The importance of hemoglobin in pregnancy

For any woman, pregnancy is one of the happiest times in her life. But not all of them go smoothly, sometimes difficulties arise. One of the weighty reasons for concern for many pregnant women is the hemoglobin content in the blood.

The role of hemoglobin in pregnancy

A substance called hemoglobin is a protein compound with iron found in red blood cells. The main purpose of hemoglobin is that this substance promotes the combination of carbon dioxide and oxygen. Therefore, hemoglobin takes part in the supply of oxygen to all organs and plays the role of an intermediary, transporting blood through the vessels.

During the period of bearing the baby, as the pregnancy develops, the placenta increases in size. The rest of the woman's organ systems, due to such changes, are forced to adapt and function at a double load. In the body of a pregnant woman, the volume of blood also increases. Under these conditions, for normal circulation, the blood must gradually thin out, which explains the gradual decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin. While waiting for the child, this position is considered normal. However, the process must be constantly monitored. It is unacceptable to ignore the concentration of hemoglobin.

The norm of hemoglobin during pregnancy

In people with good health, a hemoglobin concentration in the range of 120-140 g / l is considered normal. As we have already found out, while waiting for the baby, the concentration of hemoglobin naturally decreases due to the thinning of the blood and an increase in its volume. Therefore, it is entirely possible to assume that this indicator will change during the entire pregnancy. The acceptable range of changes for different trimesters of pregnancy are:

• For the initial trimester from 112 to 160 g / l.
• For the second trimester, from 108 to 144 g / l.
• For the third trimester, from 100 to 140 g / l.

Even during the planning period for the birth of a child, as well as with the onset of pregnancy, all experts advise expectant mothers to engage in prevention of a decrease in hemoglobin concentration and development anemia... Cases when the hemoglobin value for some reason exceeds the maximum permissible value also happen, but much less often.

Symptoms of low hemoglobin during pregnancy

The decrease in hemoglobin values ​​can be divided into several degrees. In about a tenth of all expectant mothers, the hemoglobin concentration is around 120 g / l, which is the norm. If, as a result of a blood test, the concentration of white blood cells dropped to 110 g / l, we can talk about a mild stage of anemia. In such a situation, it is not required to take special medications to increase iron levels. With minor nutritional adjustments, the hemoglobin count will return to normal. To do this, it is recommended to add buckwheat dishes, pomegranates, green apples to the menu. It is also useful to eat meat or fish dishes and liver every day.

If the tests show a hemoglobin level below 100 g / l, then moderate anemia is diagnosed. This condition already requires taking special iron-containing drugs. It is impossible to choose the necessary medicine on your own. This can lead to bloating, constipation, and other unpleasant conditions. A specialist can prescribe the drug Ferumlek or Hemofer, which have received good reviews from patients and specialists.

A significant decrease in hemoglobin is quite rare in pregnant women. In this case, its concentration drops to 70 g / l, or even lower. With this value of hemoglobin, a severe degree of anemia is diagnosed, which requires treatment in a hospital setting. An intravenous iron supplement is prescribed to a pregnant woman.

You can independently identify a decrease in hemoglobin by the following signs:

• Pallor of the skin and blueness of the lips.
• Fast fatiguability.
• Even low physical activity provokes shortness of breath.
• The condition of the hair and nail plates deteriorates, they become weak and brittle.
• The woman suffers from insomnia and headaches.
• Taste preferences change, constipation bothers.
• The expectant mother has fainting.

Causes of low hemoglobin during pregnancy

The most important reason for a decrease in the concentration of white blood cells of all possible is the lack of iron in the food of a pregnant woman. The need of a pregnant woman for this element increases significantly. Iron is required for the proper formation of fetal tissue, to improve its circulatory system. This element is involved in the formation of the placenta and in the growth of the muscle tissue of the uterus during the entire pregnancy.

During the period from 16 to 20 weeks of waiting for the child, the hematopoietic system of the baby is actively formed, it is then that the woman has a decrease in hemoglobin indicators in the blood. When the reserves of this substance in the blood of the expectant mother are depleted, she can develop iron deficiency anemia. The greatest likelihood of the formation of this condition is formed in the second or third trimester.

In some cases, a low concentration of hemoglobin is detected already according to the results of the first analysis during the registration of the expectant mother. This indicates the presence of anemia even before pregnancy due to poor nutrition or insufficient processing of iron by the body. Another likely reason for the lack of hemoglobin is the rapid destruction of erythrocytes in the body of a pregnant woman.

In addition to a lack of iron, hemoglobin in pregnant women can fall due to a deficiency in organs vitamin A B12 or folic acid... Anemia can be caused by hereditary ailments, the production of proteins by the body of the expectant mother that destroy red blood cells, or profuse bleeding.

How to raise hemoglobin during pregnancy

Various methods can be used to improve hemoglobin levels. As a rule, the doctor recommends drinking iron supplements. From the first trimester, a woman is prescribed to take folic acid, vitamin complexes with iron and other medicines. It is impossible to make the choice of a medicine on your own.

A good result is obtained by taking iron-containing preparations together with ascorbic acid. It is essential in the process of iron metabolism. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the content of ascorbic acid is approximately three times greater than the concentration of iron. This condition must be met to increase hemoglobin. In addition, this ratio allows you to effectively improve the state of the immune defense of the body of the expectant mother.

Even after the hemoglobin level is restored, you cannot stop taking the drugs for at least six months. After all, this can provoke his fall.

It is possible to increase the concentration of hemoglobin without the help of drugs, but using folk methods for this purpose. First of all, it is necessary to review nutrition. It must be complete and balanced.

If the decrease in hemoglobin is not critical, then a cocktail of dried fruits will help to correct the situation. This delicious delicacy will not only increase the iron content, but also provide the necessary charge of vitamins and useful microelements. In addition, this mixture is an excellent remedy for the prevention of seasonal colds.

To prepare such a vitamin mixture, take any dried fruits, nuts and honey... All dried fruits and nuts are crushed in any way and mixed with honey. Every day this mixture is consumed three times a tablespoon. You can substitute this delicious mixture for snacks.

A mixture of beetroot and carrot juices in equal amounts effectively increases hemoglobin. Any meat, liver, fish, cereals, green vegetables will be a good source of iron. It is imperative to include foods that contain a lot of vitamin C, which is necessary for high-quality absorption of iron.

Increased hemoglobin during pregnancy

Under certain circumstances, hemoglobin may not decrease while the child is waiting, but, on the contrary, increase. This is evidenced by a hemoglobin index of 150 g / l and above. This usually happens in pregnant women who spend their time waiting for the baby in the fresh air in a favorable ecological environment. It also increases the concentration of red blood cells in the blood, a lot of physical activity.

With a slight excess of normal hemoglobin parameters, treatment is not required. It is enough to adjust the diet towards reducing foods high in iron and give up heavy physical exertion, replacing them with long walks in the fresh air. It is also necessary to drink plenty of water to thin the blood.