Hemoglobin during pregnancy: the norm and deviations. Normal hemoglobin levels during pregnancy and permissible deviations Hemoglobin values ​​in pregnant women with anemia

Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein. It is the main component of red blood cells, the main function of which is to carry 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 vital organs and in the placenta. Therefore, the hemoglobin level decreases during this period.

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.

Hemoglobin levels become as low as possible at 32-34 weeks. True iron deficiency anemia occurs beyond 20 weeks of gestation. A drop in hemoglobin by the end of pregnancy is normal and does not need special treatment. Before delivery, the hemoglobin level may rise on its 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;
  • The number of erythrocytes is 3.6 * 10/12 l;
  • The serum iron content 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 for 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 a decrease in the hemoglobin rate during pregnancy:

Manifestation of violations of the norm

With a low hemoglobin level in pregnant women, gas exchange between 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 lowering hemoglobin levels during pregnancy is proper nutrition. The most promising method is fortification of food with iron, complete 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, in contrast to proteins from plant foods.

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

30% of the fat in the diet must be of plant origin. Fats not only improve taste, but also make you feel full. However, do not overdo it, as excessive amounts of fatty foods can lead to obesity, decreased appetite and lower the body's resistance to infections.

In pregnant women with anemia, there is a deficiency of vitamins of group B and vitamin C, therefore it is necessary to take them additionally.

Particular attention should 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 should be placed in boiling water, covered with a lid and cooked only until tender, without overcooking. To do this, you need to use enameled dishes.

Raw fruits and vegetables are prepared immediately prior to consumption. Also, dishes are not recommended to be stored 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.

With a low hemoglobin level, you should consult a doctor. In this case, he can 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 -.

Pregnancy is one of the most wonderful experiences in a woman's life. For a mother-to-be, 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 which is the low hemoglobin level during pregnancy.

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

In most pregnant women, the body experiences a lack of hemoglobin during the entire waiting period. In fact, this is one of the most common problems and difficulties during pregnancy.
Obviously, during pregnancy, the entire blood volume 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 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. Medical concept - erythrocytosis. This process causes a number of concomitant complications, because it can disrupt blood circulation and lead to unregulated coagulation.

The issue of a low hemoglobin level in a pregnant woman is always considered on a case-by-case basis. And if the hemoglobin level does not return to normal on its own, it means that the process of blood loss prevails over the process of hematopoiesis.

Modern medicine believes that a normal, healthy hemoglobin level during pregnancy should be slightly more than 110.5 g / L. According to statistics, by the end of the gestation period, the hemoglobin rate is 110 g / l. According to the 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 figures for the level of hemoglobin even before pregnancy. If the norm of hemoglobin in a non-pregnant woman is 110-140 g / l, the attending physician will be interested in the rate of its fall.

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

What does low hemoglobin level mean?

Low hemoglobin levels in pregnancy are often referred to as anemia. A few examples of more common causes of anemia:

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

Iron-deficiency anemia

Iron requirements increase significantly when carrying a baby. Iron is needed to create hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to all cells in the body. In addition, the growing baby and the placenta also need iron.
Iron deficiency is by far the most common cause of anemia in pregnancy, but unfortunately not the only one. There is a possibility of having anemia due to a lack of folate or vitamin B12, with significant blood loss, or from certain diseases associated with impaired blood supply.

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

Signs of anemia

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

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

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

  • Fatigue and constant feeling of weakness;
  • Pale skin;
  • Recurrent headaches, moderate to severe;
  • Dizziness and feeling of inability to do any work;
  • An unusually fast heartbeat;
  • Decreased body temperature;
  • Chest pain;
  • Irritable state;
  • Dyspnea;
  • Unexpected cravings are strange things - clay, paint, sometimes gnawing ice;
  • Tingling sensations in palms and feet.

Morning sickness causing vomiting, heavy periods preceding this pregnancy are a consequence of a lack of intake of the necessary iron intake. Lack of variety in dietary iron and vitamins can increase the distress and risk factor of low hemoglobin during pregnancy.

How to increase hemoglobin?

It is very important to have a normal hemoglobin level just before pregnancy itself, during the entire period, and, naturally, after childbirth. A pregnant woman is considered correct and healthy to consume approximately 28 to 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 treatments for low hemoglobin levels, your doctor may prescribe iron medications and special supplements to bring the level back to normal.

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

Foods that increase the total level of hemoglobin in the blood are rich in iron. These include green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, seafood, lean meats, wholemeal breads, and cereals. A well-chosen diet, including vitamins, ensures that hemoglobin levels remain within the normal range throughout and even after pregnancy.

To help the body absorb as much iron as possible, it is best to take the supplement on an empty stomach with orange juice rather than milk. Coffee, tea, milk interfere with the absorption of iron.

Are there any side effects of taking iron supplements?

The high iron content of vitamins and supplements can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. This often leads to constipation, which is a problem in itself for many pregnant women. If you already suffer from constipation, increase your fluid intake or try herbal laxatives such as plums, dried fruits, peaches.

Heartburn, gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or, less commonly, diarrhea may occur. In such cases, the hemoglobin level can be increased by adjusting the intake of vitamins at different times of the day in order to adapt to a more comfortable regimen. For example, if iron irritates the stomach lining, avoid taking medications before bed. On the other hand, if nausea is your only post-intake complaint, try arranging a supplemented meal just before bed.

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

Pregnancy is a wonderful and responsible time in the life of every woman. After all, a small treasure grows inside, which depends exclusively on the expectant mother. First of all, namely health plays an important role in the formation of the child and the outcome of pregnancy depends on it. Control over the state of the body in an interesting position is accompanied by the control of indicators of a general blood test (hereinafter CBC) and one of the most important - hemoglobin level in pregnant women.

Let's figure out what it is and what does it affect? Hemoglobin - a type of protein that contains iron, which delivers oxygen to the organs and tissues of the entire body. It is on its level that the correct development of the child and the well-being of the pregnant woman depend. To determine this indicator, you need surrender the UAC with a finger.

Preparation rules the following:

  • the analysis is given in the morning on an empty stomach;
  • do not eat fatty and fried foods the day before delivery;
  • do not drink alcohol;
  • tell the technician about medications if you are taking them.

What hemoglobin should a pregnant woman have? The norm of the level of hemoglobin in women during pregnancy, it fluctuates in the range of 110-140 grams / liter.

Anemia or low hemoglobin in pregnancy

Deficiency of hemoglobin in the blood is called anemia or anemia. There are several severity of anemia:

  • light (110-91 g / l);
  • medium (90-71 g / l);
  • heavy (less than 70 g / l).

Low hemoglobin is often found in more than half of pregnant women, but this does not mean that it can be neglected. Low hemoglobin is especially dangerous during pregnancy in the first trimester, this is the period of the formation of the baby's organs.

In the second trimester, the reduced hemoglobin level in a pregnant woman is quite understandable, since there is an active increase in blood volume in the body of the expectant mother. For good blood circulation in the body at this stage, the blood should not be thick.

If hemoglobin is lowered during pregnancy after, you should pay special attention to your health and consult your doctor.

To avoid anemia during pregnancy, you should pay attention to your well-being for timely diagnosis and the necessary treatment.

You should contact the gynecologist of the antenatal clinic if you have such symptoms of low hemoglobin during pregnancy:

  • feeling weak;
  • pale skin;
  • tachycardia, shortness of breath;
  • gastritis symptoms;
  • brittle hair and / or nails.

Often, anemia is observed in women with twins or triplets. The reasons for the development of anemia a bunch of. One of the main ones is the lack of trace elements necessary for the absorption of iron (zinc, folic acid, vitamin B12).

Also the reason for anemia can be:

  • antibiotic treatment;
  • diseases of the kidneys, liver, cardiovascular system;
  • short break between childbirth;
  • infectious diseases.

Diagnosing anemia is performed based on the results of a blood test.

How to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy

How to raise hemoglobin during pregnancy? To do this, you need to: follow a diet and take iron supplements only as prescribed by your doctor. Remember: foods can help maintain the level of hemoglobin, they cannot significantly raise it if there is a lack of it!

Your diet should include those that increase hemoglobin during pregnancy. products:

  • pork and veal liver;
  • red meat;
  • egg yolk;
  • cereals, whole grain bread;
  • legumes (buckwheat, beans);
  • pomegranate, apples, peaches, grapes;
  • parsley, cabbage, carrots;
  • nuts and dried fruits.

Beyond diet the importance of being outdoors and moderate physical activity (gymnastics, swimming) should be noted.

Regarding drug treatment, the choice of the drug and the required dosage is determined by the doctor conducting your pregnancy. Self-treatment is strictly prohibited.

Why is low hemoglobin dangerous during pregnancy? In the absence of treatment or late detection of anemia, complications may arise, such as:

For the prevention of anemia necessary:

  • monitor your well-being;
  • regularly monitor a complete blood count;
  • give up vegetarianism;
  • eat well;
  • treat any diseases in a timely manner.

Increased hemoglobin during pregnancy

It should be remembered that increased iron levels during pregnancy should also alert expectant mothers.

The main reasons high hemoglobin in pregnancy is:

If you have exacerbated chronic diseases, this indicates an increase in iron levels... Symptoms such as increased weakness, fatigue, and drowsiness are symptoms of an excess of iron in the blood.

Before prescribing treatment, it is necessary to determine what is the cause of this condition through a series of examinations. If hemoglobin is increased, it is necessary to eliminate a possible lack of fluid in the body with plenty of drinks, follow a diet with a limited amount of iron, take blood thinners.

What is the danger of an excess of iron during pregnancy? Your baby will not receive the nutrients that are useful to him in full due to the density of the blood. As a result, the fetus will experience oxygen starvation, which can cause developmental delay or lead to death (at an early stage). Also, an excess of hemoglobin contributes to the appearance of blood clots in the expectant mother.

To avoid unwanted problems associated with an excess of hemoglobin should be regularly monitored blood tests, get rid of bad habits and treat chronic diseases in time.

Low hemoglobin video

We invite you to watch a program about low hemoglobin from the famous children's doctor Komarovsky.

Whatever one may say, the course of pregnancy is purely individual for each woman. Even for the same woman, each pregnancy can proceed differently. We have an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with any information of interest about the norm of hemoglobin in pregnant women, analyzing it and following our intuition, make final conclusions. Share your experience with readers, how to quickly raise hemoglobin during pregnancy!


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 state 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 to oxygen and carry it from the lungs to all organs and tissues. It is thanks to hemoglobin that a person's blood acquires its characteristic red color.

For the synthesis of hemoglobin, iron is needed. This element must necessarily come 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, the synthesis of hemoglobin 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 too 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 provoke a change in the level of hemoglobin?

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy

Pregnancy anemia is a condition in which the hemoglobin level falls below 110 g / l. The disease most often develops in the II and III trimesters and is caused by the restructuring of the body in connection with the bearing of a child. Low hemoglobin occurs in 20-80% of all expectant mothers (the numbers 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 required volume, and the supply of hemoglobin suffers with them. Most women develop iron deficiency anemia associated with insufficient supply of iron from the outside. Other forms of anemia during pregnancy are extremely rare.

Factors provoking the development of anemia in pregnant women:

  • unbalanced diet (lack of iron, proteins, vitamins);
  • living in an ecologically unfavorable area;
  • chronic diseases that disrupt hemoglobin synthesis (diabetes mellitus, rheumatism, kidney disease);
  • multiple pregnancy;
  • frequent childbirth with a small gap 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 an adequate supply of this substance to 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, folate 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 onset of anemia. Routine fasting and thoughtless adherence to diets also leads to a lack of hemoglobin and oxygen starvation of tissues during pregnancy.

Most women develop 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 in the early stages. Only a small number of women manage to carry a child without changes in their hemoglobin levels.

Symptoms of anemia

Typical signs of low hemoglobin:

  • severe general weakness;
  • dizziness;
  • loss of appetite;
  • pallor of the 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, against the background of anemia, the symptoms of existing gastritis are aggravated. There is pain in the abdomen, heaviness after eating, belching, heartburn. In rare cases, the function of the sphincters of the urethra and bladder is disrupted, which leads to involuntary urination.

Complications of pregnancy

Most unfavorable is anemia that existed before pregnancy. In this case, the woman's condition worsens while waiting for the child, and the risk of complications also increases. Anemia, which occurs for the first time during pregnancy, is easier and less often leads 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;
  • 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 lead to slow weight gain after birth. Such 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 erythrocytes 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 (hemoglobin less than 70 g / l).

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

All blood tests are taken before the start of specific therapy. Hemoglobin values ​​and other parameters while taking medications will be false. It is possible to take a blood test for control only 7 days after the cancellation of all medications. It is also necessary 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 every trimester. If necessary, the doctor may order an examination more often. A blood test must be taken at the first visit of a pregnant woman to a doctor, before childbirth and in the postpartum period.

Treating anemia

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

Medical treatment consists of taking iron supplements. The course of therapy is long and lasts at least 1 month. During treatment, regular monitoring of the hemoglobin level and other blood parameters is mandatory. In the absence of the effect of therapy, the dosage of the drug is changed or the entire treatment regimen is completely revised.

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

Many women have been taking a prenatal multivitamin for a long time. Some complex vitamins already contain iron in the required dosage. If the available dose of iron is insufficient to relieve anemia, the doctor may prescribe additional iron supplementation.

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

Treatment of severe forms of anemia is carried out in a hospital. With a hemoglobin level 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. This symptom signals a high risk of bleeding against the background of preeclampsia and requires special attention to the pregnant woman.

There are no specific signs of an increase in hemoglobin levels. The woman feels weak, lethargic, apathetic, dizzy and heart palpitations. These symptoms are similar to anemia, and it is difficult to distinguish one condition from another without examination. 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 during pregnancy dangerous? First of all, the fact that in such a situation blood circulation in the placenta suffers. 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 work of all internal organs and the nervous system. With a prolonged course of the disease, a noticeable delay in the development of the fetus is possible.

Thick blood is also a risk of bleeding during pregnancy and the puerperium. 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 at risk. To save a woman and her baby, an emergency caesarean section may be required at any stage of pregnancy.

Another problem with high 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. A particular danger is pulmonary embolism, which can cause sudden death of a pregnant woman.

Treatment methods

With high hemoglobin associated with blood thickening, 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 the 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.

Hemoglobin during pregnancy

Pregnancy- an amazing time, the female body is being rebuilt, new hitherto unknown sensations appear, the world is colored with new colors. The woman is preparing to become a mother. First of all, a pregnant woman goes to register with a gynecologist, she is given an exchange card, in which all data regarding the course of pregnancy and test results will be entered. In each trimester, the pregnant woman takes a general blood test, where one of the important indicators is hemoglobin, a decrease in which leads to anemia. A low level of hemoglobin can cause a lot of anxiety for an expectant mother, and this does not reflect in the best way on the child. Let's figure out how to cope and prevent anemia.

Dangers of decreased hemoglobin

Hemoglobin Is a substance that carries oxygen to all organs and tissues, it is a part of erythrocytes. Normal hemoglobin level during pregnancy 120-160 g / l. Further, the degrees of anemia are distinguished: 90-110 g / l - a mild form of anemia, 80-90 g / l - moderate anemia, less than 80 g / l - a severe form.

The fact that the level of hemoglobin is falling can be determined by a woman even before the test. This process is accompanied by a number of symptoms: weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, pallor and dry skin, hair loss - these are the main signs of anemia.

The danger of anemia lies in the possible negative manifestations - this can lead to early toxicosis, to gestosis during pregnancy, the risks of miscarriage and premature birth are possible. Also, with prolonged anemia, a child may develop malnutrition - a decrease in body weight.

It's important to know:

Don't panic

Let's clarify one question. The decrease in hemoglobin during pregnancy is a natural process. Why?

During pregnancy, the content of water and salts in a woman's body changes. The volume of circulating blood increases by 30-50% and the body has to adapt to the growing load. How does this happen? It tries to help the heart to push through more blood by thinning it and relaxing the blood vessels. Blood thinning - an increase in the proportion of the liquid component in the blood - plasma, leads to a physiological decrease in hemoglobin during pregnancy. The concentration of red blood cells in the blood decreases with blood thinning, and as we already know, hemoglobin is part of it. Thus, our body adapts.

In women who are prone to anemia, the risk of developing it during pregnancy increases. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of the prevention of anemia even during the planning of pregnancy.

Treatment or prevention?

It's no secret that it is easier to prevent a disease than to cure it later. Of course, in the antenatal clinic you will be prescribed medication. When I was pregnant my hemoglobin level went down up to 100 g / l and I was prescribed iron tablets. Moreover, with pharmaceutical preparations, the treatment of anemia is, as a rule, a rather lengthy process. So, I started taking these pills and could only withstand a week. After them, I felt the taste of spoiled chocolate in my mouth for an hour, felt nauseous and developed a persistent dislike for this drug. But how can it be? Hemoglobin still needs to be raised, and I figured out how I can take care of myself without medication.

We eat for pleasure

For prevention iron deficiency anemia you need to eat meat or poultry, fish and liver daily. Fruits and cereals also contain iron, but it is absorbed only by 5-10%.

And yet you need to take note of such fruits and vegetables as: pumpkin, fresh and sauerkraut, spinach, greens, carrots and carrot juice, sour apples, pomegranate.

Iron is also found in buckwheat.

But there is one but. Iron is not absorbed with calcium... Therefore, you cannot eat buckwheat with milk, so the body will not receive either calcium or iron. In order for iron to be well absorbed, you need to eat iron-containing foods two hours before or two hours after eating a meal containing calcium.

Also, the body needs substances that will help the gland to be absorbed. The best vitamin C in this matter, it also helps the absorption of folic acid. The daily requirement for vitamin C for adequate absorption of iron is 75 mg. This amount of vitamin is found in a cup - broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, orange, cranberry, pineapple or grapefruit juice, fresh strawberries.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can also affect the decrease in hemoglobin. For prevention, we include dairy products, eggs and meat in the diet.

Fresh fruits and vegetables should be present in the daily diet of a pregnant woman. They contain folic acid, which is also present in the formation of hemoglobin.

Daily walks in the fresh air are also important. I took all these recommendations to myself and after a month my hemoglobin level was 119 g / l.

Let's take care of your health. And then will not give you unnecessary anxiety.