Hemoglobin in a pregnant woman 116. Indicators of hemoglobin in the blood of pregnant women

The waiting period for a baby is not only joyful moments and a feeling of a miracle inside, but, unfortunately, also ailments, which are sometimes impossible to avoid. Well, women are quite ready to endure any trials for the sake of the desired baby.

But, nevertheless, you need to be aware of what awaits you. At least to be able to deal with it. One of the pressing issues is the level of hemoglobin during pregnancy, which often decreases, but can also increase. There is nothing wrong with this, it is enough just to be in the subject and take appropriate measures in time.

In general, today many people know that hemoglobin is a special type of protein responsible for transporting blood through the vessels. It is also known that its decrease is called anemia or anemia. To determine that hemoglobin has fallen during pregnancy, a special analysis can show the level of red blood cells (erythrocytes), which are the carrier of the protein.

Anemia (iron deficiency) in expectant mothers is not uncommon, but it is still worth ignoring the problem, because it can cause a significant blow to the health of a woman and fetus. Especially dangerous is low hemoglobin in the first trimester, when the baby's organs are laid. It is extremely rare that the protein level falls at a later date, which is fraught with fetal hypoxia.

It is very good if the concentration of red blood cells is in the range of 120-160 grams per 1 liter of blood. This happens in perfectly healthy women. However, the norm of hemoglobin during pregnancy is considered to be at least 110 g / l. But if the volume of red blood cells dropped even lower, this is already called anemia.

There are three degrees of anemia in pregnant women:

  • mild degree: hemoglobin not less than 110-90 g/l;
  • average degree: hemoglobin within 90-70 g/l;
  • severe: hemoglobin below 70 g / l.

In fairness, it is worth noting that about half of all women during pregnancy have low hemoglobin, and doctors successfully solve this problem. Therefore, the expectant mother is strongly recommended to be regularly observed by a gynecologist and take all the necessary tests on time. Modern pharmaceuticals have learned to cope with almost any level of complexity of the disease, but it is still better to eliminate it in the early stages, preventing an advanced stage. Do not forget that your ailments are transmitted to the baby, and you do not want the baby to suffer.

Symptoms of anemia in a future mother

Ailments are good for one thing - they allow you to recognize the disease and cure it in time. The fact that you have low hemoglobin during pregnancy, the symptoms will tell almost immediately. You just need not to dismiss them and not write off everything on the "whims of the baby." The signs of anemia are quite clear and understandable, any woman will be able to determine them:

  • cyanosis of the lips, nostrils and mucous membranes - circles under the eyes can stand out sharply on the face;
  • nasty "sticky" weakness to nausea and "itching" in the ears;
  • severe dizziness, blackouts in the eyes - "flies";
  • fainting;
  • tachycardia (from 100 beats per minute);
  • rapid breathing, feeling of lack of air;
  • migraine;
  • sleep disorders;
  • pale skin;
  • increased hair loss and brittleness;
  • fragility of nails;
  • problems with emptying - "cool" or "sheep" feces;
  • lack of appetite or, conversely, the desire to eat everything, mixing incompatible products.

We repeat once again - you should not attribute everything to the "intrigues" of an interesting situation. The faster you sound the alarm, the faster you will learn how to increase hemoglobin, and during pregnancy this will be the key to the birth of a full-fledged healthy baby.

Causes of anemia in pregnant women

It is important not only to know your hemoglobin level, during pregnancy the reasons for its decrease also play a big role - they help to identify the nature of anemia, facilitate diagnosis and treatment. Basically, the drop in the level of red blood cells is due to the rapid increase in the amount of blood - because now it should be enough for two.

Hemoglobin does not have time to be produced, and its level decreases. Therefore, anemia more often overtakes women who are carrying twins or triplets. Also, a decrease in the number of red blood cells is reflected in the lack of trace elements such as copper, folic acid, vitamin B12 - their deficiency creates an unfavorable environment for the absorption of iron. Therefore, the cause of low hemoglobin during pregnancy, in the first place, is the unbalanced diet of the expectant mother. Although there may be other explanations:

  • ailments of the liver, kidneys and cardiovascular system;
  • severe toxicosis, when after each meal you are tormented by an attack of vomiting - it is no wonder that the nutrients simply do not have time to be absorbed;
  • a short break between conceptions - it takes at least three years to restore hemoglobin after childbirth;
  • hormonal disbalance;
  • antibiotic treatment;
  • dysbacteriosis;
  • nervous exhaustion.

Possible Complications

Low hemoglobin levels in pregnant women are usually observed before 34 weeks. This is not surprising, because the amount of blood is constantly growing, iron deficiency is increasing, and the baby takes the lion's share of useful substances. In this case, the treatment of low hemoglobin is not required, because the blood must be thinned, otherwise, its circulation will be disturbed. But do not confuse a natural drop in the level of red blood cells with anemia, which simply needs to be treated. Against the background of a severe form of anemia, a number of serious pathologies can develop, such as:

  • weak tribal forces;
  • premature birth;
  • intrauterine fetal hypoxia;
  • late toxicosis;
  • premature discharge of amniotic fluid;
  • the strongest external hemorrhages;
  • death of an infant within the first day after birth.

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

Elevated hemoglobin - the other side of the coin

Although it is common to have low hemoglobin during pregnancy, an increase can also occur. This pattern is observed in people living in mountainous areas and spending most of their time outdoors. High hemoglobin during pregnancy (<170 г/л) может привести к эритроцитозу, образованию тромбов и варикозу у будущей мамы, рождению мёртвого ребёнка или гибели плода в утробе, а также быть признаками кишечной непроходимости, патологий сердечно-сосудистой системы и сердечно-лёгочной недостаточности. Повышение гемоглобина во время беременности, так же, как и малокровие, требует своевременного лечения.

Another important point: glycated hemoglobin, during pregnancy, its compliance or deviation from the norm allows you to identify the so-called degree of "sugarization" of blood over the past 120 days. An indicator of up to 6% is a sign of a healthy person. If glycohemoglobin is in the range of 6-6.5%, the woman is at risk of diabetes. A level<6,5% свидетельствует о самом диабете.

Relief and prevention of the problem

Naturally, rather than asking later the question of how to raise hemoglobin during pregnancy, it is easier to protect yourself and your unborn child from the very beginning. To do this, you only need good nutrition, as well as the intake of iron-containing vitamin and mineral complexes. And in order not to cause indigestion, you need to devote time to physical activity and walks in the fresh air.

During pregnancy, many factors affect its course. Therefore, at the very beginning, and then several more times in the process of carrying it, women take a general blood test, in which one of the main indicators is the level of hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin is an integral part of red blood cells, it is responsible for the circulation of oxygen in the blood from the respiratory organs to the tissues. In addition, with the help of hemoglobin, carbon dioxide is also transported from tissues to the respiratory organs.

The concentration of hemoglobin in human blood plays an important diagnostic role: according to this indicator, the doctor can judge the well-being of the state of the body of his patient. And during pregnancy, the level of hemoglobin becomes even more important.

The norm of hemoglobin during pregnancy:

In a healthy person, the hemoglobin level should be 120-140 g / l. However, during pregnancy, it can naturally decrease: the blood thins, its volumes increase significantly, and so on, which leads to a decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin in it. In a word, its level in the blood can fluctuate, which is quite normal for pregnant women. Experts provide the following figures for the quantitative norm of hemoglobin for pregnant women:

  • in the first trimester - 112-160 g / l;
  • in the second trimester - 108-144 g / l;
  • in the third trimester - 100-140 g / l.

Gynecologists and obstetricians recommend that all newly pregnant women and women planning to conceive take care of preventing a decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the blood during the period of bearing a child, because at this time women often develop anemia.

It happens much less often when the level of hemoglobin in the blood of the expectant mother exceeds the permissible threshold.

- high hemoglobin

It is not at all necessary that an elevated hemoglobin level is an alarming sign. Sometimes in pregnant women this happens in the first trimester and then goes away on its own, when the fetus begins to actively take from the mother's body the resources necessary for its growth and development. Also, you should not worry if the increase in this indicator is insignificant and is observed once. It will be useful to know that high physical activity and intense intake of rarefied air (as, for example, among residents of high mountain regions) contribute to a natural increase in the level of hemoglobin in the blood. But sometimes this trend is associated with trouble on the part of the mother's body.

An increase in hemoglobin may indicate a lack of certain substances in the body of a pregnant woman, in particular vitamins B9 (folic acid) and B12. The latter may simply not be absorbed due to disruption of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.

High hemoglobin can be a symptom of diseases of the kidneys, heart, intestines or stomach. Although, it is possible that this is a hereditary feature of the woman's body.

This condition is a risk factor for the formation of blood clots, which is highly undesirable during pregnancy. Also, due to thickening of the blood at a high level of hemoglobin, it is not able to circulate normally in the vessels, due to which oxygen and nutrients may not reach the fetus in the right amount. And therefore, the doctor, most likely, will advise the pregnant woman to walk more in the fresh air, adjust her diet and drinking regimen.

An elevated hemoglobin level is said to be when it exceeds 150-160 g / l. However, more often the concentration of hemoglobin during pregnancy decreases.

- low hemoglobin

Very often, hemoglobin in pregnant women decreases somewhat by the end of the second, by the beginning of the third trimester - this is normal. But if you notice that the level begins to decline before the 24th week of pregnancy, then this indicates anemia. There are many reasons for this phenomenon: lack of iron, zinc, copper, as well as dysbacteriosis and nervous stress.

Doctors say about the development of anemia in a pregnant woman if the level of hemoglobin in her blood falls below 110 g / l. Most often, iron deficiency anemia develops in pregnant women, provoked by insufficient intake or insufficient own supply of iron. Approximately half of all pregnant women have low hemoglobin levels in the blood.

Depending on its concentration, several degrees of iron deficiency anemia are distinguished:

  • 110-90 g / l - mild degree of anemia;
  • 90-80 g / l - anemia of moderate severity;
  • 70 g / l and below - a severe form of anemia.

A low level of hemoglobin leads to lethargy, a constant feeling of fatigue and a decrease in emotional tone. Further, it is even worse - shortness of breath, muscle hypotension, loss of appetite, indigestion appear. In addition, stomatitis, brittle hair and nails, dry skin, frequent respiratory diseases are possible. All these signs and phenomena indicate a lack of iron in the body. It is very important for a pregnant woman to replenish this deficit, the sooner. After all, subsequently, not only she suffers, but also her unborn child. A reduced level of hemoglobin can provoke the development of early toxicosis and late gestosis, premature onset of labor, and also often causes a lack of oxygen for the baby, which causes intrauterine hypoxia, and after birth, the baby may experience difficulties in the respiratory system and have insufficient body weight.

Products that increase hemoglobin during pregnancy

To correct the level of hemoglobin in the blood, consult a doctor: let him prescribe iron-containing preparations to correct the level of hemoglobin. But it is best to make up for the deficiency with the help, especially since there are a lot of products that increase hemoglobin levels:

  1. Among the meat products: heart, kidneys, fish, poultry, tongue, white chicken meat;
  2. Among cereals and cereals: buckwheat, beans, lentils, peas, rye;
  3. Among vegetables and herbs: fresh tomatoes, potatoes, onions, pumpkin, beets, watercress, dandelion leaves, spinach, parsley;
  4. Among fruits: red or green apples, plums, persimmons, bananas, pears, peaches, apricots, quince
  5. Among the berries: blackcurrant and cranberries, strawberries, blueberries;
  6. Juices include:(no more than two sips daily), beetroot, apple juice with a high iron content.
  7. Besides perfectly raise the level of hemoglobin, black and caviar, various seafood, dark chocolate, dried mushrooms, dried fruits and hematogen.

To achieve the result, do not forget about, constantly do breathing exercises and gymnastics.

Finally, I would like to add a few rules for the proper assimilation of food so that it brings maximum benefit to the body.

First, remember that iron is best absorbed when consumed with foods that are rich in vitamin C, such as fruit and vegetable juices. To do this, it is better to pour the porridge that you eat for breakfast with orange juice or, for example, pour cutlets that you eat for lunch.

Secondly, do not drink black tea, it interferes with the proper absorption of iron. It is better to replace this tea with green tea.

Thirdly, during pregnancy, do not eat the liver, because it contains a lot of vitamins A and D. An overdose of these vitamins is possible.

Also, limit your intake of pomegranate juice as it can cause constipation.

In any case, it is better not to overdo it, because an excess of iron is as undesirable as its deficiency.

Specially for- Maryana Surma

During pregnancy, a woman passes a huge number of laboratory tests. One of them is aimed at determining the level of hemoglobin in the blood. Let's figure out why this analysis is considered mandatory and how low hemoglobin levels affect the condition of the expectant mother and fetus.

Hemoglobin is a complex protein that contains iron. It is responsible for saturating cells with oxygen, and also removes carbon dioxide from the body with its help.

Blood saturated with this protein is an indicator of good health, and its level during pregnancy helps the doctor track the development of the baby.

Norm

In a person who is completely healthy, the hemoglobin index will be 120-145 g / l. However, the norm of hemoglobin in pregnant women is slightly different: more blood is produced, it becomes less dense, which leads to a natural decrease in this indicator. Throughout the entire period of bearing a child, the level fluctuates, and for each trimester there are their own norms. Hemoglobin indicators for pregnant women:

  • 1-3 months - 110-165 g / l;
  • 3-6 months - 109-145 g / l;
  • 6-9 months - 101-141 g / l.

During pregnancy, there is a risk of developing anemia, since the level of hemoglobin at this time decreases. Doctors monitor the analyzes and take measures in case of a sharp decrease in the concentration of this indicator.

Under normal conditions, the internal tissues are fully saturated with oxygen, the blood has an optimal viscosity for easy passage through the thinnest capillaries and vessels.

Normal hemoglobin levels contribute to the proper development of the baby

During pregnancy, the heart of the expectant mother works faster: it pumps blood, provides the body and the placenta with useful substances. As a result, the volume of the liquid increases. Plasma "dilutes" the composition of the blood, thereby reducing the amount of hemoglobin. With good health and proper nutrition, the deficit is quickly compensated.

Analyzes

A general blood test allows you to study several components: red blood cells, platelets, lymphocytes and hemoglobin. To get blood for research, a finger is pierced.


Blood test for hemoglobin level

  • donate blood in the morning before meals. In some situations, they can take an analysis in the evening, but always a few hours after eating;
  • 24 hours before visiting a doctor, fatty foods, fried foods and alcoholic beverages should be excluded from the diet;
  • do not smoke for at least two hours before the examination, otherwise the hemoglobin level will be higher than normal, the result will be false;
  • before analysis, it is better to exclude sports;
  • the medications a woman is taking can affect the diagnostic results. You must inform the laboratory assistant in advance about taking any medications.

High hemoglobin levels

Elevated hemoglobin during pregnancy is not a sign of illness. In the first weeks, the indicators increase due to a sharp change in hormonal levels, but quickly return to normal when the fetus begins to use maternal resources for its own growth.

If the hemoglobin level has increased by several units, and this has not been observed before, then this may be evidence of a "reconfiguration" of the body. Naturally, the indicators increase after being in the mountains and physical exertion. In rare cases, this is due to poor health.

Causes of high hemoglobin during pregnancy:

  • lack of trace elements: folic acid (B9) and vitamin B12. Vitamin B9 is involved in the synthesis of red blood cells, reduces the risk of malformations in the development of the fetus and reduces the likelihood of miscarriage. Folic acid also normalizes metabolism and is indirectly associated with the synthesis of hemoglobin. B12 contributes to the healthy development of the baby, normalizes the functioning of organs and restores hemoglobin levels. With a lack of these compounds, hemoglobin rises sharply;
  • diseases of the kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract and heart: lead to a sharp increase in hemoglobin in the blood;
  • increase in physical activity;
  • smoking;
  • diabetes;
  • dehydration of the body: accompanied by toxicosis, frequent vomiting;
  • heart diseases;
  • oncology;
  • heredity.

High hemoglobin increases the likelihood of blood clots. The blood becomes thicker, due to which the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the baby is reduced. The doctor may prescribe outdoor walks, diet and water regimen.


High hemoglobin levels affect pregnancy

With a high level of hemoglobin - above 160 g / l - treatment is prescribed. Recommendations for high hemoglobin levels:

  1. Drink 2 liters of pure water per day.
  2. Limit the intake of foods that contain iron: fish, seafood. Also avoid fatty meats.
  3. Drink a course of drugs that reduce blood viscosity.
  4. Take prenatal vitamins prescribed by a gynecologist.

For prevention purposes, the doctor may prescribe a general examination and an additional blood test.

Low performance

If hemoglobin decreases by several units in the second trimester, then this is the norm. But if the tests show a sharp decrease to 23 weeks, then this is a symptom of anemia or anemia. The main causes of the development of the disease:

  • iron deficiency: leads to premature birth, underdevelopment and low fetal weight. Improper nutrition is one of the main causes of anemia;
  • lack of zinc, copper in the body: affects the general well-being (appetite disappears), immunity decreases and susceptibility to infections increases. Zinc affects DNA, improves the conduction of nerve impulses. Copper is involved in the formation of the cardiovascular system of the baby, supports the nervous system. Trace elements support the body's metabolism. With their insufficiency, weakness, anemia develops;
  • gastrointestinal disorder: impairs the absorption of nutrients from the intestines, which leads to beriberi;
  • nervous breakdowns: impair the flow of nutrients into the blood.

When the hemoglobin is below 110 g/l, doctors diagnose anemia. Most often, it develops due to a lack of iron in the body.

Forms of anemia

There are several forms of anemia, depending on the saturation of the blood with hemoglobin.

  1. Mild disease: 109-95 g/l.
  2. Average disease: 95-81 g/l.
  3. Severe disease: 71 g/l and below.

Reduced hemoglobin is the cause of rapid fatigue, weakness, drowsiness and lethargy. If the disease is not corrected, then shortness of breath appears, the pulse becomes more frequent, malfunctions in the gastrointestinal tract make themselves felt.


Low hemoglobin is the cause of bad mood

The expectant mother's skin turns pale, her hair becomes dry and actively falls out, her nails exfoliate. Frequent colds and stomatitis are also signs of reduced hemoglobin. The expectant mother should make up for the deficiency of the element as soon as possible, since its lack affects the development of the child:

  • the likelihood of intrauterine hypoxia;
  • underweight fetus;
  • premature birth.

After birth, the baby may suffer from diseases of the respiratory system.

Anemia treatment

Hemoglobin can be raised with a special diet and iron-based medications. Principles of nutrition for anemia:

  • taking vitamins;
  • increased consumption of vegetable and animal proteins: fish, poultry, offal, meat, cottage cheese;
  • reduction of fat in the daily diet to 85 grams. The list does not include oily fish, lard and lamb;
  • inclusion in the diet of complex carbohydrates: cereals, vegetables, fruits.

Additionally, the doctor prescribes iron supplements, which are taken for several weeks. If all recommendations are followed, the tests usually improve within a month.

Medicines can be taken by mouth as tablets or by injection. The latter is assigned in the following situations:

  • individual intolerance to drugs;
  • severe diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (ulcer, colitis or inflammation);
  • acute iron deficiency in the body;
  • difficult absorption of iron preparations through the stomach.


Proper nutrition helps to normalize indicators

Treatment on your own is strictly prohibited: the dosage of drugs is determined by the attending physician, checking the effect of the drugs through a blood test.

Products that increase hemoglobin

Consuming food rich in iron helps normalize hemoglobin levels and improve the overall well-being of a pregnant woman. Expectant mothers are recommended to include in the daily diet:

  • meat: hearts, kidneys, tongue, lean poultry, fish products;
  • cereals: buckwheat, wheat;
  • legumes: soybeans, chickpeas;
  • vegetable dishes: tomato and radish salad, potato dishes, beetroot casseroles, spinach juice, parsley;
  • fruits: red apples, dark varieties of plums, all orange and yellow fruits;
  • freshly squeezed juices: pomegranate (no more than 100 ml per day), beet-carrot and apple.

Hemoglobin levels are also increased by nuts, dark chocolate, dried fruits and hematogen.


Fruits increase hemoglobin levels

For a quick result, you need to devote time to walking in nature, doing special breathing exercises and morning exercises.

For better absorption of iron, it is recommended to combine products correctly. For example, vitamin C promotes the rapid absorption of iron. "Heavy" dishes are recommended to be combined with vegetable and fruit fresh juices. It is better to drink porridge with sweet juices, and add homemade tomato sauce to meat side dishes.

During pregnancy, it is necessary to exclude the liver from the daily diet - it contains a large amount of vitamins A and D, which prevent the release of iron in the blood.

Pomegranate juice should be diluted with plain water and limited to a few sips a day, as it impairs the absorption of nutrients.

The materials are published for review and are not a prescription for treatment! We recommend that you contact a hematologist at your healthcare facility!

When a woman finds out that a new life has been born and develops in her, everything changes for her. The body of a pregnant woman undergoes significant changes aimed at providing favorable conditions for the bearing and birth of a baby. The process of these changes should be carefully monitored in order to detect the slightest deviations from the norm in advance. One of the most important indicators that require increased attention during pregnancy is hemoglobin.

Why is it so important to control the indicator?

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

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

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

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

Table of hemoglobin norms in pregnant women

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

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

It will be useful for you to learn also about on our website.

The consequences of this pathological condition are catastrophic.

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

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

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

What other types of hemoglobin exist?

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

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

Important! The presence of glycosylated hemoglobin in the blood in healthy people is low. Its increase is typical in the presence of a history of diabetes mellitus.

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

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

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

Physiological decline

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

What to do with an imbalance of hemoglobin?

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

Regardless of the degree of developing anemia, the gynecologist observing pregnancy will focus on the need to review and correct the diet. In the daily menu for pregnant women, there must be foods that increase hemoglobin.

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

Important! Do not forget about the need for all products that a pregnant woman consumes to be fresh and of high quality.

Every expectant mother is concerned about issues related to the state of health during pregnancy. The development of the fetus and the further fate of the child depend on this. If the mother does not take a general blood test in a timely manner, she puts the baby in danger. The main task of doctors and mothers is the timely detection of abnormalities in the development of the fetus. This can only be done with the help of a clinical blood test.

One of the main indicators of the health of mother and child is the level of hemoglobin. It is with the help of it that the tissues receive oxygen, which is necessary for the development of the fetus and maintaining the normal state of the woman.

It is part of the red blood - this is the part responsible for the supply of oxygen to the tissues of the body. Throughout life, hemoglobin norms change depending on the age and physiological characteristics of the body.

In women, for example, during the period of bearing a child, the level of hemoglobin will be different. It depends on the development of the fetus - the trimesters of pregnancy.

Each trimester is different:

  • In the first trimester (up to 12 weeks), the hemoglobin level will be 110-160 mg / l. This is considered the norm and refers to a healthy woman who does not suffer from any chronic pathologies. If a woman has such diseases, the doctor himself sets the norm, only he will be able to understand what is the norm and what is the deviation.
  • In the second trimester (from 13 to 28 weeks), the level ranges from 108 to 144 mg / l. The norm refers to a healthy woman who does not have. In the second trimester, there is a decrease in hemoglobin due to an increase in blood volume - this is a natural process and you should not be afraid of this.
  • In the third trimester (from week 29), the hemoglobin level returns to normal and is 110-140 mg / l. A woman during this period should maintain this rate, eating according to the doctor's recommendations.

The concept of the norm is rather relative, since each organism has its own characteristics and often women can experience any chronic ailments that affect the level of hemoglobin.

Therefore, you should not panic if there are any deviations, it is likely that the indicators are normal for your particular case. In this regard, self-decoding of the analysis is not recommended, only a doctor can do this, he will take into account all the features of the woman's body, as well as the medical history.

Reasons for the lower rates

A low level of hemoglobin may indicate a developing. Timely detection of a low level of this protein will allow doctors to restore hemoglobin levels and avoid sad consequences.

The main reasons for a decrease in hemoglobin include:

  • iron deficiency anemia. It is this type of anemia that most often occurs in pregnant women already in the first trimester. It occurs in connection with insufficient intake of iron in the body or with disturbances in work - iron is simply not absorbed due to certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Deficiency of vitamins such as B12 and B9. Very often, vegetarians and women who are constantly on diets are exposed to it, even despite the special situation - pregnancy. As a rule, doctors prescribe the intake of B vitamins already in the first trimester of pregnancy. Deficiency of B12 and B9 can be caused by diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Stress and depression during pregnancy can also cause a decrease in hemoglobin levels. Therefore, it is so important to remain calm and try not to be nervous about every occasion. Relatives should not provoke a pregnant woman, as a woman in a position becomes suspicious and extremely sensitive.

Signs of anemia can be: dizziness, pallor of the skin and mucous membranes, drowsiness, fatigue, fainting, dry hair and nails. If symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor.

Reduced hemoglobin levels are quite easy to recover, if we are not talking about diseases that suppress the body's ability to absorb iron and other essential vitamins. To avoid such a situation, doctors always recommend undergoing a complete examination before conceiving a child and starting to prepare for pregnancy in advance.


Treatment for anemia includes taking iron supplements, as well as a diet that includes a list of foods high in iron. Along with therapy, light physical activity in the form of walks in the fresh air is recommended.

The menu of a pregnant woman with low hemoglobin should include:

  • Meat products - beef liver, kidneys, heart, tongue and fish.
  • Vegetables and fruits - potatoes, cabbage, beets, onions, apples, dried fruits.
  • Walnuts and fresh juices (pomegranate, pear, apple).

Before you start drinking fresh juices, consult your doctor. Do not forget, neglected anemia can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, fetal hypoxia and death of the baby immediately after birth. Treat your hemoglobin levels and doctor's recommendations carefully and responsibly.

Reasons for increased rates

Hanging hemoglobin during pregnancy can cause both physiological and pathological factors.

If a pregnant woman lives in a mountainous area or is subjected to frequent physical exertion, the hemoglobin level in this case may be elevated. This situation does not require any intervention - treatment.

But in some cases, an increase in performance may indicate the following pathologies:

  • Vitamin B deficiency (12.9). It is caused by poor absorption of vitamins through the gastrointestinal tract. This may indicate diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that need to be treated.
  • Pathologies can lead to an increase in hemoglobin. It is for this reason that it is recommended to undergo an examination before conception in order to avoid such problems.
  • Disorders of the cardiovascular system can also cause increased hemoglobin.
  • Some hereditary diseases also provoke an increase in performance. In this case, the woman should be under the constant supervision of doctors and follow the recommendations of specialists.

Signs of elevated levels are the same as with anemia. Therefore, self-diagnosis of an increased or decreased level of hemoglobin without surrender is impossible.

A woman must donate blood every trimester to control these indicators, otherwise she risks missing the initial stage of a possible disease, there will be a risk of premature birth or other fetal pathologies.

Do not forget that increased hemoglobin provokes blood clots, which leads to problems in the work of the cardiovascular system of the woman and the fetus, respectively.

Ways to normalize the indicator

As a rule, elevated hemoglobin is observed in the first three months of pregnancy and does not require any treatment. If the level remains high, the doctor decides on treatment, which may include taking B vitamins and prescribing a special diet.

Blood thinners may also be included in the therapy. It is very important not to engage in amateur activities and purchase vitamins without a doctor's prescription. Many complexes contain substances aimed at increasing hemoglobin, and not vice versa. It can only make the situation worse.

Therefore, it is important to take only those drugs that the doctor prescribes.

If a high rate is due to any pathology, symptoms can be relieved during pregnancy. Treatment of the disease itself is carried out after childbirth, or pregnancy is terminated due to a threat to the life of a woman. However, this is extremely rare, pregnancy usually manages to be completed. In any case, medical supervision is necessary.

As a preventive measure, doctors recommend screening before conception. If pregnancy is already present, you should adhere to a complete diet in order to avoid vitamin deficiency and hemoglobin jumps. The menu of a pregnant woman should include the following foods:

  • Beef, its offal and poultry meat.
  • Fish (preferably sea).
  • Grains - eat whole grain bread, make sure that the diet includes cereals - oats (rolled oats), millet, etc.
  • Vegetables - cook dishes from potatoes, pumpkins, carrots, beets, onions, cabbage.
  • Fruits - apples, peaches, persimmons. Drink freshly squeezed juices of these fruits as recommended by your doctor.
  • Dried fruits are a necessary element of the menu of a pregnant woman. Dried fruits are recommended for use with both high and low hemoglobin levels.
  • Drink more liquids - pure water, green tea, juices. Avoid coffee and black tea. These drinks do not contribute to the normal absorption of iron and other essential vitamins.

In addition to therapy and following the diet prescribed by the doctor, a woman should walk more in the fresh air. Light physical activity is welcome, but again after consulting a doctor. Usually, good nutrition and following the recommendations of a specialist quickly bring the indicators back to normal. Do not forget that the level can return to normal on its own.

Useful video - How to increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood:

At the initial stage of pregnancy, the indicator may be overestimated, but this is normal if it declines after a while. Do not panic about small deviations. In any case, the responsible doctor will notice deviations in the norms in time and take measures.

An elevated hemoglobin level does not always indicate serious pathologies. However, the level of this protein must be monitored and corrected in case of significant deviations. Take blood tests on time and do not neglect the doctor's recommendations.

If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl+Enter.