Pregnancy is a difficult time for the female body. At this time, the load on all internal organs increases significantly. For this reason, the condition of the expectant mother is constantly and closely monitored. One of the indicators that cause concern for a doctor is a decrease in hemoglobin levels. So what is anemia and how to increase Let's figure it out.
What is hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin is a protein of animal origin with a complex structure. It binds to the oxygen entering the blood and carries it throughout the body.
Norms
There are certain norms of hemoglobin. So, it is considered normal for a pregnant woman if its concentration in the blood reaches 120-160 g / l. If the indicator is lower, then we are talking about a certain degree of anemia (90-110 g / l - mild degree, 80-90 - medium, less than 80 - severe anemia).
To maintain an average level of hemoglobin, the average person is enough to consume from 5 to 15 milligrams of iron per day. For a pregnant woman, the minimum figure increases several times (up to 15-18 milligrams).
A decrease in iron levels contributes to a decrease in hemoglobin, which ensures the saturation of blood cells with oxygen. Oxygen starvation can harm not only the expectant mother, but also her child, so the question of how to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy should be asked as soon as you feel the first symptoms of anemia.
Characteristic signs of a decrease in hemoglobin
Anemia is characterized by certain symptoms. So, a woman may feel weakness, drowsiness, nausea, dizziness. She may begin to be disturbed by shortness of breath, fainting is possible. The look is also changing. Hair begins to fall out, the skin becomes pale, dry and dehydrated.
Despite the seeming harmlessness, anemia carries a lot of possible complications for both the expectant mother and her baby. Toxicosis may begin, the risk of miscarriage increases, preeclampsia, placental abruption and premature birth may develop.
How to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy? Ways
The use of one method or another depends on the severity of the disease. So, when diagnosing the initial stage of anemia, the doctor tells how to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy, and definitely recommends adjusting nutrition, sleep, rest and spending more time outdoors.
Change in diet
One of the ways to get rid of the symptoms of anemia is proper nutrition. The diet of a woman carrying a child should be varied and enriched with various vitamins. In cases of detection of anemia, it is recommended to include an increased amount of iron in oneself.
So during pregnancy? The leader in iron content is meat. The liver (both veal, and pork, and chicken) is especially distinguished. It can contain from 7 to 20 mg of iron per 100 grams of product. Egg yolk is also rich in this element. It contains at least 7 mg of iron.
It is meat products that contribute to a qualitative and rapid increase in hemoglobin. This is due to the rapid absorption by the body of all trace elements from animal products.
Plant foods are also rich in iron. For example, some cereals, such as lentils, peas, buckwheat, can contain up to 12 mg of iron per 100 grams of product.
A large amount of an essential element for the body is found in nuts. So, pistachios and almonds contain up to 4 mg of iron.
Don't forget vegetables and herbs. Tomatoes, dill, parsley, pumpkin, beets, spinach, dandelion leaves and young turnip tops are all foods that are no less rich in iron.
From fruits and berries, green apples, persimmons, bananas, pomegranates, peaches, apricots, quince, blueberries, strawberries and black currants can be distinguished.
However, despite the high content of nutrients in plant foods, their absorption by the body is more difficult and slower. For this reason, you will have to consume plant foods in larger quantities than meat in order to achieve the desired result and maintain good health.
vitamins
What else contributes to the increase in iron and how to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy?
Do not neglect food rich in vitamin B12, because it promotes the absorption of such an important element for a woman's body. It is found mainly in meat. The vitamin is found in smaller amounts in eggs and dairy products.
A good and high-quality treatment of anemia is helped by sufficient consumption of berries, citrus fruits, fruits rich in vitamin C.
Medical method
Another method of getting rid of anemia is the use of drug treatment. A doctor observing the course of pregnancy will definitely tell you how to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy.
With an average degree of development of the disease state, iron-containing capsules are prescribed, as well as syrups. In severe cases, intravenous solutions are used.
There are some rules for the use of drugs. So, they are not recommended to be consumed with dairy products, as well as black tea. These types of food can reduce the effectiveness of the tablets. As already mentioned, in order to achieve the desired result, it is often recommended to supplement the treatment with folic acid and vitamin C.
Drugs that increase hemoglobin during pregnancy:
- "Sorbifer Durules". The medicinal composition contains not only iron, but also ascorbic acid, which contributes to its absorption. The remedy is taken only on the recommendation of a doctor, as it can cause malfunctions in the digestive tract.
- "Maltofer". Used for mild forms of anemia. The drug is often prescribed because of its good tolerance.
- Ferrum Lek. The tool is available in several forms: tablets, syrup, liquid for injection.
- "Totem". A universal drug that is prescribed not only for pregnant women, but also for children.
- Swap black tea for green tea.
- Enter in the diet It promotes the absorption of iron.
- Eat foods rich in vitamin C: fruit and tomato juices, fruits.
- Do not mix iron-rich foods with medications and foods to increase calcium levels.
- Take supplements containing folic acid. It promotes the absorption of iron.
Folk remedies for the treatment of anemia
If your doctor's recommendations on how to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy seem insufficient to you, then you can always turn to methods that have been proven over the years. There are a huge number of means that are no less effective than the use of drugs. So how to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy with folk remedies?
Here are some proven recipes:
- Prepare a decoction of fresh strawberry leaves.
- Make it a rule before each meal to eat a spoonful of honey with garlic.
- Prepare a tincture of nettle decoction and wine. Take one spoon per day.
- Buckwheat is very rich in iron. Fill it with boiling water overnight, and by morning you will have a delicious and healthy breakfast ready.
- Fresh apples, cranberry juice, a spoonful of beetroot juice will help increase hemoglobin.
- Take a handful of walnuts and green buckwheat. Grind into flour and add honey. The resulting mixture is useful to use once a day for a tablespoon.
- A mixture of dried fruits, such as prunes, dried apricots, raisins, with the addition of honey, nuts and lemon, will not only relieve anemia, but also strengthen the immune system. Take the remedy three times a day, one tablespoon.
- Combine apple, beet and carrot juices in equal proportions. Drink the drink twice a day.
Excess levels of iron in the blood
If you still have not avoided the frequent diagnosis of anemia in pregnant women, then you should not rush to use all existing methods. Consult your doctor, he will tell you how to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy quickly and without harm to health.
Excess iron in the blood can be no less dangerous for the body. The maximum Fe value should not exceed the limit of 140 g/l. Otherwise, this will indicate a thickening of the blood, which can lead to poor nutrition and oxygen saturation of the fetus.
Conclusion
Thus, a low hemoglobin level is not a sentence. There are a huge number of ways and means to improve it. Do not start this state, and then you and your baby will be happy, beautiful and healthy.
Babies, whose mothers during pregnancy could not increase hemoglobin to normal, by the year of life experience a lack of iron and are more likely to get sick. How to make sure that the level of hemoglobin is normal? We remember.
What is the danger of low hemoglobin during pregnancy
Hemoglobin is a blood protein found in red blood cells. Its main function is to transport oxygen molecules from the lungs throughout the body and return carbon dioxide. Low hemoglobin during pregnancy can adversely affect the baby. The baby may not receive enough oxygen, which is why it grows more slowly and gains weight. Hypoxia, premature birth are not excluded.
A low level of hemoglobin affects the well-being and appearance of the expectant mother. Weakness, dizziness, lack of air, dryness and pallor of the skin, dull and brittle hair - all this can indicate anemia during pregnancy. It develops in every second expectant mother due to an increase in the volume of blood circulating in the body. We are talking about physiological anemia during pregnancy, which is characterized by reduced hemoglobin levels.
With a normal rate of 120-140 g / l, the hemoglobin rate during pregnancy can vary between 100-160 g / l.
How to raise hemoglobin during pregnancy?
Most often, you can raise hemoglobin during pregnancy with iron preparations and iron-containing products. But you need to know a few rules.
- Iron and calcium are not absorbed together. There should be at least two hours between doses.
- Wanting to raise the level of hemoglobin, it is worth limiting tea, coffee, cocoa. The tannin contained in them interferes with the flow of iron.
- For the absorption of iron, vitamin C is needed. Therefore, it is advisable to drink buckwheat porridge not with milk, but with juice - citrus, for example.
- Iron goes well with folic acid, which is found in greens.
Anemia is a risk factor for other pregnancy complications. For example, 40% of expectant mothers with anemia subsequently develop preeclampsia.
Products containing iron:
- Cereals: buckwheat, lentils, barley, red beans, peas.
- Meat: beef, veal, pork, poultry, especially their heart and liver.
- Fish: pink salmon, mackerel.
- Fruits: apples, quinces, blueberries, pomegranates, persimmons, wild roses, peaches, apricots, plums.
- And also: dried fruits, black and red caviar, egg yolk, spinach, watercress, sea kale, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, wheat bran.
Iron is one of the main trace elements on which the blood circulation of the future crumbs depends. During pregnancy, the need for iron increases dramatically from 18 mg to 33 mg per day. And its lack for an important 9 months can lead to really serious complications (anemia during pregnancy, low immunity, premature birth, poor labor activity), as well as to the development of iron deficiency and anemia in the newborn.
It has been noticed that more than half of expectant mothers, by the time of pregnancy, already need an additional source of this element. The so-called hidden iron deficiency implies that girls can be shown taking iron supplements.
Anemia during pregnancy: replenishing the lack of B12
Anemia during pregnancy can be caused not only by iron deficiency, but also by a lack of vitamin B12. Its main function is to provide hematopoiesis. This unique vitamin is synthesized by microorganisms in our body but is not absorbed. To get it, you need to eat food of animal origin. Most vitamin B12 is found in beef and pork liver, octopus and herring.
- Vitamin B12 works great in tandem with. They enhance each other's action, preventing many diseases. Iron and vitamin A also begin to work more actively in his presence.
- When including a product with vitamin B12 in your menu, try to divide it into at least three servings and eat a little bit during the day. That way you get the most out of it.
Products that raise hemoglobin during pregnancy
A decrease in hemoglobin adversely affects the development of the fetus. Therefore, expectant mothers need to eat right to prevent the risk of anemia.
Raising hemoglobin during pregnancy.
Hemoglobin is a complex component of red blood cells involved in the transfer of oxygen to the cells of the body and the removal of carbon dioxide.
During pregnancy, the level of it, which is an option. But there are too strong deviations, you will learn how to increase hemoglobin in pregnant women at home in the article.
Causes of low hemoglobin in pregnant women
The reasons for a decrease in hemoglobin in a pregnant woman are:
- Malnutrition in which an insufficient amount of iron enters the body of the expectant mother;
- Toxicosis in early pregnancy;
- Frequent pregnancies(hemoglobin drops during pregnancy, and a full supply of iron in the female body is restored within 3 years after delivery);
- Multiple pregnancy;
- Deficiency in the body of a pregnant woman of zinc, vitamin B12, folic or ascorbic acid, arginine, without which iron is poorly absorbed;
- Diseases of the digestive tract, such as gastritis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis;
- Blood loss that occur during bleeding, including internal;
- autoimmune diseases;
- Infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis or intestinal infections, in which red blood cells are quickly destroyed, despite the fact that their need in the body increases;
- Worm infestations;
- Malignant formations;
- Increased need for iron in a fetus that is developing rapidly;
- An increase in estrogen levels, which slow down the regeneration of the bone marrow and lead to impaired iron utilization.
What is the danger of low hemoglobin for mother and child
Pregnant women with low hemoglobin levels constitute a high-risk group for both the fetus and the mother, and require treatment. If the problem is not resolved, the consequence could be:
With low hemoglobin in the expectant mother, gas exchange between the body of the fetus and the mother is disrupted, the baby is not getting enough oxygen in utero. In the future, fetal hypoxia can cause many neurological diseases, as well as physical or mental developmental delays.
How to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy
If the level is slightly lowered, it is possible to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy with the help of proper nutrition and the introduction of foods containing a large amount of iron into the diet.
In other cases, it is necessary to take medications or use folk remedies.
Products and diet
In the table you can see which foods increase hemoglobin during pregnancy and choose useful ones for yourself.
| Products | Iron content in mg, per 100 g of product |
| Pork liver | 22,1 |
| Beef kidneys | 10,0-11,5 |
| beef liver | 7,1-7,9 |
| Chicken egg yolk | 7,0 |
| blood sausage | 6,4 |
| Meat | 3,0-5,0 |
| Seafood (mussels, oysters) | 5,1-5,8 |
| Legumes (beans, peas) | 15,0 |
| Flour made from soy | 12,0 |
| Flax seeds | 8,2 |
| Chanterelles | 6,5 |
| dried peach | 6,9 |
| Oatmeal and buckwheat porridge | 4,6-5,0 |
| Hazelnut | 3,8 |
Against the background of good nutrition, it is necessary to give the body a sufficient amount of iron. Products that increase hemoglobin during pregnancy should be chosen in such a way that this iron is well absorbed. At the same time, the culinary processing of dishes does not play a special role, they can be boiled and fried.
During the cooking process, vegetables or fruits are immersed in boiling water and boiled under the lid only until tender, without overcooking, so the level of iron in them is maintained.
Heme iron is better absorbed, which is found in animal products (especially in the blood and muscles).
Its highest content of jelly is in the liver.. It is not necessary to eat it half-cooked, the liver can be boiled and fried.
With a mixed diet, iron from plant products is absorbed faster. In this case, ascorbic acid plays an important role.
It increases the absorption of iron, turning it into an easily absorbed complex. When drinking fruit juice containing a large amount of vitamin C, the absorption of iron from eggs, cereals, vegetables increases, despite the fact that there is very little of it in the juice itself.
Well absorbed iron from broccoli, tomatoes, beets, pumpkins, white cabbage, turnips and carrots, in which, in addition to this element, a sufficient amount of ascorbic or malic acid is contained.
Folk remedies
In order to raise hemoglobin during pregnancy in the blood, not only drugs are used, but also traditional medicine methods:
Now you know several recipes for how to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy, but if this does not help, you will have to resort to drug treatment.
Medicines
In order to raise the level of hemoglobin in the blood, drugs are used in the form of syrups, drops, tablets, solutions or injections. Their purpose depends on the level of iron and the susceptibility of the body.
If hemoglobin is slightly lowered, then in this case drugs for internal use are used., such as: Totem, Aktiferrin, Hemofer, Ferroplect. They are used in accordance with the instructions, from 1 to 3 times a day.
How to raise hemoglobin during pregnancy, if it is greatly reduced, oral preparations do not give the desired effect or are contraindicated - injections are prescribed: Ferrum Lek or Maltofer.
Drugs for treatment and their dosage are prescribed by the doctor!
Since they can cause a negative reaction of the body, a test is first carried out: for this, 1/4 dose of the drug is administered, and if there is no negative reaction within a quarter of an hour, then the rest is added.
What not to eat with low hemoglobin
With a low level of hemoglobin, you should not use iron and calcium supplements at the same time, as they will be less absorbed. An improper diet can prevent the increase in hemoglobin during pregnancy.
For a while, it is worth limiting the use of dairy products, especially cottage cheese.. It is advisable to include them in the diet separately from foods containing a large amount of iron.
Also, strong tea and coffee are iron antagonists, so you should not drink food with them, but it is better to replace them with compote, natural juice or rosehip broth for the period of treatment.
If symptoms of low hemoglobin appear, you should consult a doctor.
Blood pathologies that appear during the bearing of a baby are extremely unfavorable and dangerous. They can be detected with simple laboratory tests.
Purpose of the study
To function, a baby growing in its mother's tummy needs a daily supply of nutrients and oxygen. He receives all this through the blood circulation system shared with his mother. These biologically active substances are carried by red blood cells called erythrocytes.
These cells contain hemoglobin. This is a special protein, which contains an organic component and iron. It is this composition that allows hemoglobin to provide the full range of its actions. It not only transfers organic components to the internal organs of mother and baby, but also participates in many processes as a natural catalyst.
When carrying a baby, there are often situations when hemoglobin drops. Such physiological processes develop, as a rule, at the end of the 2nd trimester and in the 3rd trimester. This is due to the physiology of the developing organism of the baby. Increased need and leads to the formation of anemia in the remote weeks of intrauterine development.
The degree of the resulting pathologies varies. This division became the basis for the classification of anemia, which is used by doctors of various specialties when interacting with expectant mothers. This determines the tactics of treatment and further observation.
Mild anemia is accompanied by a decrease in the indicator below 110. This condition is quite often manifested in expectant mothers at 36-38 weeks of pregnancy. In the 1st trimester, such violations are quite dangerous and require a referral to a therapist for advice.
With a decrease in hemoglobin from 90 to 70 g / liter, experts speak of an anemic state of moderate severity. This is a more unfavorable state. This clinical sign should never be ignored. Failure to provide medical care at this stage can lead to the development of very dangerous pathologies for the life of the fetus.
If hemoglobin drops below 70 g / liter, then this sign can already be considered a manifestation of a severe course of anemia. In this case, the pregnant woman is hospitalized in a hospital for intensive treatment. In such a situation, as a rule, the appointment of iron-containing drugs, which are administered by injection, is already required.
Reasons for the downgrade
A variety of reasons can lead to a decrease in hemoglobin in the blood of a pregnant woman. In some cases, anemia is present in the expectant mother even before pregnancy. It is immediately worth noting that if left untreated, this condition will only worsen. The prognosis for the development of pathology in this case is unfavorable.
A physiological decrease in hemoglobin can develop not only in the later stages of pregnancy. Also, this condition is quite common in expectant mothers who are carrying twins or triplets. During a multiple pregnancy, the need for oxygen and nutrients increases by 40%.
Doctors distinguish quite a lot of different pathologies, which are accompanied by a decrease in hemoglobin. Pregnancy is a special time. During this period, diseases in both the mother and the pathology of the intrauterine development of her baby can lead to the development of an anemic state.
The tendency to anemia is quite often congenital. If a woman who is carrying a baby has problems with reduced hemoglobin, this means that her daughter is likely to have similar problems. This feature is largely due to genetic memory and features of the hematopoietic system.
Vegetarianism
A vegetarian diet often leads to the development of an anemic condition. It is immediately worth noting that women who exclude animal food from their diet before pregnancy may not suffer from anemia before conceiving a baby. Their first symptoms appear when the fetus is already beginning to actively grow and develop. To compensate for this condition, medications and a mandatory review of the eating style will be required, at least for the period of bearing the baby.
Diseases
stomach
Chronic diseases of the stomach are common causes leading to the development of an anemic condition.
Especially dangerous in this case gastritis or enteritis flowing in an erosive form. The fact is that these diseases occur with the development of microbleeding. During them, a small amount of blood is regularly lost, which leads to a decrease in red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood.
An exacerbation of peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum can also contribute to the development of anemia in a pregnant woman. The most dangerous erosive options. To prevent the exacerbation of these pathologies during pregnancy, doctors will recommend that the expectant mother take special medications.
Intestine
Intestinal diseases can also lead to the development of a decrease in hemoglobin in a pregnant woman. This is facilitated by a violation of the absorption function of this organ. Ultimately, this leads to a violation of the absorption of essential nutrients that are necessary for the synthesis (formation) of iron in the body. In such situation after a few weeks, anemia begins to form.
Dysbacteriosis
Violation of the intestinal microflora, which is called dysbacteriosis, can also contribute to the development of an anemic condition in a future mother. This happens due to insufficient intake of all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Usually, dysbacteriosis or irritable bowel syndrome develops in women with various diseases of the internal organs.
Liver and blood-forming organs
Chronic pathologies of the liver and hematopoietic organs can also lead to the development of an anemic condition in a future mother. In this case, there is a violation of many metabolic processes.
Diseases of the spleen can contribute to the excessive destruction of red blood cells in the mother's blood, which also provokes the development of anemia in her.
endocrine system
Inadequate functioning of the endocrine system can also contribute to the development of anemia in the expectant mother. The most dangerous diseases that a woman has before pregnancy. In this case, a mandatory consultation with an endocrinologist is required to draw up the optimal treatment tactics.
reproductive organs
Diseases of the reproductive organs can also lead to a decrease in hemoglobin. It is most unfavorable if such pathologies often worsen over the entire period of pregnancy.
As a rule, various cystic formations of the ovaries or myomatous nodes lead to the development of an anemic state. If the data of education during pregnancy continues to grow, then a decrease in hemoglobin against this background can be very significant.
Toxicosis
In the first half of pregnancy, an anemic condition may also occur. In most cases, persistent toxicosis leads to this. For some mothers, this unpleasant and debilitating condition can last until the end of pregnancy.
Toxicosis, accompanied by severe vomiting, leads to metabolic disorders and anemia.
Stress
Strong psycho-emotional stress quite often leads to metabolic disorders in the body of the expectant mother. If a pregnant woman is constantly nervous and worried over trifles, then the work of her nervous system is disrupted. This contributes to the progression of any pathological conditions that are present in her body.
Taking medication
Some drugs have an adverse effect on the hematopoietic tissue. The constant forced intake of such drugs during pregnancy will help to reduce hemoglobin below normal values. Most often, these manifestations provoke taking immunosuppressive and certain hormonal drugs.
Re-birth within 2 years
Previous childbirth can also lead to a decrease in hemoglobin. In this case, less than two years should elapse between the birth of two babies. An exhausted female body for the first pregnancy in such a situation simply does not have time to prepare for the next one. This contributes to the fact that a woman has signs of anemia.
Other reasons
A decrease in hemoglobin in late pregnancy in some cases is an extremely unfavorable sign. It may indicate the development of placental abruption or other pathologies in the fetus. In this case, urgent medical intervention is required. In some situations, it may even be necessary to conduct an urgent birth due to the threat to the life of the baby.
Symptoms of low hemoglobin by degree
Anemia during pregnancy is very non-specific. Reviews of mothers indicate that for a long time they did not suspect that their body was deficient in iron.
This violation is detected, as a rule, very suddenly - during a general blood test.
Light
The expectant mother practically does not feel the initial manifestations of the anemic state. Her behavior and appearance do not change in any way. A woman with mild anemia continues to lead a fairly active lifestyle. Many mothers-to-be in this state even go to pregnancy yoga or other physical activities without experiencing any adverse symptoms.
Medium
With the development and aggravation of anemic pathology, a woman develops negative clinical signs. She starts to get tired faster. When performing habitual physical activity, she may feel that she needs to rest. After a quick walk or climbing 1-2 stairwells, such a woman develops shortness of breath and palpitations.
Subsequently, a rapid heart rate begins to disturb the expectant mother, who has anemia of moderate severity, already at rest or after a little stress. Some women may also experience an arrhythmia, an episode of irregular heart rhythm.
Anemia is often accompanied by the development of constipation. This is a consequence of violations in the work of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Future mothers with anemia of this severity complain to their doctors that without a special diet they cannot visit the toilet for several days.
Soreness in the abdomen is characteristic of an anemic condition of a more severe course. The intensity of the pain syndrome, as a rule, is insignificant. It may increase slightly after eating solid food. Many women who have signs of anemia complain of pain spreading to the area below the navel.
Even during the normal course of pregnancy, a woman can experience different taste preferences. Quite often it happens that before the period of bearing a baby, the expectant mother did not like a certain food product, and during pregnancy she constantly uses it.
Similar malnutrition occurs with anemia. However, they become quite special. A vivid manifestation is an inexplicable desire to gnaw on chalk. Doctors note that anemic patients may like the pungent smell of paint. Such disorders are usually associated with a violation of many cellular reactions in the body that occur due to anemia.
Sleepiness increases throughout the day. A woman can constantly sleep. At night, there may be significant difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Some women have nightmares. Constant lack of sleep leads to a deterioration in mood and a tendency to tearfulness.
Severe degree
Severe forms of the anemic condition already lead to a change in appearance. The skin becomes very pale. The woman looks constantly tired, even if she did not perform any physical activity. The area of the nasolabial triangle and the area under the lower eyelids acquire a blue color.
Quite often, severe chilliness of the hands and feet develops. In some cases, the extremities become permanently cold to the touch. The skin on the legs and arms turn pale. Nails become more brittle and easily exfoliate. A woman may also complain of severe hair loss and dryness.
Diagnostics
In order to detect a decrease in hemoglobin, a fairly simple laboratory test is required. It's called a complete blood count. During pregnancy, this study is carried out repeatedly.
In addition to regular screening examinations, this laboratory test is prescribed for any pathologies that have arisen during the bearing of the baby. A complete blood count also allows you to monitor the development of the condition against the background of the prescribed therapy.
Hemoglobin is calculated in special units called "g / liter". With a decrease in this indicator below 110 g / liter, doctors already conclude that there is an anemic condition.
The norms of hemoglobin in different periods of pregnancy are different. This is largely due to the changing physiology of the fetus.
A decrease in hemoglobin in the blood is often accompanied by a drop in the level of erythrocytes. This situation does not always develop. There are cases when, with a decrease in hemoglobin, the level of red blood cells remains within the normal range. This causes various clinical variants of anemia.
Iron deficiency anemia often develops during pregnancy. This pathological condition is associated with insufficient intake or increased destruction of iron in the blood.
To diagnose this pathology, doctors prescribe a number of additional laboratory tests. These tests include ferritin, TIBC, and serum iron levels. Only a combination of these criteria allows doctors to make a diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia.
Consequences for the child
A decrease in hemoglobin below normal is very dangerous. This pathological condition negatively affects the actively developing fetus. The long course of anemia contributes to the formation of various intrauterine abnormalities. In the future, they can lead to a lag in the physical development of the baby.
Insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients contribute to the development of hypoxia. This pathological condition threatens the development of formations of various disorders in the development of the baby.
The development of severe anemia in early pregnancy can even lead to disruption of the organogenesis process in the fetus. This is fraught with the development of various defects and anomalies of the internal organs in the child.
Placental insufficiency is another possible manifestation of a prolonged anemic condition. It is very dangerous. In this case, the baby does not receive the required amount of nutrients and oxygen dissolved in the blood. Ultimately, this will negatively affect its development and growth.
Obstetricians and gynecologists note that a severe anemic condition can lead to too early discharge of amniotic fluid. This will inevitably lead to the need for urgent childbirth.
If early childbirth was carried out much earlier than the due date, then in this case the birth of a baby is possible, which has significant defects and anomalies of the internal organs.
In premature babies born due to a severe anemic condition in the mother, anemia can appear immediately after their birth. In this case, the appointment of intensive care will be required not only for the mother, but also for her born child.
The weakening of labor during childbirth is another complication, which can develop with an anemic state of pregnancy. This pathology can lead to severe bleeding. Massive blood loss will only exacerbate the anemia. In this case, the risk of having a baby with hypoxia increases significantly.
Such born children, as a rule, have a deficiency of body weight. In the future, babies have problems in the work of the immune and nervous systems. They develop and grow worse. Such babies may also have congenital malformations.
Dr. Komarovsky will tell you about the dangers of a decrease in hemoglobin in the next video.
How to raise hemoglobin without harm to the baby?
Regular check-ups during pregnancy are very important. Going to the clinic and taking a general blood test is a banal routine procedure that allows you to identify anemic pathologies at the earliest stages of their formation.
If doctors have established a decrease in hemoglobin in this test, then they will make up a whole range of various recommendations for the expectant mother. Such a complex treatment will help increase the level of hemoglobin and bring it back to normal.
Still, you should not make recommendations at home. Anemia is a very dangerous condition that requires mandatory medical supervision, especially during pregnancy. Only the doctor should monitor the dynamics of the course of the anemic state and determine the prognosis for the baby.
Therapist treats anemia. It is this doctor who, if necessary, sends the future mother to the laboratory so that she additionally passes the tests necessary for making a diagnosis. In some cases, a consultation with a hematologist may be required. This doctor also deals with the problems of reducing hemoglobin in pregnant women.
Iron Boost Foods
A very important method of treating iron deficiency in the female body during pregnancy is diet therapy. With the help of a special diet, which includes a list of iron-containing foods, it is quite easy to achieve normalization of hemoglobin levels in the blood. With mild anemia, good results can be achieved without prescribing drugs.
Doctors recommend expectant mothers to use a number of products that contain active iron in their composition. Record holder among them - red meat, you can eat any of its varieties. Perfect fit beef, lamb, pork. Can also be used as a source of iron bird and game.
Expectant mothers should not fry meat. It is better to bake, stew or cook it on the grill. To compensate for iron, you should eat at least 1 serving of red meat or game per day. Follow this recommendation regularly.
You can add meat with vegetable salad. Vegetables contain practically no iron, but ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is present. This biologically active component allows iron to be better absorbed in the body. You can use any vegetable for the salad. It is better to choose them according to the season.
You can also combine the main meat dish with various cereal side dishes. Barley, any kind of legumes, as well as buckwheat and oatmeal are perfect for this. These products contain quite a lot of vitamins and microelements, which have a beneficial effect on the entire body of the expectant mother.
You should not abuse cereals, as they are quite high in calories.
Fruit also contains a huge amount of vitamin C.. These excellent natural anti-depressants will help you maintain a good mood, as well as help iron to be better absorbed in the body.
Berries are not only a great source of antioxidants. This healthy delicacy contains a huge amount of ascorbic acid. Eat them carefully, as they often lead to the development of an allergic reaction. It is better to use berries according to the season. In the winter season, you can cook compote or fruit drink from frozen raw materials.
Nuts also contain iron. However, its concentration in them is much less than in red lean meat. You should eat nuts in moderation, remembering that this is a very healthy, but very high-calorie product. You can supplement your menu with hazelnuts, walnuts and almonds. They will be an excellent snack and will not harm the female body.
When diet therapy is ineffective, doctors prescribe drug treatment. For this, they issue iron-containing medicines. They are necessary to replenish the necessary iron, which must be regularly supplied to the female body.
The treatment regimen is selected individually. To do this, the doctor assesses the general condition of the expectant mother, necessarily takes into account her age and the presence of chronic pathologies of internal organs.
Usually the duration of treatment is several weeks or months. Such a time period is necessary to optimize the functioning of the body and normalize the level of hemoglobin in the blood.
To evaluate the effectiveness of therapy, doctors resort to prescribing laboratory tests. As a rule, indicators of a general blood test are evaluated. Positive dynamics is characterized by an increase in the number of erythrocytes in the blood and an increase in hemoglobin.
Hematogen is considered a folk remedy for raising hemoglobin.. It is worth noting that such a technique can only become a prevention, but not a treatment for an anemic condition. To normalize the level of hemoglobin in the blood, the appointment of more serious iron-containing agents is required.
Doctors do not prohibit eating hematogen during pregnancy for prevention.
Tablet forms
Iron tablets are the most common dosage forms prescribed to correct iron deficiency in the body. Among the frequently used are the following: "Sorbifer", "Maltofer", "Ferrum-Lek", "Totem". The dosage, frequency of use and duration of the course is determined by the attending physician.
While using these drugs, you should remember that they have certain side effects. So, these funds stain the stool in a dark color. The appearance of this symptom should not scare the expectant mother. The chair will acquire a normal color immediately after the drug is discontinued.
"Ferrum - Lek"
"Ferrum-Lek" is a remedy necessary to compensate for iron deficiency. The drug contains trivalent ferrum. This drug is usually prescribed in the form of syrup or tablets. Absorption and active assimilation of it occurs in the upper intestine.
This drug is fairly well tolerated. Some women experience nausea and abdominal pain while taking this remedy. After discontinuation of use, these adverse symptoms completely disappear.
The drug has a good spectrum of action and increases hemoglobin in a fairly short period of time.
"Sorbifer"
This is another fairly effective drug used to treat anemic conditions, including pregnancy. It contains ferrous sulfate in its chemical composition. This tool is characterized by a fairly systematic release of metabolites. Iron is well absorbed.
Side effects develop quite rarely. The most common of these is darkening of the stool and nausea. Some patients also noted a violation of taste sensations and a decrease in appetite. Also, the disadvantages of this drug include its high cost.
injection forms
With erosive forms of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, doctors will not prescribe iron-containing tablets. In this case, injectable dosage forms will be prescribed. They are administered through injections.
Typically, such treatment is carried out in a clinic or more often a hospital. Also, treatment with iron-containing drugs in the form of injectable forms is often prescribed with a critical decrease in hemoglobin below 70 g / liter. More than 0.1 grams of iron per day should not be administered. This dose fully compensates for the body's need for this substance.
With parenteral administration, it is very important to observe single dosages. This must be done in order to avoid an overdose of the body with iron.
The introduction of injectable iron-containing preparations is tolerated quite easily. Of the adverse symptoms - local manifestations.
Painful infiltrates often appear at the injection sites. Over time, they dissolve. The correct technique for performing an injection by a procedural nurse will reduce the risk of developing an infiltrate.
Injectable iron supplements include: Ferrum-Lek, Venofer, Ferkoven and others. Such funds are usually assigned for course admission. After a few weeks of taking these drugs, the woman's hemoglobin level begins to recover. If possible, after giving injections, doctors prescribe iron-containing tablets to the patient.
In addition to drug therapy, doctors recommend that expectant mothers with anemic conditions, normalize your daily routine. To do this, they should sleep at least 8 hours a day. Daily walks in the fresh air at a moderate pace will also have a positive effect.
Limiting stress plays a very important role in the prevention of this pathology, especially during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, a woman's body changes dramatically in terms of metabolism.
The need for many micronutrients is growing dramatically, since a significant part of them goes to the development of the unborn child, and at the same time to the normalization of the hormonal background.
Research confirms that it is precisely against the background of inadequate nutrition of the mother that the newborn may develop anemia - a deficiency of hemoglobin in the blood.
How to prevent it? What foods should be included in the diet to normalize and raise the low hemoglobin of the expectant mother? What diet should be followed?
Why do pregnant women need to monitor hemoglobin?
Why does the human body need hemoglobin? It transports oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. That is, hemoglobin is an essential trace element for the proper functioning of the respiratory function.
The child, while in the womb, also has a need for oxygen, but he cannot breathe on his own - gas exchange takes place through the placenta along with the blood. What happens with a hemoglobin deficiency? In simple terms - the unborn child will have an oxygen deficiency.
In critical cases, oxygen deficiency in a child in the womb can lead to asphyxia and subsequent freezing of the fetus. That is why it is so important to monitor the level of hemoglobin - the normal course of pregnancy directly depends on this.
It is also worth mentioning that hemoglobin deficiency may also indicate a lack of B-group vitamins and. And this is fraught with an imbalance of sex hormones in the body of the expectant mother, which can cause self-abortion of the fetus (premature birth, when the body provokes them on its own, although the child has not yet fully formed).
The rate of content in the blood
The average hemoglobin in an adult non-pregnant woman is 139 grams per liter of blood. During pregnancy, this figure decreases slightly.
The following indications are not a deviation:
- first trimester - 132 grams per liter;
- second trimester - 120 grams per liter;
- third trimester - 112 grams per liter.
Already after childbirth, the hemoglobin level returns to normal, but this will take from 1 to 6 months (the recovery period for each woman may vary, but after the birth of the first child it is longer than after the second and all subsequent children).
In the first trimester, in particular, for 2-3 months, hemoglobin may increase slightly, due to the cessation of menstruation. This is also a normal phenomenon and is not a deviation from the norm - such is the physiology of the female body.
Low Level Signs
A hemoglobin deficiency in a pregnant or nursing mother can manifest itself with a very wide list of symptoms, and for each woman their combination can be radically different.
The most common signs are as follows:
- general weakness and;
- the appearance of problems with the skin, nails, hair;
- pale skin;
- accelerated heartbeat (occurs with a significant deficiency of hemoglobin, when the body experiences oxygen starvation);
- the emergence of addiction to certain smells (most often - the smell of paint, gasoline, acetone, solvents of various types, synthetic adhesives, motor oil, exhaust gases, and so on);
- a tendency to toxicosis (especially noticeable in the early stages of pregnancy);
- signs of immunodeficiency (susceptibility to infectious diseases, manifestation of thrush, skin diseases, and so on);
- decreased taste sensitivity (also often develops against the background of toxicosis).
But it should be borne in mind that often a hemoglobin deficiency is not accompanied by any symptoms at all. However, doctors still prescribe a blood test (almost every month) to monitor the level of hemoglobin in the blood of a pregnant woman.
General nutrition rules
For the fastest possible normalization of hemoglobin levels in the blood during pregnancy, it is necessary observe the following recommendations:
- Provide enough iron for the body in the food you eat. In an adult, the daily norm is only 8-15 mg per day, in pregnant women it rises to 22-25 mg.
- Ensure that the body receives a sufficient amount of B-group vitamins, omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, ascorbic acid, sodium, potassium, silicon, zinc - all these trace elements increase the bioavailability of iron, that is, they help the body to absorb it normally (with a deficiency of the same folic acids, the body practically does not absorb iron).
- Include foods and dishes with complex proteins in the diet - when digested, they break down into amino acids, which just enter into a biochemical reaction with iron, vitamins, after which a hemoglobin molecule is created in the cell.
Not all foods and drinks rich in iron and other essential trace elements are allowed to be consumed during pregnancy. For example, turmeric and parsley help to increase hemoglobin. But they also may act as antispasmodics on smooth muscle which also causes uterine contractions. Therefore, they should not be used during pregnancy.
8 iron foods
Below we will look at 8 iron-rich foods to include in the diet of people with low hemoglobin levels in the blood.
1. Beef
Beef is best for quickly restoring the balance of hemoglobin in the blood. It contains a whole chain of complex proteins, as well as iron, folic acid, minerals.
Look here.
2. Mushrooms
Dried porcini mushrooms are one of the most famous iron-containing foods that can be consumed in any quantity during pregnancy. Plus, they are easy to digest.
But there are not as many vitamins in them as in the same beef, so if mushrooms are eaten, then only ensuring sufficient intake of B-group vitamins, ascorbic acid(in almost 95% of cases, pregnant women are prescribed multivitamin complexes, which just include all these trace elements).
3. Seafood
Almost all seafood is rich in iron and omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids. The most effective in this regard are: 
- red fish;
- oysters;
- (salmon, salmon, sea bass, tuna and so on).
Pretty good at helping to raise hemoglobin also seaweed, brown algae- they are now also actively used in cooking. And artificial red and black caviar are also made from algae - you can try to include them in the diet (the taste of such caviar is significantly inferior to natural caviar).
4. Nuts
This, in particular, should include walnuts and pistachios - they contain omega-3 acids no less than red and black caviar.
Moreover, nutritionists advise not to use dried nuts, but those that have recently fallen from a tree - in such kernels. folate content is very high(it is contained in the film covering the walnut kernels). Peanuts, pine nuts, hazelnuts, hazelnuts are considered less useful in this regard.
See separate article.
5. Pomegranate, beetroot, carrot juices
Many . They contain both iron, and B-group vitamins, and iodine. The only caveat is you should not consume such juices in a concentrated form(especially for those women who often have an upset gastrointestinal tract during pregnancy).
Carrot juice contains a high dose of vitamin A. An excess of it can harm the unborn baby in the womb. Regarding the possibility of drinking such juice, you should definitely consult with the gynecologist with whom the woman was registered.
6. Legumes
Help in general normalize the biochemical composition of the blood and also get a small amount of iron, folic acid.
You should not abuse it, as legumes can cause intestinal dysfunction, as well as flatulence, and in rare cases, constipation.
7. Wheat bran
The bran itself is poorly digested, contains about 20 mg of iron per 100 grams(of which about 20 - 40% are digested). But bran helps to normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract, prevent constipation.
8. Quail eggs
thanks to its composition. In particular, their yolks contain up to 8 mg of iron (per 100 grams of eggs on average). Chicken also has iron, but it also has bad cholesterol. And chicken eggs can cause salmonellosis infection.
It is also important to note that eggs should be consumed either fresh or soft-boiled (with minimal heat treatment). In this case, all nutritional properties are preserved.
What should be limited?
- Pasta. In fact, this includes everything that is prepared on the basis of wheat flour (without bran).
- Dairy products. Almost all of them contain calcium in a sufficiently large amount, which impairs the absorption of iron. It's straight. This includes almost all varieties of cheeses, butter, sour cream, kefir, yogurt and other dairy desserts, condensed milk, fermented baked milk.
- Proteins of chicken eggs. They also worsen the absorption of iron, preventing biochemical reactions with it with the participation of amino acids. Interestingly, the use of chicken proteins has practically no effect on the concentration of iron and folic acid (unlike dairy products and any others that contain calcium).
You should also give up greens during pregnancy. More precisely, you can include it in the diet, but in limited quantities. , dill, basil - all these foods are rich in vitamins and even iron, but they cause smooth muscle spasms, which is extremely dangerous in the early stages of pregnancy.
During this period, it is better to receive vitamins in the form of multivitamin complexes - this will be much safer for the expectant mother and child.
You can also raise hemoglobin with the following tips and tricks:
- Include the following dessert in the diet: a mixture of dried apricots, raisins, walnuts. For cooking, you will need to take 50-60 grams of the above components, grind them with a meat grinder, coffee grinder or blender and add honey (the same amount as the grated mixture). Store in the refrigerator, take 1 teaspoon 3 times a day. The course is at least 2 weeks, then - if necessary.
- Take a course of the following vitamin complexes(optional): Complivit iron, Perfectil, Sorbifer, Fenyuls. You must first consult with your doctor.
- It is also important to observe the daily routine (activity / rest). The process of hematopoiesis mainly occurs at night during sleep. Accordingly, chronic insomnia can provoke a hemoglobin deficiency, even if the pregnant woman follows a healthy diet.
Hemoglobin deficiency does not always indicate a lack of iron, certain vitamins. This condition can be caused by certain diseases. Among them, even blood cancer. Therefore, if you suspect a hemoglobin deficiency, you should not postpone going to the doctor. It must be remembered that for the unborn child this is many times more dangerous than for the expectant mother.
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Conclusion
In total, during pregnancy, the level of hemoglobin decreases slightly - this is normal, since a significant part of the iron and vitamins go to the development of the fetus in the womb. That is why the need for the above elements is increasing, and it can be fully provided by a simple adjustment of the diet.
If this does not bring the desired effect, multivitamin complexes are prescribed, in critical cases, preservation therapy. Normalizing the balance of hemoglobin is quite simple, the main thing is to establish the exact cause of its decrease, and only qualified doctors can handle this task.