Contents
Falling red blood cells
A healthy person has between 4 and 5 million / mm3 of red blood cells. During pregnancy the standards are no longer the same and their rate decreases. No panic when you receive your results. A figure of the order of 3,7 million per cubic millimeter remains normal.
Rising white blood cells
White blood cells defend our body against infections. There are two kinds: polynuclear (neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils) and mononuclear (lymphocytes and monocytes). Their rates may vary in the event of, for example, infection or allergies. Pregnancy, for example, causes an increase in the number of neutrophilic white blood cells from 6000 to 7000 to over 10. No need to be alarmed at this figure which would be qualified as “abnormal” outside of pregnancy. While waiting to see your doctor, try to rest and drink plenty of water.
A decrease in hemoglobin: a lack of iron
It is hemoglobin that gives blood its beautiful red color. This protein in the heart of red blood cells contains iron, and helps carry oxygen in the blood. However, iron requirements increase during pregnancy since they are also drawn by the baby. If the mother-to-be does not consume enough, we may notice a drop in the hemoglobin level (less than 11 g per 100 ml). This is called anemia.
Anemia: nutrition to avoid it
To avoid this drop in hemoglobin, expectant mothers should consume foods rich in iron (meat, fish, dried fruits and green vegetables). Iron supplementation in the form of tablets may be prescribed by the doctor.
The signs that should alert you:
- a future mother with anemia is very tired and pale;
- she may feel dizzy and find that her heart is beating faster than usual.
Platelets: major players in coagulation
Platelets, or thrombocytes, play a very important role in blood clotting. Their calculation is decisive if we decide to give you an anesthesia: the epidural for example. A significant decrease in their number of platelets leads to a risk of bleeding. In a healthy person there are between 150 and 000 / mm400 of blood. A drop in platelets is common in mothers suffering from toxemia of pregnancy (pre-eclampsia). An increase on the contrary increases the risk of clots (thrombosis). Normally, their level should remain stable throughout the pregnancy.