What should be the norm of hemoglobin during pregnancy? The norm of hemoglobin in pregnant women in different trimesters.

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 -.

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

Hemoglobin is an integral part of red blood cells, it is responsible for the circulation of oxygen in the blood from the respiratory organs to the tissues. In addition, with the help of hemoglobin, carbon dioxide is also transported from tissues to the respiratory organs.

The concentration of hemoglobin in human blood plays an important diagnostic role: according to this indicator, the doctor can judge the well-being of the state of the body of his patient. And during pregnancy, the level of hemoglobin becomes even more important.

The norm of hemoglobin during pregnancy:

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

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

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

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

- high hemoglobin

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

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

High hemoglobin can be a symptom of diseases of the kidneys, heart, intestines or stomach. Although, it is possible that this is a hereditary feature of the woman's body.

This condition is a risk factor for the formation of blood clots, which is highly undesirable during pregnancy. Also, due to thickening of the blood at a high level of hemoglobin, it is not able to circulate normally in the vessels, due to which oxygen and nutrients may not reach the fetus in the right amount. And therefore, the doctor, most likely, will advise the pregnant woman to walk more in the fresh air, adjust her diet and drinking regimen.

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

- low hemoglobin

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

Doctors say about the development of anemia in a pregnant woman if the level of hemoglobin in her blood falls below 110 g / l. Most often, iron deficiency anemia develops in pregnant women, provoked by insufficient intake or insufficient own supply of iron. Approximately half of all pregnant women have low hemoglobin levels in the blood.

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

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

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

Products that increase hemoglobin during pregnancy

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

  1. Among the meat products: heart, kidneys, fish, poultry, tongue, white chicken meat;
  2. Among cereals and cereals: buckwheat, beans, lentils, peas, rye;
  3. Among vegetables and herbs: fresh tomatoes, potatoes, onions, pumpkin, beets, watercress, dandelion leaves, spinach, parsley;
  4. Among fruits: red or green apples, plums, persimmons, bananas, pears, peaches, apricots, quince
  5. Among the berries: blackcurrant and cranberries, strawberries, blueberries;
  6. Juices include:(no more than two sips daily), beetroot, apple juice with a high iron content.
  7. Moreover perfectly raise the level of hemoglobin, black and caviar, various seafood, dark chocolate, dried mushrooms, dried fruits and hematogen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Especially for- Maryana Surma

Hemoglobin- a protein contained in erythrocytes, it can form an unstable temporary compound with oxygen and carbon dioxide, that is, it is an intermediary in the process of tissue respiration.

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy: consequences

A decrease in hemoglobin during pregnancy can lead to the following troubles:

  • with insufficient quantity metabolic processes slow down, cells divide less frequently, get rid of waste substances worse. All complex biochemical reactions are weaker or go in a roundabout way;
  • baby growth slows down, the immune system develops weaker, this threatens with frequent illnesses in the future, after birth;
  • the baby is born with a low birth weight, worse adapts to the new environment of life;
  • higher risk of birth complications, for example, weakness of labor activity, a tendency to longer;
  • woman recovering slowly after childbirth, it is difficult for her to take care of the baby due to rapid fatigue.

What is the norm?

What is the normal level of hemoglobin during pregnancy? It is considered that normal hemoglobin levels during pregnancy- 120-140 g / l or 12-14 units. Permissible fluctuations of 10-15 g / l in one direction or another.

With such indicators, the tissues are sufficiently saturated with oxygen, and the viscosity of the blood is optimal, it calmly passes through the smallest capillaries.

During pregnancy, a woman's heart provides blood flow to both the mother's body and the placenta, so the amount of fluid in the vessels increases.

The influx of additional volume occurs mainly due to plasma, which “dilutes” the blood and a natural decrease in hemoglobin occurs. But if there are no health problems, the food is sufficient and complete, this deficit is quickly eliminated.

Second critical period- after 20 weeks of pregnancy, when the baby begins to grow very quickly, its own blood cells are actively produced, iron reserves are accumulated for independent living.

The mother's body shares its reserves with the child, and if there are enough of them, everything goes well. If before that a woman was often sick, was on a diet or was fond of vegetarianism, then the hemoglobin level in a pregnant woman drops sharply.

What kind symptoms occur with anemia in pregnant women?

  • , drowsiness, fatigue.
  • susceptibility to colds.
  • fragility of nails and hair, dryness and pallor of the skin.
  • decreased mood, sleep disturbance.
  • dizziness, frequent.

How to improve performance?

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy should be raised. Treatment Methods low (reduced) hemoglobin during pregnancy depend on the severity and degree of reduction.

With a mild course, the hemoglobin level is about 100 g / l you can try first adjust the routine and nutrition. Sufficient sleep, fresh air, a reasonable amount of physical activity is essential for good health and successful therapy.

Balanced diet. If you disassemble the word “hemoglobin” itself, you will notice that the second part, “globin”, speaks of its protein origin, but iron is contained in the first part. Therefore, without a sufficient amount of protein in food, even the most modern drugs will be ineffective.

Iron is also preferred over animal origin, of the richest elements of buckwheat, a very small amount of it is absorbed.

Medical treatment. Iron-containing tablets or syrups are prescribed, in severe cases (rarely) injection solutions are used.

Taking these drugs requires the right combination with food. Basic rule- do not combine them with milk, so if milk porridge is planned for breakfast, it is better to drink medicines at another meal.

But the digestibility of products that contain vitamin C and. Often they are additionally prescribed by a doctor.

Here main products, without which the expectant mother should not do:
From the plant kingdom:

  • grains and legumes: buckwheat, beans, wheat germ;
  • fruits and berries: pomegranate (with caution when frequent), apples, peaches, apricots, quince. If you are not allergic to citrus fruits, you should definitely eat them and drink fresh juices. Dried fruits also do not lose their effectiveness, the only thing you need to make sure that no chemical reagents are used when drying them;
  • vegetables and herbs: spinach, parsley, carrots, cabbage of all kinds and in any cooking option, beets, pumpkin, onions;
  • it is imperative for a pregnant woman to eat at least a few walnuts daily, natural also works well.

From the animal world:

  • lean beef and pork, beef tongue, fish, poultry;
  • rich in iron and vitamins egg yolks, caviar, liver. Light and tender curd protein will help the liver and is completely absorbed by the body.

The main thing in the preparation of the diet - sense of proportion and diversity. If signs of an allergy or intolerance appear, it is worth finding out the product - the source of the trouble and avoiding it.

If hemoglobin is elevated

Sometimes, a little less often, there are situations when hemoglobin is elevated(above 160 g/l).

This is considered normal for women living in mountainous areas, as part of a system for adapting to rarefied air. The same indicators can be in those who, before the onset of pregnancy and during it, do not part with a cigarette.

During pregnancy, a woman passes a huge number of laboratory tests. One of them is aimed at determining the level of hemoglobin in the blood. Let's figure out why this analysis is considered mandatory and how low hemoglobin levels affect the condition of the expectant mother and fetus.

Hemoglobin is a complex protein that contains iron. It is responsible for saturating cells with oxygen, and also removes carbon dioxide from the body with its help.

Blood saturated with this protein is an indicator of good health, and its level during pregnancy helps the doctor track the development of the baby.

Norm

In a person who is completely healthy, the hemoglobin index will be 120-145 g / l. However, the norm of hemoglobin in pregnant women is slightly different: more blood is produced, it becomes less dense, which leads to a natural decrease in this indicator. Throughout the entire period of bearing a child, the level fluctuates, and for each trimester there are their own norms. Hemoglobin indicators for pregnant women:

  • 1-3 months - 110-165 g / l;
  • 3-6 months - 109-145 g / l;
  • 6-9 months - 101-141 g / l.

During pregnancy, there is a risk of developing anemia, since the level of hemoglobin at this time decreases. Doctors monitor the analyzes and take measures in case of a sharp decrease in the concentration of this indicator.

Under normal conditions, the internal tissues are fully saturated with oxygen, the blood has an optimal viscosity for easy passage through the thinnest capillaries and vessels.

Normal hemoglobin levels contribute to the proper development of the baby

During pregnancy, the heart of the expectant mother works faster: it pumps blood, provides the body and the placenta with useful substances. As a result, the volume of the liquid increases. Plasma "dilutes" the composition of the blood, thereby reducing the amount of hemoglobin. With good health and proper nutrition, the deficit is quickly compensated.

Analyzes

A general blood test allows you to study several components: red blood cells, platelets, lymphocytes and hemoglobin. To get blood for research, a finger is pierced.


Blood test for hemoglobin level

  • donate blood in the morning before meals. In some situations, they can take an analysis in the evening, but always a few hours after eating;
  • 24 hours before visiting a doctor, fatty foods, fried foods and alcoholic beverages should be excluded from the diet;
  • do not smoke for at least two hours before the examination, otherwise the hemoglobin level will be higher than normal, the result will be false;
  • before analysis, it is better to exclude sports;
  • the medications a woman is taking can affect the diagnostic results. You must inform the laboratory assistant in advance about taking any medications.

High hemoglobin levels

Elevated hemoglobin during pregnancy is not a sign of illness. In the first weeks, the indicators increase due to a sharp change in hormonal levels, but quickly return to normal when the fetus begins to use maternal resources for its own growth.

If the hemoglobin level has increased by several units, and this has not been observed before, then this may be evidence of a "reconfiguration" of the body. Naturally, the indicators increase after being in the mountains and physical exertion. In rare cases, this is due to poor health.

Causes of high hemoglobin during pregnancy:

  • lack of trace elements: folic acid (B9) and vitamin B12. Vitamin B9 is involved in the synthesis of red blood cells, reduces the risk of malformations in the development of the fetus and reduces the likelihood of miscarriage. Folic acid also normalizes metabolism and is indirectly associated with the synthesis of hemoglobin. B12 contributes to the healthy development of the baby, normalizes the functioning of organs and restores hemoglobin levels. With a lack of these compounds, hemoglobin rises sharply;
  • diseases of the kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract and heart: lead to a sharp increase in hemoglobin in the blood;
  • increase in physical activity;
  • smoking;
  • diabetes;
  • dehydration of the body: accompanied by toxicosis, frequent vomiting;
  • heart diseases;
  • oncology;
  • heredity.

High hemoglobin increases the likelihood of blood clots. The blood becomes thicker, due to which the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the baby is reduced. The doctor may prescribe outdoor walks, diet and water regimen.


High hemoglobin levels affect pregnancy

With a high level of hemoglobin - above 160 g / l - treatment is prescribed. Recommendations for high hemoglobin levels:

  1. Drink 2 liters of pure water per day.
  2. Limit the intake of foods that contain iron: fish, seafood. Also avoid fatty meats.
  3. Drink a course of drugs that reduce blood viscosity.
  4. Take prenatal vitamins prescribed by a gynecologist.

For prevention purposes, the doctor may prescribe a general examination and an additional blood test.

Low performance

If hemoglobin decreases by several units in the second trimester, then this is the norm. But if the tests show a sharp decrease to 23 weeks, then this is a symptom of anemia or anemia. The main causes of the development of the disease:

  • iron deficiency: leads to premature birth, underdevelopment and low fetal weight. Improper nutrition is one of the main causes of anemia;
  • lack of zinc, copper in the body: affects the general well-being (appetite disappears), immunity decreases and susceptibility to infections increases. Zinc affects DNA, improves the conduction of nerve impulses. Copper is involved in the formation of the cardiovascular system of the baby, supports the nervous system. Trace elements support the body's metabolism. With their insufficiency, weakness, anemia develops;
  • gastrointestinal disorder: impairs the absorption of nutrients from the intestines, which leads to beriberi;
  • nervous breakdowns: impair the flow of nutrients into the blood.

When the hemoglobin is below 110 g/l, doctors diagnose anemia. Most often, it develops due to a lack of iron in the body.

Forms of anemia

There are several forms of anemia, depending on the saturation of the blood with hemoglobin.

  1. Mild disease: 109-95 g/l.
  2. Average disease: 95-81 g/l.
  3. Severe disease: 71 g/l and below.

Reduced hemoglobin is the cause of rapid fatigue, weakness, drowsiness and lethargy. If the disease is not corrected, then shortness of breath appears, the pulse becomes more frequent, malfunctions in the gastrointestinal tract make themselves felt.


Low hemoglobin is the cause of bad mood

The expectant mother's skin turns pale, her hair becomes dry and actively falls out, her nails exfoliate. Frequent colds and stomatitis are also signs of reduced hemoglobin. The expectant mother should make up for the deficiency of the element as soon as possible, since its lack affects the development of the child:

  • the likelihood of intrauterine hypoxia;
  • underweight fetus;
  • premature birth.

After birth, the baby may suffer from diseases of the respiratory system.

Anemia treatment

Hemoglobin can be raised with a special diet and iron-based medications. Principles of nutrition for anemia:

  • taking vitamins;
  • increased consumption of vegetable and animal proteins: fish, poultry, offal, meat, cottage cheese;
  • reduction of fat in the daily diet to 85 grams. The list does not include oily fish, lard and lamb;
  • inclusion in the diet of complex carbohydrates: cereals, vegetables, fruits.

Additionally, the doctor prescribes iron supplements, which are taken for several weeks. If all recommendations are followed, the tests usually improve within a month.

Medicines can be taken by mouth as tablets or by injection. The latter is assigned in the following situations:

  • individual intolerance to drugs;
  • severe diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (ulcer, colitis or inflammation);
  • acute iron deficiency in the body;
  • difficult absorption of iron preparations through the stomach.


Proper nutrition helps to normalize indicators

Treatment on your own is strictly prohibited: the dosage of drugs is determined by the attending physician, checking the effect of the drugs through a blood test.

Products that increase hemoglobin

Consuming food rich in iron helps normalize hemoglobin levels and improve the overall well-being of a pregnant woman. Expectant mothers are recommended to include in the daily diet:

  • meat: hearts, kidneys, tongue, lean poultry, fish products;
  • cereals: buckwheat, wheat;
  • legumes: soybeans, chickpeas;
  • vegetable dishes: tomato and radish salad, potato dishes, beetroot casseroles, spinach juice, parsley;
  • fruits: red apples, dark varieties of plums, all orange and yellow fruits;
  • freshly squeezed juices: pomegranate (no more than 100 ml per day), beet-carrot and apple.

Hemoglobin levels are also increased by nuts, dark chocolate, dried fruits and hematogen.


Fruits increase hemoglobin levels

For a quick result, you need to devote time to walking in nature, doing special breathing exercises and morning exercises.

For better absorption of iron, it is recommended to combine products correctly. For example, vitamin C promotes the rapid absorption of iron. "Heavy" dishes are recommended to be combined with vegetable and fruit fresh juices. It is better to drink porridge with sweet juices, and add homemade tomato sauce to meat side dishes.

During pregnancy, it is necessary to exclude the liver from the daily diet - it contains a large amount of vitamins A and D, which prevent the release of iron in the blood.

Pomegranate juice should be diluted with plain water and limited to a few sips a day, as it impairs the absorption of nutrients.

Frequent companion of pregnancy. Few women managed to avoid this diagnosis, especially in the second half of pregnancy.

What is the reason for this and is it dangerous for the fetus?

Is it possible to recognize anemia when the imbalance in the body has just begun, before the appearance of mother's fainting and dizziness? Is it enough to limit yourself to a diet, or is treatment in a hospital necessary?

What is hemoglobin and why is it needed

Hemoglobin is a specific protein in the blood that is responsible for carrying oxygen.

Oxygen, in turn, is necessary for the course of most metabolic processes in the body, the formation of tissues, and the functioning of the brain. If lowered, tissues receive less oxygen. And in the case of a pregnant woman, both the mother and the fetus, which needs oxygen for growth and development, suffer at the same time.

Hemoglobin levels during pregnancy

For women, a hemoglobin level of 110-150 g / l is considered the norm. It is important to pay attention to this indicator. Of course, pregnancy with low hemoglobin is possible, but it is better to raise the values ​​of this protein to normal values ​​even before conception.

If hemoglobin is reduced or even just approaching the lower limits of the norm, measures must be taken, then the risk of anemia during pregnancy is significantly reduced.

The use of iron-rich foods will help, as well as an important measure when planning conception -.

During pregnancy, when a woman's body works in a special mode, supplying the growing fetus with everything necessary, the level of hemoglobin changes. The norm indicators depend on the gestational age:

  • At the beginning, in the first trimester, hemoglobin will not differ significantly from the standard norm. Permissible values ​​are 112-160 g/l.
  • Further, with the growth of the baby and the increase in the volume of circulating blood, the concentration of hemoglobin in it naturally decreases. It is important to ensure that these did not go beyond 108-145 g/l.
  • By the third trimester, the mother's body has already adapted to the changes that have occurred, and the hemoglobin level is again close to figures from 110 to 140 g/l.

It is important to remember that too high hemoglobin is also not a reason for joy and is not a guarantee against the appearance of anemia during pregnancy. High rates may be due to some internal diseases of the mother. If hemoglobin is elevated before pregnancy, this is a reason for a thorough examination, which must be carried out before conception.

Pregnancy against the background of a decrease in hemoglobin

Blood loss during menstruation can lead to anemia.

Therefore, if a woman has low hemoglobin, an internal "protective mechanism" is activated and the egg may not mature in every cycle.

Nature protects the weakened body of a woman from excessive bleeding. The problem of irregular periods is familiar to many women with asthenic physique. Accordingly, conception in such months is impossible.

But even if fertilization has occurred, the chorion, which is oxygen deficient from the first moments, will not be able to gain a foothold in the uterus, or implantation will occur in the lower sections.

In the first case, this will be an early miscarriage, which you may not even know about, and in the second, it will lead to, which carries additional risks during pregnancy.

How to increase hemoglobin before pregnancy?

If you are planning a pregnancy and want to increase your hemoglobin levels, don't expect quick results. Abrupt changes in lifestyle and nutrition are not always good.

To improve the absorption of iron from unfamiliar foods, it takes time for the gastrointestinal tract to adapt (for example, if a vegetarian woman included meat in her diet, or a woman constantly dieting increased portions).

Taking medication, although it can quickly improve blood test results, drug therapy for 3 to 6 months is desirable for a stable result and saturation of tissues with oxygen.

Walking in the fresh air, getting rid of stress, good sleep and moderate physical activity will help achieve the desired results.

The danger of low hemoglobin

Conception against the background of low hemoglobin in the mother leads to a weakening of the embryo, which from the first moments of life is in conditions of hypoxia. This can affect the formation of organs, cause morphological mutations.

The layer of the endometrium in anemic women is thinner - and this makes implantation of the embryo difficult, there is a threat of miscarriage.

If anemia began in a woman already during pregnancy, the disease affects both the mother, the fetus, and the placenta:

  • The mother experiences weakness, drowsiness, there may be dizziness, sometimes fainting occurs. This is dangerous for a woman's health, and can even lead to falls, injuries, including abdominal trauma, placental abruption, and premature birth.
  • The lack of oxygen in the blood can affect the vascular bed of the placenta. In some places, necrosis occurs, and in other areas, on the contrary, vessels can expand compensatory, threatening hemorrhage and hematomas. Thus, the placenta cannot function normally. In addition to hypoxia due to the mother, the child does not receive proper nutrition due to problems with the condition of the placenta.
  • For the fetus itself, it can result in malnutrition, intrauterine hemorrhages in the brain. Depending on the gestational age, chronic fetal hypoxia can lead to intrauterine death, or become a signal for the mother's body to start premature birth. It will be difficult for a weakened baby both during the birth period and at the stage of nursing.

How to raise the level of hemoglobin?

There are a large number of iron preparations that allow. Most preparations are complex: in addition to iron, they contain vitamins or compounds that improve its absorption.

Most often it is vitamin C, B12, folic acid or an additional complex of B vitamins (they also have a positive effect on the mother's nervous system, relieving stress - an additional factor provoking anemia).

It is important to take iron supplements correctly, they should not be combined with antacids or dairy products.

Iron is well absorbed in medicinal syrups. In severe anemia, injections are indicated, but intravenous administration is more effective than intramuscular injection.

For this, it is not always necessary to go to the hospital. At antenatal clinics and specialized clinics, there are "day hospital" departments for pregnant women. A woman can come for several hours, undergo examination and procedures, and return home. This mode is more comfortable for the expectant mother.

Foods to increase hemoglobin

A complete balanced diet is in itself a good prevention of anemia. But there is a series:

  • Meat, offal, beef liver effectively increase hemoglobin.
  • From vegetable products, iron is absorbed worse, but it is useful to include pomegranates, beets, cherries, persimmons, broccoli, and bell peppers in the diet.
  • In the treatment of anemia, dried apricots or apricot juice (150 ml of juice or 100 grams of dried fruits per day) helps, pomegranate or grape juice, walnuts (10-15 cores per day) are useful.
  • Help the absorption of iron gourds (pumpkin, melon, watermelon) and legumes (beans, peas, lentils)

Medicinal herbs for pregnant women should be used carefully, some change blood clotting or affect the tone of the uterus.

But a wild rose decoction (2 tablespoons of dried berries in 2 cups of boiling water) or an infusion with blackcurrant leaves (3-5 grams of dry raw materials in 1 cup of boiling water) will be safe.

For the correct course of pregnancy, maintaining the health of the mother and the harmonious development of the fetus, it is necessary to control the level of hemoglobin throughout the entire gestation period. For each trimester, there are own norms for the content of iron and red blood cells in the blood. If anemia is diagnosed, it is recommended to combine drugs with a diet that includes iron-containing foods.