Low hemoglobin during pregnancy - what to do? Hemoglobin during pregnancy: norm and deviations What is blood hemoglobin.

The materials are published for information purposes only, and are not a prescription for treatment! We recommend that you consult a hematologist at your hospital!

When a woman learns that a new life has arisen and is developing in her, everything changes for her. The body of a pregnant woman itself is undergoing significant restructuring aimed at providing favorable conditions for bearing and giving birth to a baby. The process of these changes should be carefully monitored in order to identify the slightest deviations from the norm in advance. One of the most important indicators requiring increased attention during pregnancy is hemoglobin.

Why is it so important to control the indicator?

Hemoglobin is a specific protein located on the surface of red blood cells. Due to the fact that it contains iron, it is able to react with oxygen.

Important! The norm of the hemoglobin content in the blood in pregnant women indicates not only sufficient oxygen saturation of all its organs and peripheral parts of the body, but also the absence of oxygen starvation in the developing fetus.

During pregnancy, the hemoglobin rate varies in the range from 120 to 160 g / l. If this indicator drops below 110 g / l, experts diagnose the development of anemia:

  • 90-110 g / l - mild;
  • 70-90 g / l - the degree of moderate severity;
  • less than 70 g / l - extremely severe.
Clinical blood test Non-pregnant women Pregnant women
1 trimester 2 trimester 3 trimester
Hemoglobin, g / l 115-145 123(115-135) 114(110-130) 112(110-125)
Hematocrit, l / l 0.36-0.42 0.38 0.37 0.36
Erythrocytes, x 10 3 / l 3.7-4.5 4.2 3.5 3.9
Color indicator 0.86-1.05 0.86-1.05
Reticulocytes,% 0.5-1.2 2-12
Leukocytes, x 10 3 / l 4.0-6.0 6.8-7.4 7.6-10.0 10.4-12.0
Neutrophils,% 47-72 68 67 64
Basophils,% 0.5-1.0 - - -
Eosinophils,% 0.5-1.0 1.5-1.6 2.0 1.2
Lymphocytes,% 20-25 27-29 25-27 25-27
Monocytes,% 3-11 3-6 4-6 4-5
ESR, mm / h 2-15 13-21 25 30-35
Platelets, x 10 3 / l 130-400 130-400

Hemoglobin norm table in pregnant women

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy is accompanied by the manifestation of the following symptoms in a woman:

  • constant fatigue, general weakness;
  • fainting;
  • dryness and pallor of the skin;
  • increased hair fragility.

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The consequences of this pathological condition are catastrophic.

Important! Reduced hemoglobin during pregnancy is fraught with complications such as the development of toxicosis, the threat of miscarriage, intrauterine fetal growth retardation, asphyxia of the newborn in childbirth.

But not only a decrease in this indicator makes specialists sound the alarm. What is the danger of high hemoglobin for an expectant mother? It may indicate a lack of B vitamins in a woman's body (primarily folic acid), which are so necessary for the normal development of the fetal neural tube, as well as the development of pathological processes in the kidneys, heart, and digestive tract.

Important! In addition, with increased hemoglobin, the risk of increased formation of blood clots is extremely high, which also leads to disturbances in the intrauterine nutrition of the unborn baby.

What other types of hemoglobin are there?

There are special clinical cases when a gynecologist observing the development of pregnancy, in addition to standard examinations, also prescribes laboratory monitoring of the content of glycated hemoglobin. What it is?

Glycated, aka glycosylated, hemoglobin is a special biochemical indicator that reflects the level of glucose in the blood of a pregnant woman, but not at the time of examination, but over a long period of time. It is formed during a slow reaction in which hemoglobin and serum glucose are directly involved. At the same time, there is no enzymatic effect on the course of the reaction, that is, the process occurs spontaneously.

Important! The level of glycosylated hemoglobin in the blood is low in healthy people. Its increase is characteristic if there is a history of diabetes mellitus.

During pregnancy (the content rate should not exceed 6.5% of the total amount of hemoglobin in the blood), based on a laboratory study of this indicator, you can get an idea of ​​the state of carbohydrate metabolism during the three months preceding the delivery of the test.

If this type of examination is clinically necessary, a pregnant woman should donate blood for analysis every one and a half months. What is the risk of neglect of this research? If, having a history of diabetes mellitus, do not control the level of glycated hemoglobin, there is a real danger of missing the onset of the development of diabetic complications that are extremely severe and dangerous for both the mother and the fetus.

It should also be noted that only a doctor can choose between a glycated hemoglobin test and a routine blood sugar test.

Physiological decline

Particular attention should be paid to the fact that in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, the hemoglobin content decreases to 110-125 g / l. This does not happen as a result of the onset of the development of anemia, but because of the changes occurring in the body of a pregnant woman. In particular, during this period, the ratio of salt and water in her body changes in the expectant mother, and also due to the increase in the size of the fetus, the volume of circulating blood increases. To adapt to these changes, the woman's body relaxes the blood vessels, and in the blood itself, the volume of the liquid component increases with a simultaneous decrease in the level of red blood cells. This leads to a decrease in hemoglobin parameters in the analyzes.

What to do in case of hemoglobin imbalance?

When diagnosing anemia during pregnancy, only the doctor decides how to increase hemoglobin. The tactics of corrective measures depend on many factors that the specialist takes into account in a comprehensive manner. The general state of health of the pregnant woman, and the data of laboratory examination, and the degree of the pathological process, and the presence of contraindications are taken into account.

Regardless of the degree of developing anemia, the gynecologist observing the pregnancy will focus on the need to revise and correct the diet. The daily menu for pregnant women must necessarily contain foods that increase hemoglobin.

Product Iron content mg ​​/ 100 g Product Iron content mg ​​/ 100 g
Dried mushrooms 30-35 Rabbit meat 4-5
Pork liver 18-20 Almond 4-5
Wheat bran 18-20 Turkey meat 3-5
Beer shiver 16-19 Peaches 4-4,5
Sea cabbage 15-17 Raspberries 1.6-1.8
Cocoa 12-14 Beet 1.0-1.4
Calf liver 9-11 Apples 0.5-2.2
Buckwheat 7-8 Boiled broccoli 1.0-1.2
Egg yolk 6-8 Potato 0.8-1.0
Heart 6-7 Carrot 0.7-1.2
Beef tongue 5-6 Fried chicken 0.7-0.8
Fresh mushrooms 5-6 Bananas 0.7-0.8
Beans 5-6 Egg white 0.2-0.3
  • Lean meat (beef should be preferred) and offal (tongue, liver, heart, kidneys).
  • All types of legumes, various types of cereals (primarily buckwheat).
  • Of the nuts, it is best to opt for walnuts, since they have a maximum iron content.
  • Fresh vegetables, herbs, fruits and berries (all are useful).
  • Natural chocolate (but only in small quantities).
  • Seaweed, cod liver, black caviar.
  • All types of dried fruits.
  • Egg yolk.

Important! Do not forget about the need to ensure that all the products that a pregnant woman eats are fresh and of high quality.


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.

The period of waiting for the 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 child.

But, nevertheless, you need to know about what awaits you. At least in order to be able to cope with it. One of the pressing issues is the hemoglobin level during pregnancy, which often decreases, but can also rise. There is nothing wrong with that, 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 test 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 tangible blow to the health of the woman and the fetus. Low hemoglobin is especially dangerous 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 absolutely 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 fell 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;
  • medium degree: hemoglobin in the range of 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 levels, and doctors are successfully solving this problem. Therefore, the expectant mother is strongly advised to regularly see 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, avoiding 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 the expectant mother

Ailments are good in one way - 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 blame everything on the "whims of the baby." The signs of anemia are quite clear and understandable, any woman will be able to determine them:

  • blueness of the lips, nostrils and mucous membranes - circles under the eyes can sharply stand out on the face;
  • disgusting "sticky" weakness to nausea and "itching" in the ears;
  • severe dizziness, darkening in the eyes - "flies";
  • fainting;
  • tachycardia (from 100 beats per minute);
  • rapid breathing, feeling short of breath;
  • migraine;
  • sleep disturbances;
  • pallor of the skin;
  • increased hair loss and fragility;
  • fragility of nails;
  • problems with emptying - "steep" or "sheep" feces;
  • lack of appetite or, conversely, the desire to eat everything, mixing incompatible foods.

We repeat once again - you shouldn't blame everything on the "intrigues" of an interesting situation. The sooner you sound the alarm, the sooner 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 an important role - they help to identify the nature of anemia, facilitate diagnosis and cure. Basically, the drop in the level of red blood cells is due to the rapid increase in the amount of blood - after all, now it should be enough for two.

Hemoglobin does not have time to be produced, and its level decreases. Therefore, anemia often overtakes women 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, first of all, 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 - no wonder 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;
  • dysbiosis;
  • 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 increases, and the baby takes the lion's share of nutrients. In this case, the treatment of low hemoglobin is not required, because the blood must be thinned, otherwise, its circulation will be disrupted. But do not confuse the 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 birth forces;
  • premature birth;
  • intrauterine fetal hypoxia;
  • late toxicosis;
  • premature discharge of amniotic fluid;
  • severe external hemorrhage;
  • death of the baby within the first 24 hours after birth.

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

Increased hemoglobin is the reverse side of the coin

Although low hemoglobin levels are common 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 makes it possible to reveal the so-called degree of "sugariness" of the blood over the past 120 days. An indicator of up to 6% is a sign of a healthy person. If glycohemoglobin is within 6-6.5%, the woman is at risk of diabetes mellitus. A level<6,5% свидетельствует о самом диабете.

Cupping and prevention of the problem

Naturally, than asking later the question of how to raise hemoglobin during pregnancy, it is easier to protect yourself and the 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, it is necessary to devote time to physical activity and walks in the fresh air.

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.