Hemoglobin- This is a complex protein found in red blood cells (erythrocytes) and performs a respiratory function. Hemoglobin, binding oxygen, transports it to organs and tissues and takes carbon dioxide out of them. It is a complex protein, which includes iron.

The normal content of hemoglobin in the blood of a healthy woman before pregnancy averages 120–140 g/l.

Hemoglobin during pregnancy has other indicators. In the very first weeks after conception, an increase in the volume of circulating blood begins, which reaches its maximum by about the 36th week of pregnancy. The increase in blood volume occurs mainly due to the liquid part of the blood (blood plasma), which becomes larger by about 35-47%. The number of cellular elements, including erythrocytes (blood cells containing hemoglobin), also increases, but only by 11–30%. Since the increase in plasma volume significantly exceeds the number of red blood cells, the concentration of hemoglobin during pregnancy decreases, and the so-called.

Causes of low hemoglobin during pregnancy

The main causes of low hemoglobin during pregnancy are lack of dietary iron intake.

The need for iron during pregnancy increases significantly. It is spent on the formation of fetal tissues, its hematopoietic system, the construction of the placenta, as well as on the increase in the muscles of the uterus during pregnancy. The most active loss of iron begins at 16–20 weeks of gestation, which coincides with the period of the onset of hematopoiesis in the fetus. If the reserves of this element in the body of the expectant mother are depleted, iron deficiency anemia of pregnant women develops. More often it occurs in the second or third trimesters.

There are situations when low hemoglobin during pregnancy is detected already in the very first blood test taken when the expectant mother is registered in the antenatal clinic. This suggests that anemia started before pregnancy due to insufficient intake of iron, poor absorption or active destruction of red blood cells in the body.

In addition to iron deficiency, sometimes the causes of low hemoglobin during pregnancy can be a deficiency of vitamin B12, folic acid, hereditary diseases, conditions in which the body produces proteins that destroy its own red blood cells, severe bleeding.

How does a decrease in hemoglobin occur during pregnancy?

Normally, hemoglobin decreases gradually during pregnancy, and most often this is not accompanied by any obvious manifestations. Even with the development of anemia, the symptoms can be so insignificant that the expectant mother simply does not notice them, attributing the malaise to the peculiarities of her pregnancy.

The main manifestations of iron deficiency:

• weakness,
• fatigue,
• tinnitus and dizziness,
• shortness of breath on exertion,
• fragility of nails and hair,
• dryness and pallor of the skin,
• taste perversion (the desire to eat chalk, sand, toothpaste and other inedible things),
• the emergence of cravings for the smells of paint, acetone, gasoline.

Since anemia develops gradually during pregnancy, its signs do not appear sharply, but slowly, over time. It all starts with weakness, fatigue and drowsiness. If at this moment anemia during pregnancy is not detected and treatment is not started, the disease will progress.

The dangerous effect of hemoglobin deficiency on the fetus

Hemoglobin deficiency in expectant mothers can adversely affect the condition of the fetus and the course of pregnancy. With anemia, expectant mothers are more likely to be worried about early toxicosis, the risk of developing preeclampsia in the second half of pregnancy increases (it is manifested by increased pressure, edema and the appearance of protein in the urine), the threat of premature birth (that is, delivery before the 37th week of pregnancy) or abortion, significantly more often, placental insufficiency develops when it stops working normally and the baby begins to suffer from a lack of oxygen and nutrition. In addition, such women often have infectious complications after childbirth and produce less breast milk.

Anemia during pregnancy does not bypass babies. Children whose mothers suffered from iron deficiency during pregnancy are more likely to be born with low body weight, are more susceptible to various viral infections, they are more likely to have impaired speech development, decreased physical activity, psychological disorders, and also lower school performance in the future.

That is why the doctor in the antenatal clinic must prescribe a general clinical blood test three times during pregnancy: when registering, at 20 and at 30 weeks of pregnancy.

How to identify the causes of anemia during pregnancy?

First of all, in the presence of anemia, the doctor assesses the degree of decrease in hemoglobin, because the methods of treatment will also depend on this.

To clarify the causes of anemia, the doctor prescribes additional tests. For example, in a biochemical blood test, serum iron, transferrin, and ferritin are examined. These are special proteins in the blood that provide transport and storage of iron. In the general blood test, the color index, the average hemoglobin content in the erythrocyte, the total iron-binding capacity of the blood serum, and some other indicators are evaluated. These tests are needed by the doctor to diagnose the type of anemia and determine the tactics of treatment.

How to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy?

Expectant mothers with a severe degree of anemia are treated in a hospital, and those with mild and moderate anemia are treated on an outpatient basis. But if treatment is ineffective and hemoglobin continues to decline, this is also an indication for hospitalization.

If low hemoglobin is detected in the general blood test, and an additional examination confirms the presence of iron deficiency anemia, the doctor prescribes:

• A diet high in iron. can increase hemoglobin during pregnancy. Your diet should include enough iron-rich foods. First of all, it is meat (pork and beef liver, veal, beef), eggs, bread, almonds, vegetables and fruits such as apples, pomegranates, apricots. Naturally, meat products should prevail in the diet, about 17–22% of iron is absorbed from them, and only 1–7% is absorbed from plant foods.
• Medicines. For treatment during pregnancy, iron tablets are most often prescribed. Intramuscular and intravenous injections of iron preparations often cause complications. With intravenous administration, the development of disorders of the blood coagulation system is possible, with intramuscular injections, seals and abscesses may appear at the injection sites. Therefore, in pregnant women, injections of iron preparations are used only in severe cases and only in a hospital setting.

Iron tablets should preferably be taken on an empty stomach with water. Liquid forms of drugs can be dissolved in juices and it is recommended to drink them through a straw so that they do not cause blackening of the teeth, or rinse your mouth thoroughly immediately after taking them. You can not drink iron preparations with tea or milk, this will significantly reduce the absorption of this element.

What specific drug to treat, at what dose, how many times a day to take the medicine, how long the treatment will be, the doctor decides individually for each expectant mother. The doctor must also monitor the effectiveness of the treatment with the help of blood tests.

The level of hemoglobin rises, as a rule, by the end of the 3rd week of taking the drugs, but this indicator normalizes even later - after 9-10 weeks. At the same time, the well-being of a pregnant woman improves rapidly, usually after about two days from the start of treatment, she already notices that she feels better. A control complete blood count is usually taken about a month after the start of iron supplementation. After normalization of hemoglobin levels for a long time (approximately 2-3 months), it is recommended to continue taking iron supplements to maintain the effect of treatment.

How to avoid a decrease in hemoglobin?

In non-pregnant women, the iron requirement is 1.5 mg per day. During pregnancy, it steadily increases: in the first trimester up to 2.5 mg per day, in the second trimester - up to 3.5 mg per day, in the third trimester - up to 5-6.5 mg per day. In addition, significant (up to 700 mg) are inevitable during childbirth and another 200 mg of iron are consumed during the breastfeeding period. From this it is clear that iron deficiency is most susceptible to women who have given birth several times, patients with bleeding during previous births, mothers who have been breastfeeding their baby for a long time, women who have had a second pregnancy earlier than 4–5 years after the previous one. They are at high risk for developing iron deficiency anemia.

This group also includes women who follow a vegetarian diet, have chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, liver, gynecological problems such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, as well as expectant mothers with pregnancy complications (for example, placenta previa, exacerbation of chronic diseases). during pregnancy, infections during the period of expectation of the baby). For such women, the doctor, in addition to an iron-rich diet, prescribes prophylactic iron supplementation, usually this is done in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. All expectant mothers who are not at risk are prescribed iron as part of combined vitamin and mineral complexes for pregnant women.

A lack of hemoglobin in a pregnant woman is formed for the following reasons:

• an increase in plasma volume compared to the number of formed elements, that is, blood dilution;
• the formation of a placenta that feeds on blood vessels, which forms an additional circle of blood circulation;
• growth and formation of the fetus;
• the formation of the fetus's own blood cells, which require iron;
• the absence in the diet of a pregnant woman of a sufficient amount of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, including iron;
• small bleeding, which gradually reduces the amount of blood in the vessels;
• profuse bleeding, leading to a sharp decrease in the amount of hemoglobin.

To completely eliminate the low concentration of iron-containing protein, the doctor identifies the root cause. If you treat only the symptom that has appeared, the condition will reappear.

Symptoms of low hemoglobin during pregnancy

With a decrease in the amount of iron-containing protein, a woman develops characteristic clinical symptoms:

• decrease in the quality of hair and nails, which leads to their fragility and loss;
• pale skin, circles under the eyes;
• weakness, fatigue, lethargy, drowsiness;
• dizziness, headaches;
• , the formation of shortness of breath.

The symptoms of this condition are not specific. They can also appear in other conditions and diseases. Therefore, to identify the root cause, the doctor prescribes to the pregnant woman a series of laboratory and instrumental tests that eliminate the damaging factor.

Consequences of low hemoglobin during pregnancy for a child

A decrease in the indicator affects not only the woman, but also the fetus. There are negative consequences:

• decreased production of blood cells, especially red blood cells;
• placental insufficiency, which forms a decrease in the intake of nutrients, vitamins, trace elements, minerals to the child;
• fetal hypoxia, a reduced amount of oxygen negatively affects the activity of the central nervous system, which is at the stage of development;
• increased risk of premature birth and miscarriage;
• insufficient weight gain in the embryo;
• reduced immune function, which leads to the formation of infectious diseases after birth.

Children born to a woman with low hemoglobin during pregnancy are much weaker in vital signs. Their body weight is below the required norm. Insufficient supply of oxygen to the brain reduces the level of development of the central nervous system.

High ferritin with low hemoglobin during pregnancy

Ferritin is a protein that provides several functions in the body:

• neutralization of toxic ferric iron to ferrous;
• connection of iron with hemoglobin, organs from tissues.

Ferritin is inextricably linked to the concentration of hemoglobin. If its number rises, and hemoglobin decreases, this is caused by the following conditions and diseases:

• destruction of red blood cells, as a result of which the number of hemoglobin decreases, and ferritin increases;
• infectious and inflammatory processes in the body that reduce the amount of hemoglobin;
• excessively increased intake of iron, leading to the synthesis of a large number of ferritin;
• the formation of a malignant neoplasm;
• thyroid disease.

If women have an increased number of ferritin, this always requires correction.

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy in the 1st trimester

In a healthy pregnant woman in the first trimester, hemoglobin should remain within the normal range or slightly increase. The latter condition is due to the fact that there are no menstrual bleeding, and the red bone marrow continues to secrete red blood cells with hemoglobin.

If anemia is detected, this is due to the following reasons:

• reduced intake of iron from food;
• lack of walks in the fresh air;
• severe toxicity.

A decrease in the level of iron-containing protein requires correction, especially in the first weeks of pregnancy, since at this time a sufficient intake of all substances is necessary for normal growth and formation of the embryo.

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester

In the second trimester of pregnancy, the placenta is formed. It is necessary for the supply of nutrients from the mother to the fetus. It is permeated with blood vessels, since all the necessary substances come through it. This forms an additional circle of blood circulation, so most of the vitamins, trace elements, erythrocytes are directed to this area. Additionally, a woman produces a large amount of blood plasma, which thins the blood. This contributes to the physiological decrease in hemoglobin in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy.

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester

The maximum decrease occurs at 30-32 weeks of pregnancy. After that, the indicator remains in the same range. This is due to the fact that the growth and formation of the fetus slows down. That is, the supply of nutrients through the placenta is reduced. The volume of blood plasma ceases to increase.

How to increase low hemoglobin during pregnancy?

To stabilize the indicator, the doctor prescribes complex treatment:

• long walks in the fresh air in any weather;
• sleep at least 8 hours a day;
• the intake in the body of a woman of products containing a large amount of iron (beets, pomegranate, red meat);
• the use of medications containing iron (Ferrum Lek).

During the period of treatment, a woman must periodically take a complete blood count to determine the amount of iron-containing protein. If the concentration does not return to normal, the doctor adjusts the treatment.

Pills for low hemoglobin during pregnancy

For drug treatment, the following types of tablets are used:

• vitamin complexes containing iron (Fenlyus);
• tablets containing a complex of iron and ascorbic acid (Hemohelper);
• drugs that increase hemoglobin during gestation (Ferrum Lek);
• products containing iron hydroxide (Maltofer).

Doctors do not recommend taking drugs without a prescription. Each of them can cause side effects. For certain categories of patients there are contraindications. Therefore, before prescribing the drug, the doctor must examine the patient, conduct laboratory and instrumental tests.

What to eat with low hemoglobin during pregnancy

It is important that during pregnancy it is complex. All the necessary microelements, minerals, proteins, amino acids must enter her body. For the fetus, it is important not only the intake of iron, but also other substances.

If a pregnant woman has anemia, doctors advise dieting. The diet must include:

• red meat (beef, pork);
• liver;
• a fish;
• vegetables (beets);
• fruits (pomegranate, apples);
• berries
• cereals (buckwheat).

Food contains iron, which is more useful than artificial iron. It helps with a slight degree of anemia. If the patient's condition is severe, medications are prescribed in conjunction with a change in diet.

Hematogen during pregnancy with low hemoglobin

Together with a change in diet, doctors prescribe the use of hematogen. This agent is not used as monotherapy. Such treatment will not lead to the desired result. It is recommended to use hematogen only if hemoglobin is in the lower normal range or slightly reduced. If a woman has severe anemia, medications are used in conjunction with diet and hematogen.

Hematogen is not a drug, but belongs to the category of dietary supplements. You cannot use it uncontrollably. It is recommended to use up to 30g per day.

Ekaterina Belikova, doctor of laboratory diagnostics, specially for the site

Useful video

Working for two, for a mother and her child, is very difficult and responsible. And not every organism of a pregnant woman manages to cope with it. Therefore, often some organs and systems fail. Low hemoglobin during pregnancy is one of the most frequently diagnosed phenomena. But it should not be considered safe at the same time, because the risk for the normal development of the fetus increases significantly.

Why does hemoglobin decrease during pregnancy

If a woman had a lack of iron before conception, then during the gestation period the situation will only worsen. Therefore, throughout the entire period, increased attention from medical workers will be riveted to it. But not only the chronic form of iron deficiency can worsen during pregnancy.

There are a number of factors that can trigger the process:

• fetal need. Every week the little organism grows and gets stronger. To do this, he needs a large number of trace elements. There is nowhere to get them except from the mother's body. Therefore, a decrease in hemoglobin is noted in the woman's blood;
• an increase in blood volume. The need for iron in a baby increases significantly after 20 weeks. It is during this period that most women experience a slight decrease in hemoglobin;
• internal bleeding. A large loss of blood will inevitably give an imprint on the amount of iron. The reason for this may be the onset of placental abruption or the consequences of hemorrhoids;
• fatigue, stress. The imbalance of the psycho-emotional state negatively affects the state of all organs and systems;
• violation of the natural intestinal microflora. This leads to a decrease in the ability to absorb iron;
• hormonal disruptions. They are also able to influence the normal absorption of the element and reduce its amount in the body.

With multiple pregnancies, the need for iron increases significantly, so not every woman can cope with this load.

Experts pay special attention to women who decide to give birth to the next child, not allowing the body to rest and fully recover from a previous pregnancy.

What danger will it bring

The level of hemoglobin in a woman who is expecting a baby is carefully monitored by a leading gynecologist. The indicator is extremely important for the normal life of the mother herself and her child.

In most cases, pregnant women are diagnosed with a decrease in hemoglobin due to iron deficiency. This is due to the fact that by the time of gestation, a sufficient amount of this element was not found in her body.

Among the main factors why low hemoglobin is dangerous for the mother, it should be noted:

• deterioration in general condition;
• frequent dizziness, which is highly undesirable for the developing fetus;
• poor weight gain;
• complications during childbirth;
• insufficient production of breast milk;
• increased risk of premature placental abruption.

The most dangerous consequence of low hemoglobin can be an acute manifestation of anemia, which leads to fetal death in early pregnancy.

But not only the mother suffers from this phenomenon, it cannot but affect the development of the baby. The negative consequences for the child are in the following processes:

• developmental delay;
• birth with low body weight;
• poor resistance of a small organism to any infections;
• development of oxygen starvation.

The listed dangers will only occur if the problem is ignored for a long time or if measures to eliminate it are taken too late.

Low or high: which is worse

In contrast to the low, one can also meet such a phenomenon as high hemoglobin during pregnancy. It carries much less danger. Especially you should not worry if the hemoglobin jump occurred in a single case, after which it returned to normal.

In this case, it is also impossible to be inactive in this case. A woman needs to be examined and get expert advice. In some cases, the cause of an increase in hemoglobin can be:

1. Folic acid deficiency.
2. Vitamin B12 deficiency.
3. Violation of the digestive tract.
4. Diseases of some internal organs.

More serious problems can occur when hemoglobin rises above 160 g / l. in this case, there is a possibility of developing dangerous diseases, so the immediate help of specialists is required.

How to suspect anemia

The reduced content of iron in the blood of a woman is marked by a sharp deterioration in the general condition. The first thing that should alert you is easy and quick fatigue, lethargy, apathy. A woman quickly gets tired even of the usual household manipulations.

In addition, the following symptoms may indicate low hemoglobin:

• dizziness;
• fainting;
• loss of appetite;
• stool disorder;
• pallor of the skin;
• brittle nails.

Of course, the listed symptoms will not always indicate a problem with hemoglobin. The diagnosis can be confirmed only after clinical analysis. The results obtained are compared with the normal values. It should be noted that the norm during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester differs from the 2 previous ones.

Normal indicators depending on the duration of pregnancy

The level of hemoglobin depends on many indicators. The duration of pregnancy, the strength of the body and the way of life of the mother play a significant role in this matter.

So, the rate of glycated hemoglobin in the 1st trimester is usually in the range of 112-160 g / l. in the early stages, the baby still does not need such a large amount of nutrients, so the mother's body is able to independently withstand the existing load.

Starting from the 13th week, the level of hemoglobin in the blood of a pregnant woman can be slightly reduced, respectively, and the lower limit of the norm is slightly pushed back. The baby grows, he has his own hematopoietic system. A certain amount of iron is already transferred to it, so a decrease in iron content is possible. At the same time, it does not disappear from the body, and the concentration decreases due to dilution of the blood. The norm during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester is in the range of 108-144 g / l.

Residents of high mountainous regions have slightly higher hemoglobin levels. This is due to the intake of a large amount of rarefied air into the body.

Closer to delivery, the body of the mother and child already have time to adapt to each other, so the indicators practically do not differ from the norm of an ordinary woman. For a pregnant woman in the 3rd trimester, hemoglobin should not fall below 110 g / l and rise above 140 g / l.

The norm indicators depending on the week of pregnancy are presented in the table:

Diagnostic methods

The most effective way to determine anemia during pregnancy is to donate blood. This analysis is mandatory and in any case it must be taken by all women in an interesting position.

Usually, a pregnant woman is sent for research once a month. But if necessary, the doctor may prescribe an extraordinary study. For analysis, blood is taken from a finger and a general analysis is carried out.

When conducting, pay attention to the following indicators:

• erythrocyte content;
• glucose;
• uric acid;
• cholesterol;
• electrolytes;
• creatinine.

A shift of these indicators in any direction will help to identify the reasons that led to a decrease in hemoglobin.

Basic rules of treatment

With a slight deviation from the norm, to stabilize the condition of a woman, her diet should be reviewed. Products that increase hemoglobin during pregnancy must be consumed daily.

Among them:

• tomatoes;
• meat;
• liver;
• grenades;
• beet.

It should be remembered that during pregnancy, the diet of the expectant mother should be as varied and nutritious as possible.

Foods high in vitamin C can help iron absorb better.

Other ways to increase hemoglobin is to take special iron-containing preparations. The most popular among them are:

1. Pregnavit.
2. Tardiferron.
3. Aktiferrin.
4. Ferroplex.

Tablets against iron deficiency for pregnant women also contain other vitamins and minerals that will improve the absorption of the drug and provide additional nourishment to the body.

Hematogen during pregnancy with low hemoglobin can quickly stabilize a woman's condition. It is practically harmless and is allowed even for use by young children. Although you should not get involved in them or prescribe them yourself. It is allowed to start therapy only after consulting a specialist.

A decrease in hemoglobin in the gestational period is a common deviation from the norm, which carries a danger for both the woman and the fetus. Many pregnant women meet with such a pathology, but not every one of them is aware of the seriousness of their situation. Why is low hemoglobin dangerous during pregnancy, and what should be done to increase it?

Hemoglobin is formed inside red blood cells. It acts as a vehicle that carries oxygen to organs and tissues, and then binds and removes carbon dioxide.

For women in position, there are individual norms of hemoglobin. Outside of pregnancy, it fluctuates between 120 and 150 g/l. During gestation, it is somewhat reduced, but its concentration should remain within the reference figures.

In accordance with the gestational age, hemoglobin norms change:

• 1 trimester - 111-160 g / l;
• 2nd trimester - from 105 and above g / l;
• 3rd trimester - at least 100 g / l.

To monitor the concentration of hemoglobin, a woman regularly takes a capillary blood test. If hemoglobin is diagnosed below normal during pregnancy, anemia is confirmed. Based on the current indicators, its degree is determined and treatment is prescribed.

There are three degrees of anemia:

• Light - the concentration of hemoglobin drops to 90-100 g / l. There are no symptoms at this stage.
• Average - the hemoglobin index overcomes the mark of 70-80 g / l. There is a sleep disturbance, lack of appetite, weakness, muscle pain.
• Severe - hemoglobin less than 70 g / l. The woman's health deteriorates sharply, there is a risk of abortion, death.

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy - causes

A moderate decrease in hemoglobin is a physiological process caused by an increase in blood volume. If hemoglobin falls below normal, anemia develops. The reasons for its appearance are various:

• deficiency of vitamins C and B9;
• hormonal imbalance;
• inadequate diet;
• severe toxicosis;
• deficiency of zinc and copper;
• dysbacteriosis;
• multiple pregnancy;
• hypothyroidism;
• heart, kidney or liver disease;
• helminthic invasion;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• tuberculosis;
• bleeding;
• malignant blood diseases;
• pregnancy less than 2 years after the previous one;
• stress, depression;
• taking certain medications.

Anemia often develops after the 16th gestational week. The baby at this time is growing especially actively, taking all the useful substances from the mother's body. The maximum drop is noted between 30 and 34 weeks, but closer to childbirth, hemoglobin rises.

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy - symptoms

Low hemoglobin can be detected not only by the results of a routine blood test, but also by a significant deterioration in the well-being of a pregnant woman:

• the skin is dehydrated, turns pale, may have a bluish tint;
• weakness suddenly increases, you constantly want to sleep;
• headache, sometimes dizziness;
• heart rate increases;
• chronic constipation appears;
• "flies" flash before the eyes, noise is heard in the ears, like a waterfall;
• it becomes difficult to breathe, shortness of breath and lack of air are disturbing;
• pre-fainting and fainting conditions are often observed;
• nail plates break, hair falls out;
• do not want to eat, there is an aversion to previously favorite dishes;
• heavy morning rise;
• aches all over the body;
• slightly increased body temperature;
• cramps in the limbs.

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy - consequences

A slight drop in hemoglobin does not cause serious complications. If its level falls below 80 g / l, and there is no treatment, there are serious disturbances in the work of the female body:

• the protective function weakens;
• the liver increases;
• there is heart failure;
• there is constant fatigue;
• limbs swell;
• the work of the brain is disrupted;
• increased risk of cardiomyopathy;
• vascular atherosclerosis develops;
• the nervous system does not work properly (irritability, panic attacks, depression are observed);
• intestinal motility decreases, constipation is tormented;
• oxygen deficiency causes deformation of the epithelium (cracks appear on the lips, stomatitis, erosion in the stomach);
• the skin peels off, neurodermatitis develops.

But the most terrible consequences of anemia are directly related to pregnancy:

• Preeclampsia. Iron deficiency during pregnancy with low hemoglobin disrupts water metabolism, all organs experience hypoxia. A woman's blood pressure rises, edema appears, and phytoplacental insufficiency develops.
• Risk of preterm birth. Anemia provokes early detachment of the placenta, and childbirth begins earlier.
• Complications during childbirth. Against the background of iron deficiency, labor activity may weaken, breakthrough bleeding is possible.
• Violation of milk production. In women with severe anemia, there is a lack of milk.
• Postpartum complications. Due to low immunity, the risk of infectious diseases increases.

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy: consequences for the child

The greatest threat to low hemoglobin is the fetus. Prolonged oxygen starvation causes a lack of nutrients in the baby, so its development suffers.

Among the possible complications for the fetus are:

• Hypoxia of the brain.
• Improper attachment of the placenta.
• Fading pregnancy.
• Insufficient body mass;
• Pathologies of the respiratory and nervous systems.
• Atrophy of muscle tissues.
• Mental underdevelopment.

Given such complications against the background of low hemoglobin during pregnancy, it is necessary to undergo an examination in a timely manner and monitor your health.

Hemoglobin is low during pregnancy: what to do?

The algorithm for the treatment of anemia during gestation is determined by the level of serum iron. With minor anemia, a woman manages to revise her diet and choose iron-containing foods. In the middle and severe stages of anemia, iron-containing preparations are indicated.

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy - diet

What to eat with low hemoglobin during pregnancy:

• Green vegetables.
• Beef tongue.
• Chicken yolks.
• Nuts.
• Beef liver.
• Beets.
• Red meat.
• Apples.
• Fish and seafood.
• Buckwheat.
• Cocoa.
• Prunes.
• Legumes.
• Brewer's yeast.
• Rose hip.
• Garnet.
• Berries, especially strawberries and black currants.
• Carrot.

Low Hemoglobin During Pregnancy - Nutrition Tips:

1. To optimize the daily diet of a pregnant woman, it is recommended to use wholemeal cereals and fruit and vegetable juices.
2. Since calcium interferes with the absorption of iron, it is necessary to postpone the use of iron-containing and dairy products as much as possible. For example, eat meat and vegetables for breakfast, and cottage cheese for dinner.
3. For the period of treatment of anemia, it is necessary to exclude the use of caffeinated drinks, fatty foods and rich flour products.
4. Iron absorption is promoted by vitamin C and folic acid. These vitamins are found in strawberries, kiwis, citrus fruits, green onions, and bananas.
5. If there are problems with the gastrointestinal tract, for example, dysbacteriosis and gastritis, they must be eliminated, otherwise iron will not be absorbed.

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy - drugs

A significant drop in hemoglobin with one diet cannot be eliminated. For treatment, a woman is prescribed taking iron-containing tablets.

During pregnancy, the following medications may be prescribed:

• Ferrum Lek - pills or injections that are prescribed twice a day for 1-3 months.
• Sorbifer Durules - tablets with iron and ascorbic acid. Take two pills a day for up to three months.
• Fenyuls is a highly effective drug. One capsule per day is taken, the duration of treatment is 30 days.
• Tardiferon - iron with vitamin B9. Take 1 tablet twice a day.
• Ferroplex - dragee with iron and vitamin C. The dose is selected based on weight.
• Drops Maltofer - a liquid form of ferric iron. Reception from 20 to 100 drops a day is shown.
• Totem is a brown liquid with iron, copper, manganese. Inside take the contents of 2-4 ampoules throughout the day.

Important! All drugs for anemia are forbidden to drink milk, tea or coffee. Calcium and caffeine block the absorption of iron in the intestines.

Low hemoglobin - folk remedies during pregnancy

Homemade recipes will be an effective addition to the basic treatment of anemia. But before using them, do not forget to consult a doctor!

Recipes to increase hemoglobin:

• Mix walnuts and buckwheat flour in a ratio of 1: 1, pour honey. Take 15 g per day.
• In equal proportions, take dried apricots, almonds, raisins, honey. Eat 2-3 tbsp per day. l.
• Grind lemon zest in a blender, 100 g of dried apricots, dates, raisins, add 150 ml of honey. The day shows a reception of 3 tbsp. l.
• Make fresh beet-carrot juice and take a glass a day.
• Drink 100 ml of apple-cranberry juice twice a day.

Prevention of low hemoglobin during pregnancy

It is not difficult to prevent anemia during gestation:

• From the first days of pregnancy, you need to eat foods with iron, ascorbic acid and B vitamins. It can be greens, berries, nuts, meat.
• To prevent hypoxia, you need to walk in the fresh air.
• It is important to take vitamin complexes in accordance with the duration of pregnancy.
• A prerequisite for normal hemoglobin is adequate sleep and lack of stress.

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy - reviews

Low hemoglobin is a hotly debated topic in women's forums. Almost every second woman experiences anemia during pregnancy. And if you believe the reviews, the best treatment option is diet and taking special medications.

There are no negative effects from the treatment. True, women often complain that iron preparations cause constipation and heaviness in the stomach. But after the revision of the menu and the increase in it of dishes with a high content of fiber, the gastrointestinal tract begins to work normally.

If you have low hemoglobin during pregnancy, you now know how to increase it. But remember that taking any medication is possible only as prescribed by the doctor!

Video: "Is it dangerous to reduce hemoglobin in a pregnant woman"

Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein, the molecules of which are capable of creating unstable compounds with oxygen. In the human body, hemoglobin is found in red blood cells, erythrocytes, and performs the function of transporting oxygen from the capillaries of the lungs to all organs and tissues. A decrease in its amount in the blood can lead to serious ailment. Low hemoglobin in a pregnant woman poses a threat not only to her health, but also to the normal development of the fetus.

Decreased hemoglobin during pregnancy

The normal level of hemoglobin in a woman's blood ranges from 120 to 150 g / l, but this figure can be reduced during pregnancy. This is due to the fact that during the bearing of a child, the blood volume of the expectant mother increases by 30-50%, and this increase occurs mainly due to liquid elements (plasma). The body does not have time to adjust so quickly to the production of additional blood cells and the assimilation of the substances necessary to create them. This is a natural process, so an indicator of 110 g / l of hemoglobin during pregnancy is not considered low.

The growing fetus actively “takes away” nutrients and microelements, including iron, from the mother’s body. If the losses are not replenished, the woman begins to suffer from a lack of hemoglobin, and doctors diagnose iron deficiency anemia (anemia). A mild degree of this disease (hemoglobin level 90-110 g / l) is observed in almost half of expectant mothers. Lower hemoglobin during pregnancy (from 80 to 90 g/l) causes anemia of moderate severity, and a hemoglobin content of less than 80 g/l indicates a very severe form of anemia.

Causes and symptoms of low hemoglobin in pregnant women

The reduced content of hemoglobin in the blood is due to insufficient intake of iron in the body. Usually the cause of this phenomenon is an unbalanced diet. In addition, the risk of iron deficiency anemia increases if a pregnant woman has pathologies of the cardiovascular system, kidneys and liver, dysbacteriosis, metabolic disorders, hormonal failure, as well as severe toxicosis, accompanied by severe vomiting.

Often, anemia is observed in those expectant mothers who have recently suffered serious illnesses and were treated with antibiotics. In addition, nervous exhaustion, multiple pregnancies, and repeated pregnancy too quickly are considered risk factors.

Women suffering from low hemoglobin during pregnancy complain of the following symptoms:

• Weakness, constant fatigue;
• Hearing and vision disorders ("itching" in the ears and "flies" before the eyes);
• dizziness, fainting;
• Nausea, lack of appetite;
• Feeling of suffocation;
• Rapid heartbeat (more than 100 beats per minute);
• sleep disorders;
• Migraine;
• Constipation.

In addition, low hemoglobin during pregnancy often causes brittle nails, hair loss, and unhealthy pallor of the skin. Mucosal lesions (eg, stomatitis) may also occur.

The consequences of anemia during pregnancy and how to treat it

Iron deficiency anemia not only worsens the condition of the expectant mother and her child. It can cause a number of complications that carry a direct threat to the life of the baby. When a severe form of anemia appears in a pregnant woman, the fetus suffers from intrauterine hypoxia, which can cause a delay in its development and even death during the first day after birth. Also, anemia often provokes premature rupture of amniotic fluid, severe bleeding during childbirth and other violations of the delivery process that are dangerous for mother and child.

The hemoglobin level can be increased. With anemia of mild to moderate severity, this can be done without taking medications. The main role in increasing the level of low hemoglobin during pregnancy is played by proper nutrition. The menu of the expectant mother must include the following products:

• Red meat, offal (tongue, heart, kidneys, liver);
• poultry meat;
• Fatty sea fish, caviar;
• Legumes (peas, beans, lentils);
• Buckwheat;
• Vegetables and greens; potatoes baked with peel;
• Blueberries, cranberries, black currants;
• Pomegranates, apricots, peaches, apples, persimmons, plums, pears, bananas;
• Nuts and dried fruits;
• Egg yolk;
• Juices (pomegranate, carrot, beet, apple);
• Hematogen.

With low hemoglobin in pregnant women, doctors recommend eating several tablespoons of a vitamin mixture per day, consisting of dried apricots, walnuts, lemons with peel and honey (all ingredients are taken in equal parts). It is also necessary to limit the consumption of foods containing a lot of calcium (cottage cheese, kefir, milk), as they slow down the absorption of iron by the body.