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Hemoglobin during pregnancy: normal, low and high hemoglobin
Hemoglobin during pregnancy can change its value, and there is nothing to worry about. But in order to prevent the development of anemia, we will find out which indicators are considered the norm, and which are the reason for going to the doctor.
The norm of hemoglobin during pregnancy
For a healthy woman, the optimal hemoglobin level is from 120 to 150 g / l, but in the process of carrying a baby, its concentration in the blood may fluctuate.
Hemoglobin levels during pregnancy may deviate from the norm
Normal hemoglobin levels during pregnancy should be as follows:
- from 112 to 160 g / l – 1st trimester;
- from 108 to 144 g / l – 2st trimester;
- from 100 to 140 g / l – 3rd trimester.
To avoid the development of anemia, you need to take care of its prevention in advance – during the planning of conception. Already at this stage, a woman is advised to take B vitamins and eat foods rich in iron.
Low hemoglobin during pregnancy
In the body of the expectant mother, fluid accumulation and retention occur, the blood naturally liquefies, and the reserves of vitamins and iron are now consumed by two – all these factors lead to a decrease in hemoglobin.
If the level of a complex protein in a woman’s blood drops to 90-110 g / l, there are no serious reasons for worry, despite the fact that the hemoglobin rate during pregnancy is higher. In such cases, doctors are advised to take special vitamins, eat well and introduce hematogen into the diet.
If the hemoglobin concentration has dropped below 70 g / l, it is necessary to urgently start treatment in order to preserve the health of the baby and mother.
The most common causes of anemia in expectant mothers:
- unbalanced diet – deficiency of vitamins of group B, C, iron, zinc and other substances;
- indigestion and frequent vomiting wash out minerals and vitamins from a woman’s body;
- untreated diseases of the kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal or cardiovascular systems.
A short interval between pregnancies can also provoke a decrease in hemoglobin levels. After a recent birth, the resources and strength of the female body simply did not have time to recover.
High hemoglobin during pregnancy
An increased concentration of hemoglobin in the blood of the expectant mother is less common. But if its indicator is more than 160 g / l, this is not always considered an alarm signal. The natural growth of hemoglobin is facilitated by:
- physical exercise;
- eating foods high in iron;
- stay in high-mountainous regions with thin air.
But it also happens that an increase in hemoglobin occurs due to a lack of vitamin B12 and folic acid, which are not absorbed by the body due to indigestion. To find out the reason, you should consult a doctor and get tested.
With fluctuations in hemoglobin in the blood, the main recommendations of doctors are simple – to correct nutrition, breathe fresh air more often, drink more water and juices. But in order not to jeopardize health, you need to regularly monitor the level of hemoglobin throughout pregnancy.