So, you have received great news - you are pregnant. Your expectations have come true, you are making grandiose plans, choosing a name for your baby and imagining what he will look like. It was possible to avoid toxicosis, and nausea was not particularly bothersome, the pregnancy was proceeding simply exceptionally. But suddenly the wait is overshadowed by ailments, dizziness, and the next blood test shows a decrease in hemoglobin. Why does this happen, what is the normal hemoglobin content in pregnant women in the 3rd trimester, determined by specialists, and why a decrease in this indicator is dangerous.

Hemoglobin is a special type of protein substance that performs transport functions, that is, it distributes oxygen-enriched blood throughout the vascular system. When the levels of this protein drop, doctors diagnose anemia, which is popularly called anemia. During pregnancy, this protein provides oxygen to the fetus, so its level is very important.

Oxygen is necessary for most of the processes occurring in the body of the expectant mother, brain activity, the formation of tissue structures, etc. If the concentration of this protein in the body is reduced, then the tissues suffer from oxygen deficiency, i.e., hypoxia or oxygen starvation occurs. Lack of hemoglobin in pregnant women leads to suffering not only of the maternal body, but also of hypoxia of the fetus, which needs oxygen for full development, growth, etc.

Hemoglobin norms

The normal hemoglobin level for women is considered to be 110-150 g/l. During the planning process, a woman is especially recommended to monitor this indicator. Of course, you can get pregnant even with low hemoglobin levels, and in order to eliminate possible problems and complications during pregnancy, it is necessary to normalize the hemoglobin level even before conception. With the onset of pregnancy, hemoglobin levels change in accordance with the gestation period. The normal hemoglobin level for the first months is 112-160 g/l.

Attention! If a woman has a tendency towards a pathological decrease in hemoglobin concentration, then it is recommended to take the necessary therapeutic measures to normalize its content, then during pregnancy it will be possible to reduce the risk of developing anemia to a minimum. Taking folic acid and eating foods fortified with iron will greatly help in this matter.

In the first months after conception, patients are usually prescribed folic acid and vitamin E. If hemoglobin levels are at the lower level of normal, they may be prescribed multivitamin complexes and iron supplements.

In the second trimester

When the gestation period reaches the second trimester, the hemoglobin concentration decreases slightly. The normal level is considered to be 108-144 g/l. If hemoglobin has dropped to much lower values, then urgent restoration of its normal level is necessary. Self-medication is excluded here; taking any drug must first be agreed with a gynecologist.

In the third

The normal hemoglobin content in the third trimester is about 100-140 g/l. In general, during pregnancy, a decrease in hemoglobin level within the indicated limits is considered a variant of the norm, because it is natural. There is no need to treat such changes as a disease. Such metamorphoses are associated with changes in water-salt balance and an increase in the volume of blood circulating in the pregnant woman’s body.

The body changes daily, and the load increases; the body needs time to adapt to these metamorphoses. Therefore, it thins the blood and relaxes vascular tissues. As a result, by the third trimester, the volume of liquid components of the blood increases, and the number of red blood cells decreases, which is a factor in the decrease in hemoglobin levels.

Causes of low hemoglobin

The hemoglobin protein contains a huge amount of iron, which is mostly consumed for the safe and complete growth of the fetus. And the forced fact of blood thinning leads to an increase in its volume, which inevitably leads to a decrease in all cellular structures of the blood. Therefore, the main task during pregnancy is to ensure that this decrease does not go beyond acceptable limits, remaining within the established norms.

Pregnancy is a purely physiological process, initially provided for by nature and proceeding according to its own established rules. Therefore, there may be many reasons for a decrease in hemoglobin. Sometimes they are not even related to this pregnancy and are caused by pathological processes that interfere with the full absorption of iron by the mother’s body. Such pathologies include:

Therefore, if a woman did not plan and had an initial iron deficiency due to various types of conditions, then during the period of bearing a baby, such a condition may worsen even more.

Anemia in pregnant women - how does it manifest itself and why is it dangerous?

During pregnancy, a woman is required to undergo blood tests several times. Such requirements cannot be ignored categorically, because it is during such studies that insufficient hemoglobin levels are revealed. Using a laboratory blood test, you can detect a pathological condition such as anemia, which negatively affects the course of pregnancy and fetal development.

Mommy herself can notice the signs of anemia in time and react to them properly, the main thing is to be more attentive to her own well-being. Characteristic signs of anemia are persistent weakness and unexplained fatigue, dryness and excessive pallor of the skin, sleep disturbances and dizziness, problems with nails and hair, extraneous noise in the ears, shortness of breath and a bluish tint to the lips, taste perversions (craving to consume chalk, etc.). A pathologically low hemoglobin level is dangerous due to possible premature birth, placental abruption and other consequences unfavorable for the preservation and course of pregnancy.

The danger of low hemoglobin for the fetus

If the hemoglobin norm is not achieved during pregnancy, then a similar condition can threaten the child. Particularly affected are children whose mothers suffered from pathologically low hemoglobin or anemia even before conception. What is this connected with? At the initial stages of fetal development, hemoglobin deficiency provokes abnormal placental anlage. That is why anemia often leads to underdevelopment or incorrect location of this organ.

Such disturbances in placental development often cause premature birth, delayed embryonic development, heavy bleeding or oxygen starvation of the fetus. Often, against the background of anemia, newborns appear with acute body weight deficiency. They may have nervous system or respiratory pathologies, underdevelopment of any organs, etc. In the future, such disorders lead to muscle atrophy, deviations in physical or mental development, and atrophic changes in some internal organs.

Why is hemoglobin elevated and what can it mean?

If hemoglobin levels are elevated, then there is nothing to be happy about, especially during pregnancy. Although this phenomenon is quite rare, it can lead to no less disastrous consequences than a low hemoglobin level. Which pregnant women are most likely to experience such a phenomenon as increased hemoglobin?

1. Women living in areas with thin air or high mountain areas;
2. Professional athletes whose bodies are fully adapted to excessive and regular physical overload;
3. Pregnant women suffering from severe dehydration;
4. Women with tumor pathologies, heart defects, pulmonary or heart diseases;
5. Increased blood clotting or blood clotting.

And if athletes and high-altitude residents in general do not risk anything, then the pathological factor of increased hemoglobin can lead to irreversible consequences, so such pregnant women need to remain under special medical supervision throughout their pregnancy.

Tests for hemoglobin determination: preparation and implementation

To determine the hemoglobin level, it is enough to undergo a general laboratory blood test. There are no special preparation requirements for the patient to undergo such an analysis. The main thing is to avoid physical activity immediately before collecting biomaterial, otherwise the results will slightly exceed the real values. This indicator also increases after a long stay in the air, which also needs to be taken into account during the study.

Therefore, it is recommended to donate blood on an empty stomach in the early morning. Refusal of food is also important, because the intake of energy components from foods also changes the chemical composition of the blood, causing laboratory diagnostic results to be distorted.

How to bring hemoglobin to normal

First, it is necessary to accurately establish the etiological factor that led to insufficient or excessive hemoglobin content. For pregnant women, a low level of this protein is still an urgent problem. The best absorption of iron occurs from food, so pregnant women are often prescribed diet therapy, which involves adjusting the diet. In addition, there are many medications that are safe for the fetus, effectively replenish the body’s iron needs and increase the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood.

Medicines

To increase hemoglobin, medications are prescribed for quite long periods. Hemoglobin levels in the blood normalize after 1.5-2 months of regular medication use. These medications are usually taken orally. Injection administration is indicated only in cases where the patient suffers from a gastric ulcer, intolerance to pills or severe anemia. Injections are also indicated in cases where orally taken medications are not absorbed properly.

The best therapeutic effect is achieved by iron-containing preparations, which contain additional components that promote better absorption of iron from medications, for example, vitamin C or B9. But such prescriptions cannot be made independently; all medications should only be recommended by a doctor.

What foods increase hemoglobin

In addition to medications prescribed by a specialist, products that also cope well with this problem can be used to increase hemoglobin levels. Moreover, food compared to drugs is considered a more preferable treatment option. The following categories of foods are especially rich in iron:

Iron-containing foods also include nuts (walnuts), pumpkin seeds, seafood and caviar, mushrooms and dried fruits, hematogen and chocolate. In order for the effect to be complete, in addition to a special diet, it is necessary to adhere to a daily routine, walking, gymnastics, etc.

Features of the diet and rules of eating with low hemoglobin in pregnant women

Food rich in iron will work for you only if you follow certain rules for its consumption. To maximize the absorption of iron, it is necessary to combine the necessary foods with ascorbic acid, that is, fruits and juices rich in it. For example, porridge is combined with orange juice, meat with tomato juice, etc. Forget about black tea, because this drink interferes with the absorption of iron. It is better to replace it with green varieties. Drink 50 ml of pomegranate juice per day; it is necessary to replenish iron deficiency, but in large quantities during pregnancy it will cause constipation.

Prevention of hemoglobin disorders

Preventive measures during pregnancy regarding hemoglobin levels include following the diet recommended by the doctor with the obligatory consumption of lean meat, seafood and vegetables. Every day the menu should include dried fruits and nuts, fresh fruits and juices from them. Iron is better absorbed from animal foods (≈6%), and its absorption from plant foods is slightly lower (only 0.5%).

Low hemoglobin levels are detected quite often in pregnant women, especially in the third trimester. This condition is quite dangerous, and therefore requires mandatory treatment, which a woman should not ignore.

The formation of a fetus from the first weeks requires the female body to mobilize all its resources. Blood plays the most important role. It is with its help that from the moment the placenta is formed, a growing person eats, breathes, and receives the substances necessary for development. One of the common problems for women expecting a child is low hemoglobin. What is dangerous about low hemoglobin during pregnancy, what causes it and how to deal with it?

What is hemoglobin?

Human blood consists of a liquid medium - plasma and formed elements, small bodies of various shapes and colors that perform their assigned functions. One of the formed elements of blood are erythrocytes - red blood cells of a biconcave shape.

Red blood cells contain a substance called hemoglobin, which consists of a protein part and an iron molecule. Due to its structure, hemoglobin is able to bind and transport gases - oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Every schoolchild knows that oxygen is necessary for cells. The growing fetus develops “at the expense” of the mother, which means that the needs increase as the gestational age increases.

Since the volume of circulating blood increases, it is quite natural to expect a decrease in the concentration of formed elements in it, including red blood cells. The norm for a pregnant woman is lower than generally accepted. The lower threshold drops to 110 g/l, and at the end of the third trimester – even to 105 g/l.

However, a decrease in hemoglobin levels below these figures is dangerous for both the child and the mother. That is why a woman receives a referral for a general blood test at the antenatal clinic quite often.

The gynecologist monitors hemoglobin levels so as not to miss its decrease and manage to adjust nutrition and treatment in time.

Why is low hemoglobin dangerous?

Anemia (the so-called consistently low amount of hemoglobin), for the treatment of which timely measures are not taken, has serious consequences for a developing pregnancy.

What are the dangers of anemia?

• a decrease in the mother’s body’s immunity - she becomes susceptible to viruses and bacteria, catches colds easily, which in turn affects the child;
• blood clotting is impaired, nose bleeds for no reason, gums bleed, further increasing the lack of hemoglobin;
• the risk of toxicosis and gestosis - late toxicosis, a condition extremely dangerous for the health and life of the mother and child, increases significantly;
• against the background of a decrease in hemoglobin, fetoplacental insufficiency and fetal hypoxia develop, it lags behind in size and development;
• anemia in the early stages significantly increases the risk of spontaneous miscarriage, in the later stages – premature rupture of amniotic fluid and premature birth;
• the risk of bleeding during childbirth increases;
• the intensity of labor decreases;
• Newborns have a high risk of infection with purulent-septic diseases; they slowly gain weight and lag behind in development.

Symptoms of anemia during pregnancy

Signs of a decrease in hemoglobin levels are manifested not only by the numbers in the laboratory conclusion, but the woman’s well-being worsens:

• the skin becomes pale, even bluish;
• weakness, dizziness, headaches appear;
• dark spots flash before the eyes, there is a noise in the ears;
• there is a feeling of lack of air, shortness of breath, tachycardia, pre-syncope and fainting states appear;
• the skin becomes dry, nails break, hair flakes and splits;
• sleep and appetite are disturbed;
• pregnant woman suffers from constipation

Perverted taste desires -

• eat plaster,
• combine products that are incompatible in the usual sense,
• craving for strange smells,

so calmly perceived as an oddity characteristic of pregnancy in principle, in fact also indicate a lack of hemoglobin in the blood.

Reasons for decreased hemoglobin levels during pregnancy

In addition to the natural decrease in hemoglobin due to an increase in the volume of circulating blood necessary for the needs of the growing fetus, a decrease in hemoglobin during pregnancy leads to:

1. Deficiency of B vitamins;
2. Multiple pregnancy;
3. Lack of copper, zinc;
4. Unbalanced diet;
5. Pathologies of the liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system;
6. Toxicosis of pregnant women;
7. Injuries, blood loss, bleeding;
8. Short period between two successive pregnancies (less than 3 years);
9. Hormonal disorders;
10. Intestinal dysbiosis;
11. Taking certain medications;
12. Mental tension, stress, depression.

Most often, anemia begins to make itself felt from the 19-20th week of pregnancy; during this period, rapid growth of the fetus occurs, and its needs are constantly increasing.

The maximum decline occurs at 31-34 weeks. At this time, this phenomenon is considered a variant of the norm and does not require treatment, but monitoring by a doctor is necessary. By the time of birth, the norm should be restored.

If hemoglobin is low during pregnancy: what to do

What to do if the hemoglobin level has fallen below the permissible value, how to increase it - the doctor decides.

Nutrition

If there is a slight deviation from the norm, proper nutrition will help correct the situation.

What to eat to increase hemoglobin:

• meat - beef, veal, turkey, chicken;
• vegetables - carrots, potatoes, cabbage (white cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower), tomatoes, pumpkin and natural juices from them;
• pomegranates, pomegranate juice, dried apricots, apricots, apples;
• buckwheat porridge;
• fatty fish, seafood.

In order for iron to be better absorbed, it is necessary to provide a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals:

• ascorbic acid;
• vitamin B6 and B12;
• copper, zinc, manganese

Medicines

Iron supplements are indicated for moderate (90-71 g/l) and severe (below 70 g/l) degrees of anemia. What to drink and in what dosage is determined by the doctor, based on the results of the analysis, the condition of the pregnant woman, body weight and other parameters.

Iron preparations are available in various pharmaceutical forms: tablets, capsules, syrups, drops, mixtures, injection solutions. Various preparations contain iron in divalent (available and easily digestible) and trivalent forms.

1. Tardiferon - tablets in which iron is in the form of sulfate (II). Gyno-tardiferon, in addition to iron, includes folic acid.
2. Sorbifer Durulex is a tablet that combines iron (II) salts and ascorbic acid, which promotes its absorption.
3. Analogue of Sorbifer - Ferroplex, coated dragees containing ferrous sulfate and vitamin C.
4. Ferrum Lek is a dark, opaque solution for intramuscular administration, which contains iron (III) in the form of hydroxide.
5. Drops for oral administration Maltofer is a solution of ferric iron in the form of hydroxide. Available in polymer tubes with a dispenser or dark glass bottles.
6. Ferro – III – dark tablets in which iron hydroxide is enhanced with polymaltose.
7. Ferretab COMP are hard gelatin capsules containing iron (II) fumarate and folic acid, due to which the drug is absorbed faster and more efficiently.
8. Totema is a dark brown liquid that, in addition to ferrous gluconate, contains copper and manganese salts, which are necessary for the medicine to be absorbed by the body.
9. Feroglobin-B12 - capsules combining iron salts and vitamins B, C, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine.

Prevention of anemia in pregnant women

A pregnant woman who knows why hemoglobin levels decrease and what is affected by pathology should take preventive measures to prevent health risks for herself and her child. Among the preventive measures:

• Proper balanced nutrition, including foods rich in iron, vitamins, and microelements. The diet should be rich in greens, fruits, vegetables, and must include meat and walnuts. Vegetarians should pay special attention to their health: the percentage of iron absorption from plant foods is much lower than from animal foods;
• Slow walks in the fresh air away from roads and noisy streets are useful;
• Pregnant women, regardless of their health status, are recommended to take Pronatal balanced vitamin and mineral complexes: Vitrum, Elevit, Multitabs or others;
• A pregnant woman should get enough sleep, rest during the day, and maintain mental calm;
• In cases where the doctor prescribes iron supplements, they must be taken. You should not replace one drug with another on your own without consulting your doctor.
• Hematogen, which is sold in pharmacies, contains a large amount of sugar, condensed milk and is far from the bars produced in the USSR. They can cheer up, but their hemoglobin level is unlikely.

Low hemoglobin in pregnant women is a common pathology in pregnant women. Indeed, during pregnancy, the body of the expectant mother changes significantly. To monitor the functioning of a woman’s internal organs, tests are taken, and if there are deviations from the norm, treatment is prescribed. Among the many tests characterizing the condition during pregnancy, a blood test for hemoglobin levels is considered important.

Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein found in red blood cells (erythrocytes). Hemoglobin supplies oxygen from the lungs to the internal organs and tissues of the body, and in the opposite direction - carbon dioxide from the cells.

During pregnancy, all women's hemoglobin is slightly reduced. The normal level of hemoglobin (concentration of red blood cells in the blood) is 120-140 g/l, but during pregnancy, hemoglobin levels change depending on the duration of pregnancy:

• first trimester (1-3 months) from 112 to 116 g/l;
• second trimester (4-6 months) from 106 to 144 g/l;
• third trimester (7-9 months) up to 100 g/l.

Low hemoglobin is especially dangerous in the first trimester of pregnancy, when the organs of the unborn child are formed. It is extremely rare that iron levels in the blood drop during late pregnancy, which can lead to fetal hypoxia.

To establish the cause of a decrease in iron levels in the blood, it is necessary to undergo tests to conduct a number of laboratory tests:

1. To confirm iron-containing anemia, the iron content in the blood serum is checked and the iron-binding capacity of the blood is determined.
2. To confirm B-12 deficiency anemia, people are tested for vitamin and folic acid deficiencies.
3. To confirm hemolytic anemia, the osmotic stability of red blood cells and the content of free, bound bilirubin in the woman’s blood and urine are determined.
4. To identify the presence of chronic or acquired pathologies associated with low hemoglobin levels in the blood.

Signs of low hemoglobin

A reduced hemoglobin concentration can be determined by certain signs, such as skin color and mucous membranes becoming paler. Symptoms of anemia (anemia) appear:

• dizziness;
• cyanosis of the lips and nose, blue circles under the eyes;
• weakness;
• decreased performance;
• fainting;
• tinnitus;
• drowsiness;
• dyspnea;
• increased heart rate;
• poor appetite;
• increased fatigue;
• inattention;
• memory problems;
• causeless increase in body temperature;
• brittle nails;
• hair loss;
• the appearance of cracks in the corners of the mouth;
• taste pathologies (you want to eat ash, chalk, sand, sulfur);
• disturbance of the sense of smell (the smells of acetone, varnish, paint, gasoline, naphthalene become pleasant).

The presence of one or more symptoms does not always indicate low hemoglobin in a pregnant woman, but to find out the reasons, if they occur, you need to consult a doctor.

Anemia and its types

With anemia (anemia), the level of hemoglobin in the body and the number of red blood cells in the blood decrease. The following types of anemia are distinguished:

1. Posthemorrhagic anemia - occurs when blood is lost in large volumes.
2. Anemia of pregnancy is a separate type in which pregnant women experience iron deficiency in the body.
3. B12-deficiency anemia - develops due to a lack of vitamin B12, occurs with infections, with insufficient absorption in the intestines, with a lack of vitamin in food, in older people.
4. Hemolytic anemia - develops when red blood cells are destroyed, occurs due to genetic pathologies, exposure to cold, poisoning with heavy metals, poisons.
5. Iron deficiency anemia – a decrease in the level of iron in the blood occurs as a result of pregnancy, chronic bleeding (uterine bleeding, duodenal ulcer, stomach ulcer, hemorrhoids).

Causes of falling levels of red blood cells in the blood

A drop in the level of red blood cells in the blood (anemia) occurs in the expectant mother after the 20th week of pregnancy. Its maximum decrease is observed at 32-33 weeks of pregnancy. By childbirth, hemoglobin levels increase independently.

During pregnancy, the volume of blood in a woman's body is greater than before pregnancy. As the fetus grows, its hematopoietic organs and circulatory system develop, which are inextricably linked with the circulatory system of the expectant mother. For active growth and development, the fetus needs “building material” - vitamins, macroelements, microelements, including iron, so a pregnant woman’s hemoglobin level decreases.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, the body's need for iron ions does not differ from its need before pregnancy. In the second trimester of pregnancy, the need increases by 2 times. In the third trimester of pregnancy, the need for iron increases 5 times.

One of the reasons for low hemoglobin in pregnant women is caused by nutrition and digestibility of food in the body of a pregnant woman:

• malnutrition;
• lack of microelements (iron, copper, zinc, vitamin B12) in the diet;
• lack of animal protein;
• high calcium content (badly affects the absorption of iron; dairy products, as well as tea, coffee and cocoa, should be taken 4-5 hours after taking iron-containing foods and medications);
• pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract;
• hidden bleeding (can cause posthemorrhagic anemia associated with miscarriage, abruption of the ovum or placenta, with retrochorial hematoma).

Low hemoglobin in pregnant women can result from the following reasons:

• severe toxicosis (with vomiting, iron and other macroelements and microelements are removed from the body without having time to be absorbed);
• multiple pregnancy (due to several fetuses, the “consumption” of iron increases several times);
• exacerbation of chronic diseases (the “consumption” of iron reserves in the body increases);
• short period between pregnancies (replenishment of a woman’s body after childbirth with iron and other macroelements and microelements occurs after 3 years; if pregnancy occurs earlier, the risk of anemia increases);
• taking certain medications;
• dysbacteriosis;
• hormonal imbalances (increased estrogens, leading to deterioration of iron absorption in the intestines);
• constant stress and nervous tension.

Degrees of low hemoglobin in the blood

There are three degrees of low hemoglobin in pregnant women:

1. First degree, mild anemia, red blood cell level – 90-110 g/l. Clinical manifestations may be absent.
2. Second degree, moderate anemia, red blood cell level – 70-90 g/l. The first symptoms of anemia appear, to which pregnant women do not always respond.
3. Third degree, severe anemia, red blood cell level - below 70 g/l. There are clinical manifestations of pathology that threaten the health of the mother and fetus.

Complications of low hemoglobin

Due to the reduced hemoglobin content in the blood during pregnancy, a woman may experience complications:

• gestosis is a complication that manifests itself in the form of edema, increased blood pressure, protein in the urine, the cause of impaired water metabolism, decreased iron production, and impaired liver function. With severe manifestations, headaches, brain hypoxia, eclampsia and preeclampsia occur, which is an indication for termination of pregnancy, regardless of the period;
• intrauterine growth retardation due to oxygen starvation, which negatively affects the fetal brain;
• risk of premature birth;
• the risk of premature placental abruption, which without immediate assistance can lead to the death of the fetus, possibly the mother;
• causes stillbirth, in 12% of cases intrauterine fetal death;
• complications during childbirth, weak labor, bleeding;
• risk of infectious complications in the postpartum period;
• absence or lack of breast milk.

According to an American study, the consequences of anemia in the mother during pregnancy negatively affect the health of the woman and baby. In the future, both of them increase the risk of developing dementia in old age. Studies conducted by Californian scientists over 11 years have shown that with anemia in older people, there is a 41% risk of developing dementia, because Anemia reduces the oxygen supply to the brain, which leads to damage to brain neurons.

Expectant mothers do not always understand that some pathologies develop as a result of low hemoglobin levels and take the diagnosis of anemia lightly. For your health and the health of your unborn baby, you must follow all the doctor’s prescriptions.

Treatment and prevention of low hemoglobin in pregnant women

In order for the baby to be born healthy, it is important for women with this pathology to increase hemoglobin, because the low content of red blood cells in the mother inhibits the growth of blood cells in the baby and disrupts the process of hematopoiesis. It is worth noting that almost half of pregnant women have low hemoglobin. With the help of doctors, this problem is solved successfully. A pregnant woman is strongly recommended to be observed by a gynecologist, take tests on time and follow all instructions, because the ailments of the expectant mother are passed on to the child.

After identifying signs of anemia in pregnant women, treatment is carried out.

At the initial stage, the level of red blood cells is increased through proper nutrition with iron-containing foods.

When hemoglobin is below 90 g/l, medications and vitamins are prescribed: Ferrum Lek, Sorbifer, Totem, Tardiferon.

When hemoglobin is below 70 g/l, injections of special drugs are prescribed.

There are 2 types of iron - heme and non-heme. Significantly increases the level of hemoglobin in the blood and the heme iron contained in the preparations is absorbed much better.

Food products provide little benefit in increasing hemoglobin, because... contain 99% non-heme iron.

At the beginning and middle of pregnancy, a woman needs to consume 3-4 mg of iron per day, and in the third trimester up to 10 mg per day. Food provides about 1 mg of iron, which is not enough for a woman in this position, so the lack of hemoglobin is compensated by internal reserves, which are not large and are depleted over time.

It is important to know that the body absorbs about 6% of the total iron in animal products, and about 0.2% of the iron from plant foods.

• green;
• meat - pork, beef, rabbit, turkey;
• liver - beef, pork, chicken;
• fish - mackerel, pink salmon;
• eggs;
• low-fat cottage cheese;
• cereals and legumes;
• walnuts;
• dried fruits;
• fruits - bananas, apples, pomegranates, peaches, plums;
• vegetables - carrots, beets, pumpkin, cabbage, tomatoes;
• berries - currants, blueberries, cranberries;
• juices, compote, fruit drinks, limit the consumption of tea, coffee;
• hematogen.

A sample menu is offered (variations are possible):

• 1st breakfast: oatmeal with nuts and muesli, apple juice or cranberry juice, whole grain cookies;
• 2nd breakfast: sandwich with cheese or low-fat cottage cheese, dried fruit compote;
• lunch: vegetable soup with meat broth or baked potatoes with meat, chicken salad, pomegranate juice;
• afternoon snack: fruit salad, plum compote, croutons;
• dinner: a glass of low-fat kefir or cabbage salad of your choice.

The attending physician prescribes iron-containing drugs (Hemobin, Totema, Ferro-foilgamma, Maltofer, etc.) and vitamin complexes (Fenuls, Nutrimax), their dose, taking into account the severity of anemia and individual intolerance.

In case of low hemoglobin in pregnant women, you can use (with the permission of the attending physician) folk remedies that have been proven over several generations.

1. Grind walnuts and buckwheat, add honey, consume 1 spoon every day.
2. Mix equal parts of raisins, dried apricots, nuts, pour honey. Consume no more than 3 spoons daily.
3. In a blender, grind dried apricots, prunes, raisins, dates, lemon zest, pour in honey. Take 3 spoons every day.
4. In a coffee grinder, grind a glass of buckwheat and a glass of walnuts, pour a glass of honey. Take 1 spoon of the mixture from the refrigerator 2-3 times a day.

“Light” sports - Pilates, callanetics, fitball, etc., morning exercises, race walking, walks in the fresh air or any other physical activity, due to saturation of the body with oxygen, helps to increase and maintain normal hemoglobin.

To give birth to a healthy child, when planning a pregnancy, women should take care of their health. To do this, it is important to take vitamin-mineral complexes, folic acid, iodine, eat right, avoid stress, rest more often and walk in the fresh air. Learn simple truths, regularly see a doctor, gain confidence in your abilities, overcome any illness, carry a healthy baby and give birth to him “in one breath”!

In the female body, pregnancy initiates a radical restructuring, which often causes pathological deviations in some vital signs. But the results are not always above/below the norm - this is a sign of deviations and danger.

The diagnosis of “low hemoglobin” is observed in 80% of pregnant girls. This is a fairly common phenomenon that can be found even during normal pregnancy. The development of anemia is dangerous for the expectant mother and baby, but before you sound the alarm, you should understand the causes of the pathology. By identifying them, there is a chance to prevent the development of the disease without harming your health. Why does blood protein decrease?

Why does hemoglobin decrease in pregnant women - the main reasons

Hemoglobin is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the cells of the body. Its level is influenced by many internal and external factors. A sharp decrease in complex protein in the blood is caused by pathological processes in the body.

Natural causes

After the baby is conceived, the blood volume gradually increases as the fetus grows and requires more nutrients. In the first trimester, the amount of plasma in the blood exceeds the level of red blood cells and platelets, because of this, tests show a reduced level of complex protein. By the end of the third trimester, blood clotting increases and hemoglobin levels return to normal.

Therefore, the concentration of protein in the blood differs at different stages of pregnancy.

If protein levels of 118–145 g/l are considered normal for a non-pregnant girl, then after fertilization they change significantly:

1. In the early stages of gestation 110–165 g/l.
2. In the 2nd trimester 105–147 g/l.
3. In the 3rd trimester (30–36 weeks) it decreases to 90–100 g/l, by 38 weeks it can vary from 100 to 110 g/l.

A decrease in hemoglobin is a normal phenomenon; alarm should be caused by the fact that it does not decrease, but, on the contrary, increases or stands still.

Specific and pathological causes

In addition to physiological factors affecting protein levels, there are also specific and pathological causes of anemia.

These include:

1. Short period between the previous and current pregnancy. If the girl was already pregnant, then after giving birth the body will require at least 2-3 years for rehabilitation and full recovery. Therefore, repeated early pregnancy almost always leads to the development of anemia.
2. Multiple births. When a woman carries twins or triplets under her heart, the load on the body increases, which provokes anemia.
3. Hormonal changes. If there are hormonal imbalances, the level of estrogen may increase, causing the hemoglobin concentration to decrease.

Heavy stress on internal organs often provokes exacerbation of chronic and new pathological processes.

Therefore, anemia occurs for the following reasons:

• internal or external bleeding;
• disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
• oncological diseases;
• bone marrow diseases;
• kidney dysfunction;
• deficiency of vitamin B 12 or folic acid;
• infectious diseases.

In addition, medications taken during pregnancy can have a significant impact on the development of anemia. Therefore, before the analysis, you should warn the gynecologist about what medications were taken.

Why is low hemoglobin dangerous?

The development of anemia due to low protein levels in the blood is a dangerous condition for pregnant women that requires immediate treatment. Oxygen starvation threatens to harm the unborn child.

At the beginning of pregnancy, pathology can lead to the death of the fetus in the womb. In the second trimester, the disease can negatively affect the development of the child’s brain and cardiovascular system. Therefore, when a disease is detected, preventive measures should be taken immediately and comprehensive treatment of the problem should begin.

Possible complications

Anemia during pregnancy can cause the following complications:

• Preeclampsia. The disease provokes the formation of edema of the extremities. A severe form of the pathology leads to miscarriage in the early stages and termination of pregnancy in the later stages of gestation (34–38 weeks).
• Toxicosis. May occur at 8–9 months of gestation. Quite often it leads to weakened immunity and complications during pregnancy.
• Delayed development of the baby. Due to oxygen starvation, the embryo begins to lag behind in development. Such processes negatively affect the child’s brain activity and nervous system.
• Death of a baby. In severe forms of the pathology, it is observed in 15% of expectant mothers.
• Complications during childbirth. Anemia during childbirth can lead to excessive internal bleeding.

It is very difficult to identify the specific consequences of anemia, since the results can be unpredictable. Therefore, while carrying a baby, it is important to systematically do an analysis to determine the level of glycated hemoglobin. And if it drops or rises sharply, you need to start immediate therapy.

How to determine hemoglobin level - diagnostic measures

Deviations can be identified by external signs. As anemia develops, the skin becomes pale or yellowish.

In addition, the following symptoms appear:

• loss of consciousness;
• dizziness;
• shortness of breath;
• fatigue, weakness;
• decreased appetite, indifference to food;
• specific taste preferences (I want chalk, sand, earth, sulfur);
• increased sense of smell;
• increased body temperature;
• memory lapses;
• distracted attention.

In severe forms of the disease, the following appears:

• vomit;
• diarrhea;
• stomach discomfort;
• insomnia;
• rapid heartbeat;
• increased irritability;
• increase in liver size.

In addition to external signs, the disease is also determined by the results of blood tests. To monitor the level of complex protein, a woman is prescribed a test once a month.

If after the first test signs of anemia are noticed, the doctor gives a referral for additional examinations to confirm the results.

These include:

1. Serum iron test.
2. Analysis of the level of vitamins B12 and B9.
3. General blood and urine analysis.

In the case where the test reveals low iron, but hemoglobin is normal, this means that the girl is developing a pre-anemia condition that requires immediate treatment. If, on the contrary, iron is normal and hemoglobin is low, then the body does not have enough vitamins or there are malfunctions in the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. With such a diagnosis, additional examination and collection of a repeated anamnesis are required.

Therapeutic methods for adjusting hemoglobin

Pathology therapy is primarily aimed at eliminating the causes of the disease. Therefore, it is important, before starting treatment, to identify the factors that provoked the deviations. Therapy should be comprehensive and under the supervision of the attending physician.

Sometimes additional treatment of chronic pathologies is required. In severe cases of the disease in the early and late stages of pregnancy, the girl may be hospitalized.

If you cannot raise your iron level, it is recommended to follow these rules:

• in mild cases of the disease, do not abuse pills, but it is best to adjust your diet by including iron-containing dishes;
• if the level of complex protein is low, you should take vitamin complexes (Ferritin, Totema, Sorbifera) - which drug to choose, the dosage and course are prescribed by the gynecologist;
• with iron levels less than 70 mg/g. The woman is prescribed injections with an iron solution.

When selecting vitamins, you need to take into account the fact that iron is not compatible with calcium. Therefore, when taking pills, it is best to avoid dairy products. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe a special diet to normalize iron levels and additional preventive measures.

Prevention of decreased hemoglobin in pregnant women

As a preventive measure, the first thing you need to do is adjust your diet. Some products will help not only normalize blood tests, but also prevent the progression of serious diseases.

The daily menu must include:

• lean poultry;
• cereals;
• buckwheat;
• beans;
• fruits (pomegranate, peach, apples, bananas);
• vegetables (beets, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes);
• walnuts;
• dried fruits;
• green.

It is recommended to take Hematogen, often walk in the fresh air and not overwork the body. A pregnant girl is recommended to do gymnastics for pregnant women. This will improve motor activity, strengthen muscles and increase blood circulation in cells.

In addition, stress, anxiety, and worries should be completely eliminated from life. The house should have a warm, positive atmosphere. It is worth remembering that the correctness and speed of fetal development largely depends on the emotional and physical state of health. Therefore, if you have any feelings of discomfort, anxiety or excitement, you should consult a doctor.

The video will tell you what could be the cause of anemia and how to deal with it.

Conclusion

Low hemoglobin is diagnosed in many pregnant women. This is a common occurrence during this period of life, as the body undergoes dramatic changes. Therefore, there may be malfunctions in the operation of some systems.

Iron in the blood can be normalized with the help of medications and preventive measures. Most often, after childbirth it normalizes on its own. In cases where iron levels remain high, you should be wary and undergo additional testing to determine the development of serious diseases. While carrying a baby, it is important to take care of your health in order to bear and give birth to a healthy and strong baby.

A decrease in hemoglobin is one of the most common problems during pregnancy. This phenomenon is called anemia and is characterized by a decrease in the concentration of red blood cells in the blood. In everyday language, the body lacks iron.

Most women begin to fear for the baby’s health and want to quickly correct the situation.

Is this fear justified? Is anemia dangerous for the expectant mother and child? How can you raise low hemoglobin during pregnancy?

How does blood change during pregnancy?

With the onset of pregnancy, the body of the expectant mother begins to work with double force, because it is necessary to provide the baby with nutrition and the full development of all systems.

A woman experiences changes in the composition of her blood: it becomes more viscous, the volume of plasma increases, and the concentration of hemoglobin decreases due to the fact that the mother gives a lot of iron to the child.

The normal hemoglobin level for expectant mothers is 110-130 g/liter. In cases where this indicator is lower during pregnancy, iron deficiency anemia is diagnosed.

There is a mild degree of anemia during pregnancy (from 100 to 110 g/l), moderate - from 70 to 100 g/l and severe - below 70 g/l.

• Anemia of the 1st degree is not dangerous for a pregnant woman and child, but you must definitely pay attention to your diet and correct the situation using natural methods;

The easiest way to increase hemoglobin is by adjusting your diet and including iron-containing foods in your diet.

Pay attention! From the 28th week of pregnancy, a natural decrease in hemoglobin occurs due to an increase in blood volume. The hemoglobin level can be 105 mg/l. If it falls below, then you need to adjust according to the principles described in the book on nutrition for pregnant women.

Reasons for decreased hemoglobin during pregnancy

1. Anemia during pregnancy occurs more often in women who have a predisposition to it, that is, they have always (before pregnancy) had a low level of hemoglobin;
2. Multiple pregnancy: the woman’s body is depleted faster, the “reserve” of iron should also be greater;
3. Poor nutrition. If the expectant mother’s diet does not contain enough iron-rich foods, anemia may occur;
4. Severe toxicosis. Due to vomiting and loss of appetite, a woman’s body does not absorb important nutrients, including iron (read the article on the topic: Vomiting during pregnancy >>>;
5. Bleeding. Any blood loss leads to a decrease in hemoglobin levels;
6. Acute, chronic, infectious diseases of internal organs;
7. Multiparous women develop anemia more often than those expecting their first child;
8. Short interval between pregnancies. If three years have not passed since the previous birth, then the woman’s body has not yet had time to properly recover;
9. Taking certain medications;
10. Stress, lack of rest.

How does a decrease in hemoglobin feel?

Symptoms of anemia during pregnancy may include:

• increased fatigue, drowsiness;
• dizziness, headaches (current article: Headache during pregnancy >>>);
• the appearance of tinnitus;
• dyspnea;
• increased heart rate;
• cold extremities;
• pale and dry skin;
• hair and nails become brittle.

With a slight decrease in hemoglobin, no symptoms may be felt.

What are the dangers of low hemoglobin during pregnancy?

To assess the danger of the current situation, you need to take into account the degree of anemia. With a slight drop in hemoglobin (up to 100 g/liter), there is no threat to the baby and mother. But with more serious deviations, the degree of danger increases and there is a need for urgent action.

Consequences of low hemoglobin during pregnancy for the child and mother:

1. a severe lack of iron can lead to oxygen starvation of the fetus and a lack of nutrients;
2. there may be a risk of miscarriage;
3. late toxicosis (see article Gestosis during pregnancy >>>);
4. placental abruption;
5. premature birth;
6. weak labor activity;
7. bleeding during childbirth;
8. increased susceptibility of the baby to various infections after childbirth.

The possibility of such consequences is a serious reason to carefully monitor hemoglobin levels and treat anemia.

How to increase hemoglobin levels?

There are several options for how to increase low hemoglobin during pregnancy.

• Eat more foods high in iron (for example, Pomegranate during pregnancy >>>);
• Take iron supplements as prescribed by your doctor;
• Adjust your lifestyle: spend more time in the fresh air, avoid stress, allocate more time for sleep and rest, reduce physical activity.

Nutrition for low hemoglobin

First, you should try to do without medications, making your diet better. When planning your diet, it is important to know a few facts about iron and adhere to a number of rules:

1. Remember that you need to eat not only foods high in iron, but also foods and substances that help it be absorbed in the body;

These are vitamin C, B9 and B12. Among the foods that accelerate the absorption of iron are sauerkraut, citrus fruits, bananas, plums, pears, and vegetables (except leafy green vegetables).

1. Products that interfere with the absorption of iron by the body should either be limited in consumption or not combined with iron-containing foods;

Among them are calcium, cereals, corn, green leafy vegetables, dairy products (in particular, cheese, milk). Drinks such as tea, coffee, and cocoa also inhibit iron absorption.

1. There are two types of iron: heme and non-heme. Heme iron is present in foods of animal origin: meat and fish. It is best absorbed. Non-heme iron is found in plant foods: buckwheat, beans, peas, lentils.

What should you eat if you have low hemoglobin during pregnancy?

• Meat (beef, chicken, rabbit);
• By-products (tongue, kidneys). Liver is rich in iron;
• Fatty fish;
• Seafood, black and red caviar (current article: Fish and seafood during pregnancy >>>);
• Buckwheat. The most useful thing is not to cook it, but to steam it;
• Beans;
• Rye;
• Peas;
• Lentils;
• Baked potatoes with skin;
• Pumpkin seeds;
• Mushrooms (dried ones contain much more iron than fresh ones);
• Dried fruits (prunes, dried apricots, raisins);
• Pomegranate juice;
• Blueberry;
• Apples (iron content is higher in dried fruits).

Treatment of anemia with iron supplements

Quite often, for anemia, doctors prescribe iron supplements in the form of tablets, solutions, syrups, and injections.

Among them: vitamin B (cobalamin), Sorbifer Durules, Aktiferin, Maltofer, Ferrum-Lek, Ferroplex, Conferon, Tardiferon.

Important! Do not prescribe any medications to yourself under any circumstances; the selection of the medication should be carried out by a doctor, taking into account your characteristics and situation.

Always read the instructions carefully. Taking these drugs is not compatible with many other medications, in particular with some antibiotics, calcium supplements, etc.

Constipation leads to hemorrhoids, which can be painful. Therefore, first of all, try to increase iron through changes in your diet + add plant syrups to your diet, which you will read about in the book “Secrets of proper nutrition for an expectant mother.”

The problem of low hemoglobin during pregnancy is quite common. If you take good care of yourself and your baby, eat right and maintain an optimistic attitude, then it can be effectively solved.