Reduced hemoglobin during pregnancy what to eat. How can a pregnant woman increase hemoglobin? What helps increase hemoglobin levels

While waiting for the baby, expectant mothers regularly donate blood for research. One of the most important parameters monitored by doctors is hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin is a special iron-containing protein that makes up the cytoplasm of the erythrocyte. A normal level of hemoglobin is essential for the proper functioning of the body. The iron contained in this protein is able to form compounds with oxygen and carbon dioxide. It is thanks to hemoglobin that the cells of the body are saturated with oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide.

A gram per liter is a unit of measure for hemoglobin, the norm in women during pregnancy is 110-155 g / liter.

A condition in which the indicator is less than the lower limit of normal hemoglobin during pregnancy is called iron deficiency anemia or anemia.

Decreased hemoglobin during pregnancy, causes

Poor or improper nutrition

Hemoglobin needs iron. If the expectant mother does not receive the proper amount of this mineral with food, then the risk of developing anemia is very high.

Severe toxicosis

Decreased appetite, aversion to a certain type of food, nausea, repeated vomiting reduce the level of hemoglobin.

Acute or chronic bleeding

Loss of blood means a decrease in the level of red blood cells, respectively, and a drop in hemoglobin. It can be nasal, gastrointestinal, hemorrhoidal and other bleeding.

Diseases

In some diseases, conditions, such as dysbacteriosis, the absorption of iron is impaired. With problems with the bone marrow, the production of hemoglobin is disrupted.

short interval between pregnancies

It will take at least three years for a woman in labor to fully recover. For a shorter period, the body simply does not have time to recover after bearing the fetus.

Pregnancy of a mother of many children

Pregnancy and childbirth are a lot of stress for the body. There is an opinion that the fourth and subsequent pregnancies and childbirth have a stronger effect on the decrease in hemoglobin levels.

Multiple pregnancy

During gestation, the fetus stores useful substances, including increasing the level of hemoglobin. Stocks are enough until they reach six months. Naturally, during multiple pregnancy, iron from the maternal body is consumed faster.

Hydremia or pseudoanemia of pregnancy

Even in an absolutely healthy woman, hemoglobin drops during pregnancy. 3rd trimester - the period when pseudoanemia of pregnant women is most often diagnosed. In simple terms, this is a condition when a woman's blood volume increases, while the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin levels during pregnancy remain the same. This phenomenon does not need to be corrected with drugs.

It is possible to distinguish iron deficiency anemia from hydremia by considering the number, average volume and width of distribution of erythrocytes.

A blood test for the iron protein ferritin is also indicative. The procedure is performed in the morning, after eating, at least 8 hours must pass, only water is allowed to drink.

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy, symptoms

The lack of hemoglobin during pregnancy leads to oxygen starvation of cells. In this mode, the body cannot function properly.

Increased fatigue even after a full-time sleep, frequent dizziness, chilliness of the hands and feet - all this hints at developing anemia.
With anemia, the skin turns pale, the mucous membranes turn blue, because it is hemoglobin that gives the blood a rich red color.
After physical exertion, when the body consumes more oxygen, low hemoglobin is manifested by shortness of breath.
Symptoms of anemia can also be tinnitus, "flies" before the eyes, tachycardia, brittle hair, insomnia. Sometimes this condition causes a strange desire to eat chalk, toothpaste, earth, clay.
Mild forms of anemia may not have clinical manifestations.

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy, consequences

Anemia promises the expectant mother a greater susceptibility of the body to colds and infectious diseases, late toxicosis, premature discharge of amniotic fluid, placental abruption, bleeding during childbirth and weak labor activity. Women in childbirth with anemia often have problems with breastfeeding: milk appears late and is produced in insufficient quantities.

For the fetus, anemia is fraught with oxygen starvation, which in the future can adversely affect its entire body as a whole and the nervous system in particular. It is also possible stillbirth or death of the baby in the first day after birth.

How to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy

Treatment of anemia is reduced to the elimination of the cause that caused it, ensuring proper sleep, regular walks in the fresh air and the use of iron-containing foods, vitamin-mineral complexes or medications.

If the hemoglobin level is slightly lowered and there are iron stores in the body, then you can try to do without drugs by using multivitamins and foods that increase hemoglobin during pregnancy. Otherwise, drug therapy is mandatory.

How to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy. Treatment of iron deficiency anemia with medications

ionic - ferrous salts, relatively easily absorbed by the body. But because of the speed of absorption, side effects are more likely to occur;
non-ionic are salts of ferric iron. Assimilated worse than iron sulfate (II).

Also, iron-containing preparations can be monocomponent and polycomponent. The active substance of monocomponent drugs for anemia is only one iron compound. Multicomponent products are additionally enriched with useful substances that help iron absorption and reduce the risk of negative reactions from the body.

The standard prescribed form of release is tablets, but there are also syrups, solutions and injections. The latter are used only for serious problems with the gastrointestinal tract. The medicine should be taken orally before or after two hours relative to the intake of food or other medicines, washed down only with water.
Some iron preparations have a specific taste and smell and can stain tooth enamel or the skin at the injection site in a dark color.

The most common iron preparations prescribed for pregnant women for anemia are: Sorbifer Durules, Ferlatum Fall, Maltofer For, Totema, Ferrum-Lek, Ferroglobin-B12.

If side effects are detected, you should immediately stop taking the medication and consult a doctor for advice.

Do not worry, with diagnosed anemia, hemoglobin preparations do not harm pregnancy. But for prevention without a doctor's prescription, you should not take "heavy artillery", an increase in hemoglobin during pregnancy above the upper limit of the norm is also dangerous.

Products that increase hemoglobin during pregnancy

In order to raise hemoglobin with the help of nutrition, you need not only to consume iron-containing foods, but also to know what they can be combined with and what blocks the absorption of iron.

Substances such as ascorbic acid, folic acid and vitamin B12 help iron to be absorbed. But calcium, on the contrary, reduces the absorption of iron. This does not mean that women in a position with anemia cannot eat dairy products, but their amount should be limited and consumed separately from iron-containing products.
Negatively affects the absorption of iron and caffeine, so it is better to refuse black tea and coffee.
Heme iron from animal foods is four times better absorbed than iron from plant foods. The largest amount of it is found in red meat, more specifically, in beef. Also, white chicken meat, quail, some offal (kidneys, beef tongue) are good for raising hemoglobin. But the liver, contrary to popular belief, is better not to get carried away. Yes, she breaks records for iron content, but in addition to it, she has a lot of vitamins A and D, an excess of which can harm the unborn baby.
Rich in iron and seafood. The absolute champion in its content is black caviar. Red caviar and oily fish also help to increase hemoglobin.
Among plant foods, there is a lot of iron in beans. It is worth adding peas, rye and lentils to the diet.
Of the cereals, buckwheat is most preferable. In addition to iron, it contains a lot of protein and folic acid, necessary for the formation of hemoglobin. It is most effective to use it not boiled, but steamed. Or grind into flour and, together with water, take orally a tablespoon three times a day.

With anemia, it will not be superfluous to introduce mushrooms into the diet. It is better to give preference to dried mushrooms, but there is a lot of iron in fresh ones.
Dried fruits work better than fresh fruits due to their higher iron content. Regular use of a mixture of ground dried apricots, raisins, prunes, walnuts with honey and lemon will have a beneficial effect on hemoglobin levels. But fresh fruits should not be neglected. Apples, peaches, pomegranates, persimmons, pears, apricots, plums, bananas, quince are very useful.
It is important to drink juices, especially freshly squeezed ones. Pomegranate juice is a legendary anemia fighter. But it has a fixing effect on the digestive system, so you should not lean on it, just a couple of spoons a day.
Be sure to eat vegetables. Carrots are best eaten fresh or juiced. Beetroot is effective both in boiled form and as part of a fruit and vegetable fresh juice (in combination with apples and carrots).
A tasty and healthy dish that increases hemoglobin is a baked potato with a peel.
Do not give up tomatoes, onions, broccoli, spinach. Radish can be consumed, but little by little and with caution - this vegetable can increase the tone of the uterus.
A good source of nutrients for anemia is pumpkin and pumpkin seeds.
Rosehip is a natural storehouse of vitamins and minerals. To heighten the effect, it is better not to boil the rose hips, but pour boiling water over it and leave to infuse for 5-6 hours. A thermos is ideal for brewing. Before preparing the infusion, the berries should be crushed - all the most useful is in the seeds and pulp. With all the benefits, pregnant women should not lean heavily on rosehip infusion because of the pronounced diuretic effect of the drug.
Dark chocolate contains iron, normalizes blood pressure and promotes the production of endorphins. But because of the caffeine in its composition and the risk of further allergic reactions in the baby, it should be consumed quite a bit.

Conclusion

A severe form of anemia during pregnancy is dangerous for both the mother and the unborn child, so it is important to get tested regularly so that in case of a decrease, hemoglobin can be increased in time.

During pregnancy, it is especially important to take care of your health. One way to control is a blood test. Hemoglobin is checked, as it is responsible for the transfer of oxygen to organs and systems. You can restore normal values, including eating foods rich in iron. Many are interested in what to eat with low hemoglobin during pregnancy.

The normal value of hemoglobin is 120-160 g / l. During childbearing, a woman needs more nutrients, including iron. As practice shows, low hemoglobin during pregnancy is far from rare, especially by the second trimester.

If the values are below normal, this is anemia or iron deficiency anemia (IDA). A decrease in hemoglobin usually means not enough red blood cells. The syndrome cannot be ignored. It can worsen the condition of the mother and fetus.

The complexity of IDA depends on the distance from the norm:

90–110 g/l - mild form;
70–90 g/l - medium;
70 g/l and below - severe.

With anemia, a set of measures will help pregnant women. The main remedy is proper nutrition, including a lot of iron. It is an essential trace element that is part of hemoglobin. It is he who combines with oxygen for transfer.

IDA occurs in about 40% of women. It is important not to stop the diet after childbirth. During the feeding period, a woman should receive 25-35 mg of iron every day. When dieting and taking medications, you must follow the recommendations of the doctor.

It is important to know that sometimes a decrease in hemoglobin is recorded, but there is no need to replenish it. Due to an increase in the water content in the blood (hydremia), the concentration of red blood cells in the analyzes becomes lower. At the same time, their volume required by pregnant women remains at the same level, it is simply “diluted”. In the laboratory, this condition can be detected. It is necessary to check the red blood cells for a number of parameters or to analyze the iron protein (ferritin).

What affects the decrease in hemoglobin during pregnancy

There can be many reasons for a decrease in hemoglobin. The child develops, and every day he needs more and more nutrients. The main reason for a decrease in hemoglobin is iron deficiency, but there are others. The following factors are usually distinguished.

Any bleeding: gastric, hemorrhoidal, nasal and others. The result is a loss of red blood cells. The latter contains hemoglobin.
Diseases of the internal organs. The most striking example is the pathology of the bone marrow, in which the processes of formation of red blood cells are disrupted.
Multiple pregnancy. The fetus is able to store the necessary substances and use up to the second trimester. With multiple pregnancy, this is much more difficult.
A woman needs at least three years to fully recover after childbirth. If pregnancy occurs earlier, the body is more difficult. In such cases, the lack of iron and other substances is quite natural.
Toxicosis leads to dietary restrictions. The reason for the deficiency here is nausea, the reluctance to eat certain foods.
There is an opinion that having many children is also a factor. Pregnancy is a serious burden for the body, so for the fourth and subsequent births it may “not be enough” in some way. Forces must be strengthened by external means, including diet.
Protracted stress. Moreover, short-term, on the contrary, can increase hemoglobin.
Dysbacteriosis, in which the absorption of iron is impaired.
The use of a number of drugs.
Inadequate supply of folic acid and vitamin B12, as well as other substances needed for the absorption of iron.

What threatens low hemoglobin to the fetus

Doctors and women are wondering how to raise the level of hemoglobin in the blood during pregnancy, not by chance. Such a deficiency can lead to serious consequences:

slowing down the development of the fetus, worsening immunity;
premature birth;
bleeding;
detachment of the placenta;
increased toxicosis;
death of the embryo (intrauterine);
death of a child on the first day;
complications during childbirth;
too low weight of the newborn, improper development of internal organs, mental disorders;
longer recovery;
lack of milk or a decrease in its volume;
the appearance of anemia, allergies, frequent infections and general weakness in a child.

Particular attention should be paid to factors that contribute to a decrease in hemoglobin in the blood. They need to be removed in time. To detect, you should know the symptoms of low hemoglobin:

fatigue;
pallor;
shortness of breath after exertion, as there is not enough oxygen from the lungs;
noise in ears;
sleep disorder;
periodic appearance of spots before the eyes;
brittle hair;
increased heart rate and other signs.

What should be in the diet

After detecting anemia, the question arises of what needs to be changed in nutrition, how to increase hemoglobin. It should be balanced, with enough of everything you need:

microelements, for example, zinc, copper;
vitamins, especially group B;
folic acid and other substances.

It is necessary to think over the diet: a pregnant woman with IDA should eat, following a diet. Many substances are useful, important in themselves, but those that help the absorption of iron deserve special attention. This is the main element for dealing with the syndrome. Therefore, products for pregnant women are usually recommended those in which there is a lot of iron. The diet is often supplemented with drugs prescribed by a doctor.

The main products on the table should be the following:

meat, especially beef, as well as liver, tongue, kidneys;
legumes: beans, peas and others;
eat more nuts, dried apricots, dry or fresh fruits;
vegetables;
cereals: buckwheat, oatmeal and others;
cocoa, chocolate, but in moderation;
seafood, for example, cod liver;
egg yolks;
natural juices, preferably from red vegetables and with pulp;
hematogen;
blooming Sally;
decoctions of wild rose, nettle, dandelion.

What iron-boosting foods are prohibited for pregnant women

To prevent the development of anemia, it should be borne in mind that not all foods rich in iron are suitable for the expectant mother. Several foods should be excluded from the diet.

Some types of meat and fish. Steaks with blood or rolls will have to be abandoned for a while. Possible worms.
A large number of caviar, crayfish, shrimp. There is a lot of mercury here. Its increase has a bad effect on the development of the circulatory and nervous system of the child.
Melons, watermelons, mushrooms, as there is a high probability of adding various growth accelerators. This may be evidenced, for example, by their unnaturally bright, beautiful color. Chemicals can cause intoxication (poisoning).
Pineapples, even organic ones grown conscientiously, can excrete fluid and provoke uterine contractions.

The use of part of the products should be in reduced quantities, for example, liver or pomegranate juice. The latter, if you drink it a lot, leads to constipation. It is worth remembering about compatibility. So, you can negate the benefits of iron-rich foods if you eat a dish with a lot of calcium at the same time. In this case, the assimilation of the desired element will be insignificant.

Medicines that increase hemoglobin during pregnancy

IDA is more common in the second or last trimester of pregnancy. To increase hemoglobin, the doctor may prescribe iron supplements. The means and dosage themselves are selected based on the results of the tests, so you should not “prescribe” them yourself. Such medicines are:

ionic - ferrous iron is present, easier, faster absorbed, but have more side effects;
non-ionic - ferric iron, absorbed worse.

There is another division:

monocomponent - contain only iron;
multicomponent - additionally include substances that promote absorption, reduce side effects, they are more balanced and safe (Tardiferron, Pregnavit).

In most cases, you will have to take, drink pills. As an alternative, solutions, syrups, injections are used. For example, the latter may be prescribed if the tablets cause problems with the digestive tract, such as diarrhea.

Some of the products can stain the enamel of the teeth or the skin at the injection site. When used correctly, the drugs will not interfere with pregnancy. However, they must be used with caution:

there may be a "side";
Excess hemoglobin is dangerous.

Only a doctor should prescribe drugs and regimens. Sometimes he may recommend taking it along with folic acid and vitamin C, as these substances aid absorption.

It is worth remembering that the effect of drugs weakens black tea. With a lack of iron in the body, you can replace it with one of the varieties of green, and even better - with pomegranate juice. The latter is rich in vitamin C.

How to raise hemoglobin during pregnancy quickly

It is desirable to restore the normal level of hemoglobin as soon as possible. The effectiveness of the funds will directly depend on neglect, the form of anemia. If a

the deviation from the norm is insignificant, the diet can help. It is desirable that the food contains as many trace elements, vitamins, folic acid as possible. Sometimes folk remedies are included.

Raisins, dried apricots and nuts are taken in equal proportions. Honey is added and everything is mixed. It is enough to eat a couple of spoons a day.
Half a glass of carrot juice and the same amount of beetroot are mixed. Drink three times a day before meals.

In other cases, iron-containing preparations will have to be selected. This is the fastest way to raise hemoglobin, especially when combined with the right diet. However, they have contraindications. In addition, immoderate intake can already lead to an excess content of iron, hemoglobin. In this case, the following complications may occur:

disorders in the digestive tract in a woman;
blood clots;
development of diseases of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems;
miscarriage or death in the womb;
slowing down the growth of the child: the necessary substances are delivered more slowly, since the blood is thick.

The whole process should be controlled only by a doctor. In this way, serious consequences can be avoided. Although low hemoglobin during pregnancy is common, and IDA can often be managed with diet.

Hemoglobin is a special combination of protein and iron found in red blood cells. The main function of the red pigment is to transport oxygen to the cells of all tissues and organs, thereby filling them with nutrients. For the normal production of hemoglobin, it is necessary that the body be supplied with iron and absorb it well in the stomach and in the small intestine. Low hemoglobin levels are observed in about 80% of pregnant women. What causes iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy? How to quickly raise hemoglobin at home? This is our article.

Why does hemoglobin level drop during pregnancy?

When we breathe in, hemoglobin (as we have already found out, this is a complex protein that is part of the red blood cell) carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body. Similarly, this protein transports carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs during exhalation. The main component of hemoglobin is an iron molecule. Hence the name (heme - iron, globulin - the name of the protein). The hemoglobin level is calculated in g/dL (grams per deciliter) or g/L (grams per liter). The normal value of the hemoglobin level in women ranges from 12 to 16 g/dl. (see table).

Reference values

Units	Non-pregnant woman	First trimester	Second trimester	third trimester

Evaluation of hemoglobin levels in pregnant women is a common practice. It is considered quite natural to have a low level of hemoglobin during pregnancy. The fact is that during this difficult period, the blood volume of the expectant mother increases by about 50% to provide all the necessary valuable substances to the developing child. Thus, blood volume begins to increase around the 8th week of pregnancy. There is an increase in the volume of blood plasma, while erythrocytes do not have time to mature at the same rate and increase many times in size. Naturally, with a decrease in the concentration of erythrocytes in the blood, hemoglobin also decreases. Therefore, its level, falling to 10.5 g / dl, is quite normal for pregnant women. If other numbers are displayed in the analyzes, with a clear downward deviation from the norm, you should be more carefully examined by a doctor.

Exists 3 severity of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women, when it occurs:

in mild form - 90-110 g / l;
in the middle form - 70-90 g / l;
in severe form - less than 70 g / l.

In addition to increased blood volume, insufficient intake of vitamin C, vitamin B12, iron, folic acid is the most widely accepted explanation for low hemoglobin levels.

Consequences of anemia during pregnancy

Sometimes anemia does not show any symptoms. However, some of the symptoms of low hemoglobin may include:

fatigue and fainting;
pale lips and skin;
recurring headaches;
dizziness and inability to do any work;
feeling of numbness or coldness in the hands and feet;
cardiopalmus;
decrease in body temperature;
mild chest pain;
shortness of breath (shortness of breath);
irritability;
strong thirst and desire to eat (or smell) something very strange (for example, clay, earth, paint, ice);
tingling in hands and feet.

Contributes to the development of anemia in pregnant women morning toxicosis, which may be accompanied by vomiting. Women with multiple pregnancies, as well as those who experienced certain problems with the menstrual cycle before conception, are also at risk. Those mothers who are malnourished or do not use special supplements enriched with iron as prescribed by the doctor cannot cope with the pathology.

What helps increase hemoglobin levels

It is assumed that a pregnant woman will consume about 28-30 mg of iron daily through diet and special preparations to raise this important indicator.

Let's highlight the products that increase hemoglobin in the blood:

liver and organ meats, eggs, beef, shellfish;

cereals and cereals from them. Buckwheat, beans, peas, corn, rye, wheat bran are especially useful for increasing iron stores;
fruits, including apples, ripe pomegranates, kiwi, peaches, figs, bananas, apricots, persimmons, quince, plums;
vegetables, including onions, beets, tomatoes, potatoes (preferably baked), pumpkin;

greens and leafy vegetables: spinach, fennel, turnip greens, young lettuce, dandelion leaves;
berries: blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, black currants, raspberries, cranberries;
juices: any freshly squeezed from red fruits - pomegranate, carrots, beets.

To make juice at home, follow our simple guidelines:

Take equal amounts of carrots, beets and use a juicer to make juice. Drink two tablespoons of this fresh juice daily on an empty stomach for 2-3 months.
The level of hemoglobin helps to increase the juice from fresh apples and beets. The proportion of beets to apples should be approximately 1:5. Drink a small glass of apple-beetroot juice before meals for two weeks.
You can quickly raise hemoglobin thanks to buckwheat, which must be ground in a coffee grinder. For medicinal purposes, drink one tablespoon of powder three times a day, diluted with warm water.

It should be remembered that vitamin C is required for the normal absorption of iron from food (usually the body should have at least 80 mg per day). Excellent sources of vitamin C are: broccoli, cauliflower, cranberries, raspberries, pineapple, orange, Brussels sprouts, papaya. They should be part of the expectant mother's regular diet. Try not to drink tea or milk with food, as these drinks reduce the absorption of iron by the body.

There are also recipes aimed at increasing the number of red blood cells. For example, you can mix equal amounts of dried apricots, walnuts, honey, and raisins. Then pass everything through a blender or meat grinder and bring to a homogeneous state. It turns out a delicious delicacy, which, when ready, is consumed with pleasure several tablespoons a day.

Important: reduced fluid intake may increase hemoglobin levels (falsely) during pregnancy. The level will drop to normal if women who are expecting offspring take enough fluids.

Why is it important that hemoglobin is normal during pregnancy, how to increase its performance?

The norm of hemoglobin during pregnancy

For expectant mothers, a normal indicator of hemoglobin in the blood is 120-160 units per liter. With a reduced level, anemia develops, that is, anemia. There are three stages of the disease - mild, moderate and severe. The indicators are corresponding - the first is from 110 to 90, the second is from 90 to 79 and the third is 70 and below. Anemia during pregnancy is diagnosed in about 40% of women.

What is the danger of a decrease in hemoglobin

With a deficiency of red blood cells, the following disorders occur:

Taste and smell are distorted.
Seizures appear in the corners of the mouth.
Shortness of breath with little physical exertion.
Memory worsens.
Decreased performance.
Great general weakness.

Also, a lack of hemoglobin causes drowsiness and lethargy.
With low hemoglobin, the blood is less supplied with oxygen. For pregnancy, this means that the future baby develops oxygen starvation, which leads to various developmental pathologies, and also:

The risk of exfoliation of the placenta increases.
Possible premature birth.
Any bleeding during labor can become problematic due to poor blood clotting.
The uterus does not contract so intensively, which leads to weak attempts and prolonged delivery.

A serious load is placed on the female body during the bearing of a baby, with a deficiency of hemoglobin, the heart muscle weakens and the work of the heart deteriorates significantly.

Causes of low hemoglobin during pregnancy

The reasons for lowering the level of hemoglobin in the blood include:

Poor nutrition that cannot provide the body with the necessary amount of red blood cells. Pregnant women are advised to consume at least 1 gram of iron per day.
Toxicosis. During the period of hormonal adjustment, the digestive system works worse and nutrients are poorly absorbed in the intestines, including iron, which is directly related to hemoglobin.
Before conception, the hemoglobin level was below the permissible norm.
In the womb, the number of embryos is more than one.
Immediate subsequent pregnancy. The body did not have time to recover from the previous one.
Bowel dysfunction due to hormonal changes.
Exacerbation of chronic diseases.

With an increase in the fetus in the womb, the amount of fluid in her body automatically increases, and the level of hemoglobin also increases by almost a third. If it is not lower than 110 units per liter, then this degree of anemia is considered not dangerous and does not need treatment.

How to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy

If the level of red blood cells is catastrophically low, then preparations containing iron, folic acid and other nutrients cannot be dispensed with. It is strictly forbidden to select a vitamin complex or bioactive supplements on your own. In this case, it is advisable to consult a hematologist and choose the optimally suitable drug. Sometimes hospitalization and radical measures to increase hemoglobin levels are required, but such situations are extremely rare. In most cases, it is enough to develop the correct regimen and an appropriate diet.

What should be the food

First of all, nutrition during the bearing of the baby should be balanced. With anemia, it is imperative to introduce the following products into the diet:

Liver - beef, pork, rabbit.
Meat - rabbit, turkey, chicken.
Seaweed.
Egg yolks.
Buckwheat.
Offal - tongue, heart, kidneys, preferably beef.
Legumes.
Chocolate with a high cocoa content.
Wheat bran.
Apricots or peaches.
Apples.
Cauliflower or broccoli.
Beets.
Carrot.
Raspberry.
Pomegranate juice.
Mushrooms, preferably dried.
Persimmon.
Walnuts.
Dried fruits - prunes, dried apricots.

Even a small amount of iron is found in bananas, they are quite nutritious fruits and are well received by the digestive system, do not cause an allergic reaction.
It should be remembered that most of the listed products are very high-calorie, they have a high level of various vitamins and minerals, with a tendency to rapid weight gain, they must be introduced into the diet in small quantities.

Folk remedies

From folk remedies, with a lack of hemoglobin, the following are more often used:

Take the same amount of walnuts, raisins, dried apricots, lemon. Grind everything in a blender or meat grinder. Fill with honey. Place in a glass dish and refrigerate. Take one tablespoon after meals.
Squeeze juice from beets and carrots. Mix and drink before every meal.
Mix the juice of apples, beets, cranberries. You can use cranberry juice. Take before meals.

Before you rush to increase hemoglobin with food, you should take into account the fact that an excessive amount of iron in the blood also leads to a deterioration in well-being. It is important to control this process.

What should be of concern?

Outwardly, the lack of hemoglobin practically does not manifest itself if its level has not fallen significantly. Be sure to seek help when:

There are frequent dizziness.
The skin noticeably loses its elasticity.
Hair begins to fall out and nails begin to exfoliate.

A low hemoglobin level is detected during a general blood test. If the iron is not normal, then it is important to correct the situation as soon as possible in order to prevent undesirable consequences.

The period of bearing a baby is associated with numerous changes in the body of the expectant mother. Low hemoglobin during pregnancy is a common pathology in women, because the level of iron in the blood can fall relative to the norm for a variety of reasons. Many expectant mothers hear such a diagnosis, but not everyone is aware of its danger. It is useful for every woman to get acquainted with the causes of the condition and the consequences for health.

What is hemoglobin

Almost everyone has heard this term, but few know what it means. Hemoglobin is a special iron-containing protein found in erythrocytes (red blood cells). Its main function is the delivery of oxygen from the human lungs to internal organs and tissues and the transport of carbon dioxide in the opposite direction. Separated from red blood cells, hemoglobin is highly toxic and can cause kidney failure in humans.

What hemoglobin should be in a pregnant woman

In order to start fighting the pathology in time, it is important to know what concentration of red blood cells in the blood is considered the norm. Slightly lowered hemoglobin during pregnancy in all women. Its normal level is 120–140 g/l. The process of expecting a child provides for other indicators of hemoglobin, depending on the gestational age:

first trimester: 112 to 160 g/l;
second trimester: 106 to 144 g/l;
third trimester: drops to 100 g/l are allowed.

Decreased hemoglobin during pregnancy

This disorder is diagnosed by certain symptoms of anemia. In addition, doctors prescribe regular tests for the expectant mother to monitor the patient's condition. Too low hemoglobin during pregnancy is a reason to undergo the following types of laboratory tests:

To confirm iron deficiency anemia, the iron content in the blood serum is checked. The iron-binding abilities of the blood are revealed.
If B-12 deficiency anemia is suspected, the patient is checked for a lack of vitamin and folic acid in the body.
To confirm hemolytic anemia, studies are carried out that determine the osmotic stability of red blood cells and the content of free, conjugated bilirubin in the blood and urine of a woman.
Additional studies are being conducted to identify the presence of chronic or acquired pathologies, which may result in low hemoglobin in pregnant women.

signs

If the concentration of hemoglobin in the body of a pregnant woman decreases, a violation can be suspected by certain signs. The patient changes the color of the skin and mucous membranes to yellowish or paler. In addition, with low hemoglobin, the following are observed: anemia symptoms:

shortness of breath;
dizziness;
noise in ears;
drowsiness;
increased fatigue;
fainting states;
poor appetite;
taste pathologies;
the desire to consume products such as ash, sand, chalk, sulfur;
violation of the sense of smell of a pregnant woman, in which the smells of naphthalene, exhaust gases, paint, acetone become pleasant;
inattention;
causeless increase in body temperature;
memory problems.

Why does hemoglobin drop in pregnant women

A drop in the level of red blood cells during pregnancy is very common. As a rule, they begin to talk about anemia before 20 weeks or later. Iron deficiency disorders are caused by eating habits and ways of assimilation of food in the body of the expectant mother:

malnutrition;
lack of iron in the diet of a pregnant woman;
lack of animal protein obtained from food;
high calcium content in the diet, due to which iron is poorly absorbed by the body;
hidden bleeding;
pathology of the gastrointestinal tract.

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy can also be the result of the following specific reasons:

severe toxicosis;
multiple pregnancy;
exacerbations during the period of gestation of the fetus of chronic diseases;
short period between pregnancies;
hormonal disruptions, in which the volume of estrogen increases;
constant stress and nervous tension.

Degrees of anemia

Currently secrete 3 degrees of low hemoglobin during pregnancy:

mild anemia. With this diagnosis, the level of erythrocytes can drop to 90-110 g / l. The disorder often has no clinical manifestations.
Anemia of moderate severity. There is a drop in hemoglobin to 70-90 g/l. With such a degree of low levels of red blood cells in the blood, the first signs of pathology appear, which women often do not pay attention to.
Severe anemia. With such a violation, the decrease in hemoglobin reaches values less than 70 g / l. Pathology is accompanied by almost all clinical manifestations, the risk of abortion increases. The condition threatens the expectant mother with serious complications.

Why is low hemoglobin dangerous?

Many women are frivolous about the level of hemoglobin in the blood. However, this diagnosis negatively affects the health of the baby and the expectant mother. The consequences of anemia include the following situations:

Preeclampsia - complications in the third trimester of pregnancy. Low iron stores lead to disruption of the liver, water metabolism, and protein synthesis. A severe form of preeclampsia leads to oxygen deficiency in the brain, preeclampsia, headaches, eclampsia, and therefore the pregnancy is terminated, regardless of the term, for medical reasons.
Delayed intrauterine development of the baby due to fetal hypoxia.
Increased risk of preterm birth. A low level of red blood cells provokes placental abruption, which leads to fetal death in the absence of timely assistance.
Severe anemia causes stillbirth in 12% of cases.
Complications during childbirth (bleeding, weak labor activity).
Increased risk of infectious complications in the postpartum period.
Lack of breast milk or lack of it.

Consequences for the child

It is important to raise hemoglobin during pregnancy in order to avoid negative consequences for the health of the baby. Children in women with this pathology are born mainly with low weight and weak immunity. As a rule, a deficiency of red blood cells in a mother causes inhibition of the growth of blood cells in a child and a violation of the hematopoiesis process. Severe anemia of pregnancy leads to serious delays in the development of the baby, he can be born with diseases of the central nervous system.

How to increase hemoglobin

Immediately after the appearance of signs of a violation, therapy should be started in the early stages. Proper treatment should combine a balanced diet with medication. To normalize hemoglobin, it is important to eliminate the cause of anemia. Treatment with iron alone is ineffective. The accumulation of this component in the body can sometimes seriously harm. Often, to eliminate the pathology, treatment of intestinal diseases that prevent iron from being absorbed is required.

To achieve normal hemoglobin levels, you need to follow the following recommendations of specialists:

At the initial stage, it is better to increase the level of red blood cells in natural ways through proper nutrition with iron-containing foods.
If the patient's hemoglobin level is below 90 mg / l, doctors prescribe drugs and vitamin complexes: Ferrum Lek, Sorbifer, Totem, Tardiferon.
With a decrease in the level of iron in the blood below 70 mg / l, injections of special preparations can be prescribed that help to quickly increase its levels.

Products

It will not be possible to achieve a high hemoglobin level with the use of tablets alone. As a rule, the synthesis of special proteins in the blood is achieved by proper nutrition. It is recommended to focus on the following products:

greens;
liver;
lean meat;
cereals;
legumes;
walnuts;
dried fruits;
vegetables - beets, pumpkin, tomatoes, cabbage;
fruits - apples, peaches, pomegranates, bananas;
currant;
cranberries.

Iron preparations

Hemoglobin during pregnancy can fall for various reasons. Treatment is prescribed depending on the specific case. Totem- one of the most popular means in the form of a solution. A drug helps to increase the rate of hemoglobin in the blood, contains elemental iron, manganese, copper. Take a solution for anemia and for prevention from 1 to 4 ampoules daily. The advantage of the tool is its convenient form and composition. Among the shortcomings, it is worth highlighting side effects in the form of nausea, vomiting and intestinal disorders.

Sorbifer durules is a combined drug against anemia in the form of tablets. The composition contains ferrous sulfate and vitamin C, due to which the product is better absorbed. The advantage of the drug is high bioavailability and gradual release in the intestinal lumen, due to which the tablets do not injure the mucous membrane. The disadvantage of the remedy are side effects, such as nausea, constipation, diarrhea.

Folk remedies

Thinking about how to raise hemoglobin during pregnancy, it is worth considering and homemade recipes, the effectiveness of which has been proven by several generations. However, before using folk remedies, you need to consult a doctor. Popular recipes are listed below:

Combine chopped walnuts with buckwheat, pour honey. Consume 1 spoon every day.
Mix equal parts of raisins, dried apricots, nuts, add honey. Use daily no more than 3 spoons.
Grind prunes, dried apricots, dates, raisins, lemon zest with a blender. Pour liquid honey, use 3 tablespoons every day.

Prevention

Even before getting pregnant, women should take care of their health, make up for the deficiency of vitamins and iron in the body. For this, it is important to take special vitamin-mineral complexes, iodine, folic acid. At the stage of pregnancy planning, you need to follow a special diet. At all times, the expectant mother should avoid stress, often walk in the fresh air.

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