What should be the norm of hemoglobin during pregnancy? Normal hemoglobin levels during pregnancy and allowable deviations Hemoglobin 110 in the first trimester

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.

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 have to face difficulties. A common cause of concern for most women in an interesting position is the level of hemoglobin. How it should be normal, what products it contains and how to increase it, we'll talk.

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

What is hemoglobin

The human body is so arranged that with the onset of pregnancy every week, as the child grows, the placenta increases and all the systems and organs of the woman adapt and begin to work with a double load. The volume of blood in a pregnant woman also increases, and this is normal when the level of hemoglobin, starting from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, gradually decreases. If you do not speak the language of specialists, then you can briefly describe the process as follows: the volume of blood increases and in order for it to continue to circulate normally through the vessels, it must liquefy. Accordingly, the level of hemoglobin decreases. This is normal during the period of bearing crumbs. But you can’t let everything take its course, so it’s very important to control the levels of iron in the blood.

Hemoglobin is the iron-containing protein found in red blood cells. It helps to 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 level of hemoglobin decreases, then this phenomenon is called "anemia", if the indicators are too low - "anemia". You can find out its amount in the blood if you take a blood test to identify indicators of red blood cells.

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

The norm is considered to be an indicator of the level of hemoglobin during pregnancy - 110 g / l, the limits of the permissible norm can range from 120 to 160 g / l - this is the norm for a healthy woman. If the volume of blood cells falls, then urgent action must be taken, especially if a woman carries a baby under her heart.

What are the symptoms of low hemoglobin?

If a pregnant woman does not feel well, there is no need to endure ailments and attribute everything to 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 cyanosis of the nostrils, mucous membranes and lips;
nausea and weakness, accompanied by profuse sweating. Often women complain of sticky sweat;
itching in the ears;
dizziness;
darkness in the eyes;
fainting states;
lack of air;
sleep disturbance;
blanching of the skin;
fragility of hair and nails;
bowel dysfunction: frequent loose stools or too “cool”;
violation of appetite: refusal to eat or vice versa, the absorption of everything in a row.

How to prepare for a blood test

To find out the natural indicator of the level of iron, it is necessary to pass the analysis. The procedure is extremely simple and does not take much time. The laboratory assistant takes a blood sample from the client's finger and after 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 can’t eat anything, you are only allowed to drink a glass of purified water without gas;
if you urgently need to know the level of hemoglobin, 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 use of alcohol (pregnant women are generally forbidden to drink alcohol), as well as completely exclude fatty and fried foods;
in addition to not eating, it is highly undesirable to smoke on an empty stomach - the hemoglobin index after a smoked cigarette may increase;
half an hour before donating blood, you need to limit physical activity, if you were in a hurry to the laboratory and climbed the stairs, it is better to skip your turn and rest for at least 5 minutes;
if you are taking medication, do not forget to tell the laboratory assistant about it;
if possible, it is best to monitor hemoglobin levels throughout pregnancy in one laboratory.

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy

The norm for a woman in position is a hemoglobin index of 110 g / l - this is the lower mark of the permissible norm.

Doctors have their own table, according to which they evaluate the level of iron in the blood:

An indicator of 90-100 g / l is considered a mild degree of anemia.
Indicators of the average degree of hemoglobin deficiency - 70-90 g / l.
A severe degree of anemia is considered to be hemoglobin, which has barely reached the level of 70 g / l.

If hemoglobin is lowered during pregnancy, doctors recommend that a woman take vitamin complexes and, in parallel, start taking iron-containing drugs. In addition, it is necessary to adjust the diet. If you follow all the recommendations of experts, then the problem is 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 mommy.

When a woman carries twins or even triplets, hemoglobin does not have time to be produced in the body in a normal amount and its level, starting from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, can greatly decrease. This indicator is influenced by many factors, including the lack of B vitamins, folic acid and insufficient intake 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 the incoming nutrients;
short interval between pregnancies. In order for the body to fully recover after childbirth, it is necessary to pause - at least 3 years. If a woman becomes pregnant again immediately after her first pregnancy, then the hemoglobin level will be lower than when carrying her first child;
hormonal failure in the body;
the use of antibiotics;
nervous strain, exhaustion.

Low hemoglobin in the blood during pregnancy can most often disturb a woman up to 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 disturb the blood circulation through the vessels, it is necessary to constantly maintain a normal level of hemoglobin and take medications. Self-treatment and its absence is unacceptable.

It is very important to donate blood during pregnancy in order to control the level of iron and so that the gynecologist has the opportunity to distinguish the natural drop in hemoglobin from the beginning form of anemia.

If you miss the time, the consequences can be serious:

weak generic activity;
childbirth begins before the due date;
the child suffers from a 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 understood, a lack of iron in the blood can lead to sad 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 face during pregnancy with the fact that you have to look for ways to increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood, it is necessary, starting from the preparation for conception, to secure your pregnancy. 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 a healthy sleep and only a good mood.

If you had to face the problem of a lack of hemoglobin during pregnancy, the doctor may prescribe special preparations containing iron. Effective complex preparations: "Totema", "Ferrum Lek", "Maltofer", "Sorbifer".

Immediately you need to learn that 1-2 tablets will not make it easier, so you need to tune in to a long-term medication (from 6 to 8 weeks), plus control the level of hemoglobin and donate blood for analysis.

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

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

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

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

Increased hemoglobin during pregnancy

A rarity, but still there are 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 rates.

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.

Elevated 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 offered to determine the level of glycated hemoglobin, do not be afraid in advance. A deviation from the norm or its absence will help doctors determine the problem. The analysis allows you to find out the level of sugar in the blood for the last 3 months. If the level does not exceed 6%, this is the maximum allowable rate; 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 the level of iron exceeds the permissible limits, it is recommended:

diet (limit the intake 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 help thin the blood: Curantil, Cardiomagnyl.

Do not forget about prevention, take regular tests, stop drinking alcohol and quit smoking, treat chronic diseases, preventing exacerbation of the disease.

Remember that timely contacting a antenatal clinic and constant monitoring of the course of pregnancy will help you safely endure and give birth to a strong and healthy baby. Easy childbirth!

Glycated hemoglobin during pregnancy is a type of protein responsible for transporting blood through the vessels. The decrease leads to the development of anemia (anemia) in the 2nd trimester. The determination of the level of the substance is carried out through a special analysis that reveals the level of red blood cells that are the carrier of the protein. Further, drugs may be prescribed to increase the level.

Very low Healthy and delicious to level up
fishy delight treated with peaches

Anemia in pregnant women is common. Ignoring leads to significant problems for the mother and fetus. It is dangerous to lower hemoglobin during pregnancy in the first trimester, when the formation of the organs of the fetus occurs. Rarely occurs in late pregnancy, so fetal hypoxia develops.

The norm of the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin during pregnancy in the second trimester is in the range of 120-160 grams per liter of blood, which is typical for absolutely healthy women. An indicator of at least 110 hemoglobin per liter of blood during pregnancy does not create complications. If the level is below the specified norms, then the situation is considered to be anemia.

When very low

There are three degrees of anemia in pregnancy.

A mild form of a decrease in hemoglobin during pregnancy in the range of 105-90 g / l.
Average: hemoglobin during pregnancy in the range of 90-70 g / l.
Severe below 70 g/l.

Approximately 50% of pregnant women have low hemoglobin levels - 92, 93, 95, etc. The problem is successfully solved. It is strongly recommended to carry out all prescribed tests and take medications in a timely manner. You can also visit forums for women with low pregnancy rates to support treatment. Hematogen during pregnancy with low hemoglobin may help some women.

Downgrade symptoms

What threatens low glycosylated hemoglobin during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester? Malaise contribute to the rapid detection of pathology and the appointment of appropriate treatment.

Signs of pathology include the following:

bluish lips, nostrils, mucous membranes, bruises under the eyes are sharply formed;
constant weakness, nausea, ringing in the ears;
dizziness, darkening in the eyes;
fainting;
tachycardia;
migraine;
palpitations, shortness of breath;
sleep disturbance;
pallor of the skin;
fragility of nails;
hair loss and brittleness;
lack of appetite;
chair problems.

Reasons for the downgrade

The main reason for the decrease in red blood cells is the rapid increase in the amount of blood. Hemoglobin does not have time to develop and the level drops sharply. Anemia most often occurs in women carrying twins or triplets.

Tomato juice will help increase hemoglobin levels

The lack of red blood cells leads to a lack of trace elements: copper, folic acid, B vitamins. Deficiency leads to poor absorption of iron. Other common reasons include:

diseases of the liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system;
toxicosis, useful substances do not have time to be absorbed;
a short break between conceptions, it takes three years to restore the level of the substance;
hormonal disbalance;
dysbacteriosis;
nervous exhaustion.

Possible Complications

A low level usually develops before 34 weeks. Before this period, treatment is not required. However, the development of severe anemia requires immediate medical intervention.

Why is low hemoglobin dangerous during pregnancy? The following pathologies are formed:

Weak tribal forces.
premature birth.
Intrauterine fetal hypoxia.
late toxicosis.
External bleeding.

What is dangerous for the child? The consequences for the child at a low level of the substance are the death of the fetus on the first day after birth.

Useful and tasty

Increased level - the other side of the coin

A high rate leads to erythrocytosis, which causes blood clots, varicose veins, the birth of a dead child, fetal death in the womb, intestinal obstruction, and pathology of the cardiovascular system. It is important to prescribe treatment in a timely manner. What to do in this case? Therapy is prescribed only by the attending physician.

A high level allows you to determine the level of sugar in the blood. The norm of hemoglobin during pregnancy is 6%. If the level is in the range of 6-6.5 - a high risk of diabetes. More than 6.5% indicates the presence of diabetes.

Treatment and prevention of the problem

Fish Delight

What increases hemoglobin during pregnancy? To avoid the disease, it is necessary to follow the rules of nutrition, take iron-containing complexes of vitamins and minerals. You should also make time for walks and physical activity. What is recommended to take? To increase hemoglobin during pregnancy, the following products are recommended:

red meat;
fatty sea fish;
cereals, whole grain bread;
starchy vegetables: potatoes, beets, carrots;
nuts and dried fruits;
mushrooms;
apples, peaches, pomegranates, persimmons.

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)

Pregnancy is one of the most wonderful events in a woman's life. For a future mother, the amazing state of carrying a new life in oneself can bring unquenchable quiet joy.

With the onset of each pregnancy, a huge number of health questions arise, one of them is a low level of hemoglobin during pregnancy.

As you know, hemoglobin is one of the main or main components in the blood, transporting oxygen in red blood cells to all body cells.

In most pregnant women, the body experiences a lack of hemoglobin during the entire waiting period. In fact, it is one of the most common problems and complications during pregnancy.
Obviously, during pregnancy, the entire volume of blood increases significantly, which is one of the primary reasons for the decrease in hemoglobin levels and the concentration of red blood cells in the body. This process also includes the trigger mechanism for the development of anemia.

A high hemoglobin level usually suggests that there are too many red blood cells in the blood. The medical concept is erythrocytosis. This process causes a number of associated complications, because it can disrupt blood circulation and lead to its unregulated coagulation.

The question of a low hemoglobin level in a pregnant woman is always considered for each individual case. And if the level of hemoglobin does not return to normal on its own, then the process of blood loss prevails over the process of hematopoiesis.

Modern medicine believes that a normal, healthy hemoglobin level during pregnancy should be just over 110.5 g/L. According to statistics, by the end of the gestation period, the hemoglobin norm is 110 g / l. According to WHO - 105 g / l.

It is important to understand and know that this is all very individual. And it is advisable to compare and operate with numbers of hemoglobin levels even before pregnancy. With the norm of hemoglobin in a non-pregnant woman - 110-140 g / l, the attending physician will be interested in the rate of its fall.

Hemoglobin is lower than 10.5 g/l. in early pregnancy is more cause for concern than in the third trimester. Low or low hemoglobin during early pregnancy reflects true anemia and indicates an increased risk of preterm birth and other associated complications.

What does low hemoglobin mean?

Decreased hemoglobin during pregnancy is often referred to as anemia. A few examples of more common causes of anemia:

blood loss (traumatic wound, surgery),
nutritional deficiency (iron, vitamin B12),
bone marrow problems (bone marrow replacement, cancer, drug use, chemotherapy, kidney failure),
abnormal hemoglobin (sickle cell anemia).

Iron-deficiency anemia

The need for iron increases significantly during childbearing. Iron is needed to create hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to all cells in the body. In addition, both the growing child and the placenta need iron.
Iron deficiency is by far the most common cause of anemia in pregnancy, but unfortunately not the only one. It is possible to have anemia due to a lack of folic acid or vitamin B12, significant blood loss, or certain circulatory diseases.

Treatment for anemia depends on the cause. Iron supplements are not always the only correct answer.

signs of anemia

Low hemoglobin is a common problem during pregnancy, as a pregnant woman must meet the iron needs for herself and her baby. Throughout pregnancy, the amount of blood must increase to feed the growing fetus. Because of this reason, the body adjusts to produce blood at a faster pace.

Sometimes the need for iron exceeds the amount of iron stored in a woman's body, which can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which is the most common form of anemia during pregnancy. Occasionally, anemia has no symptoms.

However, some signs of low hemoglobin may appear as follows:

Fatigue and constant feeling of weakness;
Pale skin;
Recurring headaches - moderate to severe;
Feeling dizzy and unable to do any work;
unusually fast heartbeat;
Decreased body temperature;
Chest pain;
Irritable state;
Dyspnea;
Unexpected cravings to eat strange things - clay, paint, sometimes chew on ice;
Tingling sensation in hands and feet.

Morning sickness causing vomiting, heavy periods preceding this pregnancy are a consequence of a lack of intake of the required norm of iron. Lack of a variety of iron-containing foods in the diet and vitamins can increase the risk factor for low hemoglobin during pregnancy.

How to increase hemoglobin?

It is very important to have a normal level of hemoglobin immediately before pregnancy itself, throughout the entire period, and naturally, after childbirth. A pregnant woman is considered correct and healthy to consume approximately 28 - 30 mg of iron in the recommended diet, including vitamin supplements and various supplements. Regular checking of hemoglobin levels is very important to ensure that proper hemoglobin levels remain stable.
In the case of anemia, as one of the ways to treat low hemoglobin levels, the doctor may prescribe iron supplements and special supplements to bring the level back to normal.

There are special vitamins for pregnant women, in which the main component is iron. In addition to all the recommendations and preparations, it is important to adjust the diet rich in iron and vitamin C.

Foods that increase the overall level of hemoglobin in the blood are rich in iron. These are green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, seafood, lean meats, wholemeal bread, and cereals. A properly selected diet, including vitamins, ensures that the hemoglobin level remains within the normal range throughout the entire pregnancy and even after it.

To maximize the absorption of iron, it is best to take supplements on an empty stomach with orange juice, not milk. Coffee, tea, milk interfere with the absorption of iron.

Are there any side effects from taking iron supplements?

The high iron content in vitamins and supplements can cause gastrointestinal irritation. Often, this leads to constipation, which in itself is a problem for many pregnant women. If you are already suffering from constipation, increase your fluid intake or try herbal laxative products - plums, dried fruits, peaches.

Heartburn, gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or, less commonly, diarrhea may occur. In such cases, hemoglobin levels can be increased by adjusting the intake of vitamins at different times of the day to adjust to a more comfortable regimen. For example, if iron irritates the stomach lining, avoid taking medication before bed. On the other hand, if the only complaint after taking it is nausea, try to arrange a meal with supplements just before bedtime.

Low hemoglobin levels during pregnancy can be somewhat dangerous for both mother and baby. Therefore, pay special attention to iron-rich foods to maintain normal hemoglobin levels, regularly check and monitor the timing of tests for the safety and health of mother and child.