carbon dioxide from the organs to the lungs through the veins.

Normal hemoglobin during pregnancy

information Normally, the hemoglobin level in pregnant women is 110-140 g / l.

In the second trimester (on average from the 20th week of pregnancy), blood volume begins to increase due to the development of the placental circulation. The blood becomes more liquid, the number of erythrocytes decreases, respectively, the level of hemoglobin decreases. This condition is physiological. If hemoglobin begins to decrease before 20 weeks or falls below acceptable values, then we can talk about the development of anemia.

Taking an analysis to determine hemoglobin

Determination of hemoglobin is one of the components of a complete blood count. The analysis is taken by puncturing the ring finger.

Rules for taking a general blood test:

  1. It is best to donate blood in the morning on an empty stomach. In emergency cases, the analysis is taken at any time of the day, not earlier than one hour after eating;
  2. It is advisable to exclude fatty fried foods from the diet during the day;
  3. Not an hour before the study (hemoglobin levels will be elevated);
  4. Eliminate physical and mental stress 10-15 minutes before taking blood;
  5. Warn the laboratory assistant about taking any medications;
  6. To hand over the analysis whenever possible in one laboratory.

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy

Anemia pregnant women- This is a pathological condition characterized by a decrease in the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood below 110 g / l.

Severity of anemia

  1. Light degree(hemoglobin level - from 110 to 91 g / l, erythrocytes - from 3.6 to 3.2 * 10 to 12 degrees / l);
  2. Average degree(hemoglobin level - from 90 to 71 g / l, erythrocytes - from 3.2 to 3.0 * 10 to 12 degrees / l);
  3. Severe degree(hemoglobin level below 70 g/l, erythrocytes below 3.0*10 to the 12th degree/l).

Causes of anemia during pregnancy

The main factors that increase the risk of developing anemia during pregnancy:

  1. Poor nutrition with insufficient intake of vitamins and trace elements from food;
  2. Constant exposure to toxic substances (living in an ecologically unfavorable area, working in hazardous industries);
  3. Chronic infectious diseases;
  4. Diseases of the endocrine, urinary and other systems;
  5. autoimmune diseases;
  6. Multiple pregnancy;
  7. Frequent childbirth.

Symptoms of low hemoglobin

  1. Weakness, increased fatigue;
  2. pale skin;
  3. Deterioration of the condition of the hair and;
  4. Perverted taste (craving for inedible foods), addiction to certain smells;
  5. "Zaedy" in the corners of the mouth;
  6. Periodic involuntary urination due to the development of weakness of the sphincters;
  7. Violations of the functioning of the cardiovascular system: shortness of breath, palpitations, a tendency to edema;
  8. Signs of gastritis.

Diagnosis of anemia in pregnancy

Diagnosis of anemia in pregnancy is based on clinical signs and blood test data.:

  1. Decrease in the number of red blood cells (less than 3.6 * 10 in 12 degrees / l);
  2. Decreased hemoglobin level (less than 110 g/l);
  3. Hypochromia (change in color of red blood cells to pale pink);
  4. Change in color index (less than 0.8);
  5. Decrease in the average content of hemoglobin in one erythrocyte (less than 27 pkg);
  6. Decreased serum ferritin concentration (less than 10 ng / ml);
  7. Change in the size and shape of red blood cells;
  8. It is possible to increase the level of platelets and decrease in leukocytes to the lower limit of the norm;
  9. Increased ESR;
  10. Increase in the level of reticulocytes.

How to raise hemoglobin during pregnancy

additionally Treatment of anemia during pregnancy includes following a special diet and taking iron supplements to increase hemoglobin levels.

Principles of dietary nutrition:

  1. Nutrition with an increased amount of vitamins;
  2. The categorical exclusion of vegetarianism;
  3. Increase in protein products (meat products, offal, fatty);
  4. Reducing the amount of fat to 80 grams per day (excluding fatty fish, lard, lamb);
  5. Getting carbohydrates from cereals, vegetables and fruits.

Foods high in iron:

  1. Pork and veal liver, heart;
  2. Veal, turkey;
  3. Egg yolk;
  4. Apricots, almonds, apples, spinach;
  5. Stale bread;

Medical treatment

Iron supplementation should be long-term, because normalization of blood test results occurs only after 6-8 weeks.

In most cases, drugs are taken in the form of tablets, parenteral administration is prescribed according to strict indications:

  1. Intolerance to oral iron preparations;
  2. Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
  3. Severe forms of anemia;
  4. Iron malabsorption when taken in tablet form.

Of great importance is the intake of iron with additional components that help its more efficient absorption (ascorbic acid, folic acid).

To date, a number of combined preparations have been developed, including iron and the necessary components (, totem, maltofer, ferrum lek, etc.).

Self-treatment is strictly prohibited, the necessary drug and the required dosage are prescribed only by the attending physician with regular monitoring of the general blood test.

In severe forms of anemia, when there is a threat to the life of the mother and child, the treatment of anemia is carried out with the help of blood transfusion (transfusion of erythrocyte donor mass).

Complications of anemia during pregnancy

Important Anemia can lead to a number of complications, both during pregnancy and during childbirth, so this pathological condition requires immediate and complete treatment.

Possible complications of anemia in pregnancy:

  1. Premature termination of pregnancy;
  2. Chronic fetal hypoxia;
  3. Hypoplasia of the chorion and placenta;
  4. preeclampsia;
  5. Weakness of labor activity;
  6. Hypotonic bleeding during childbirth and the postpartum period;
  7. Asphyxia of the newborn;
  8. Hypogalactia (decreased milk production).

Prevention of anemia during pregnancy

  1. Complete nutrition, non-vegetarianism;
  2. Timely treatment of infectious diseases (preferably during pregnancy planning);
  3. Treatment of chronic diseases together with narrow specialists;
  4. Prophylactic administration of iron supplements.

High hemoglobin during pregnancy

Information There is an opinion that only a decrease in hemoglobin level is dangerous during pregnancy, but this is not true. Persistent retention of high hemoglobin can also lead to a number of serious complications.

The main reasons for the increase in hemoglobin ^

  1. Heredity;
  2. Accommodation in high mountain areas;
  3. Increased physical activity;
  4. Folic acid deficiency;
  5. Diseases of the cardiovascular and urinary systems;
  6. Dehydration (often observed in severe toxicosis, accompanied by excessive vomiting);
  7. Diabetes;
  8. Hypervitaminosis of B vitamins;
  9. Violation of the patency of the intestine;
  10. Oncological diseases.

Clinical picture with elevated hemoglobin

The clinical picture is similar to anemia: a woman is worried about increased weakness, fatigue, drowsiness. In the presence of chronic diseases, an increased manifestation of their symptoms is characteristic.

Diagnostic measures

Diagnosis of high hemoglobin does not cause difficulties and is easily determined by deciphering the general blood test. To identify the exact causes of this pathological condition, the doctor will prescribe a series of examinations for the pregnant woman.

  • Dieting with restriction of iron-rich foods, animal fats and increased consumption of fish and seafood;
  • Taking drugs that thin the blood (, cardiomagnyl);
  • Treatment of concomitant diseases.
  • Prevention

    • Regular control of the general blood test (at registration, 18, 28, 35 weeks);
    • Rejection of bad habits;
    • Detailed examination during pregnancy planning;
    • Timely treatment of chronic diseases.