The description of pregnancy as a period of joyful expectation of a baby, unfortunately, does not always correspond to reality. For a long 9 months, a woman is faced with various ailments that she had not encountered before.

One of the important indicators of a woman's health is the normal level of hemoglobin in the blood, which for various reasons may deviate from the norm. This will not bring special problems for the unborn child if you see the changes in time and take the necessary measures.

Hemoglobin and its meaning

Hemoglobin is a complex protein that is a component of the blood and is responsible for delivering oxygen to all organs. Carriers of hemoglobin are small red bodies called erythrocytes. Depending on their amount in the blood, one can also judge the level of hemoglobin, which is necessary for the optimal functioning of all organs, the growth and development of the baby. Accordingly, during pregnancy, the health and even life of the child may depend on the level of hemoglobin.

Depending on the lack of hemoglobin, there are three degrees of anemia:

• mild - hemoglobin index 90-110 g/l;
• medium - hemoglobin index 70-90 g / l;
• severe - hemoglobin index less than 70 g / l.

Features of the manifestation of anemia

Almost half of all pregnant women experience a lack of hemoglobin at one time or another. In order to diagnose the problem in a timely manner, registered women are offered to periodically take tests. The future mother can determine the lack of hemoglobin on her own, noting the following symptoms:

• constant weakness, very fast fatigue;
• periodic dizziness, the appearance of "flies" before the eyes;
• pallor of mucous membranes, skin;
• palpitations, the possibility of fainting;
• the appearance of tinnitus, as well as shortness of breath at the slightest physical exertion;
• headaches, insomnia;
• dryness and pallor of the skin, bluish color of the lips;
• brittle nails and split hair;
• constipation;
• strange taste preferences that have not previously been noted.

Causes of anemia

The amount of blood naturally affects the decrease in hemoglobin levels: the larger its volume, the less hemoglobin it contains. A growing baby with each week of pregnancy takes more and more iron. Especially often there is a lack of hemoglobin in multiple pregnancies.

Anemia can also be caused by a lack of certain elements in the body. For example, folic acid, zinc, copper, vitamin B12 are involved in the absorption of iron. Without them, the amount of absorbed iron is sharply reduced. That is why proper nutrition of the expectant mother plays a key role in preventing the appearance and development of anemia.

The main causes of hemoglobin deficiency are:

• serious diseases of internal organs: heart disease, hepatitis, pyelonephritis;
• toxicosis in the first months of pregnancy;
• a short break between two pregnancies (experts recommend taking a break of at least 3 years, during which the body is able to restore iron stores);
• constant stress;
• taking certain medications;
• dysbacteriosis.

Most often, pregnant women with iron deficiency encounter in the second half of pregnancy. After 20 weeks, the baby is already quite large. The mother's blood volume increases significantly, and iron intake increases, which leads to its deficiency. The maximum decrease in hemoglobin is usually noted by 32-34 weeks.

If the decrease in hemoglobin level occurred at the end of pregnancy, then special treatment in this case is not prescribed. Immediately before childbirth, its blood counts usually level off on their own.

A physiological drop in the amount of iron must be distinguished from changes that require medical intervention. Its deficiency can lead to oxygen starvation of the baby with the subsequent development of hypoxia. Anemia can cause late toxicosis, as well as untimely discharge of amniotic fluid.

A low level of hemoglobin can lead to complications during childbirth, such as weak labor, premature birth, heavy bleeding, and even death of the baby in the first day of life.

A toddler can be born with a small weight, be extremely susceptible to infections. That is why you need to constantly monitor the level of hemoglobin in order to timely see its deficiency and calculate the rate of decrease in its amount in the blood.

Prevention and treatment of low hemoglobin in pregnant women

The safest way to treat anemia is to prevent it. It is necessary to take the complexes of vitamins and minerals recommended by the doctor. The range of foods rich in iron is quite diverse, so there should be enough of them in the diet of the expectant mother. Among them are buckwheat, meat, liver, fish, apricots, eggs, rye, beets, peaches, dried mushrooms, parsley, carrots, legumes, pomegranates, pomegranate juice, and persimmons.

Iron is best absorbed from animal products - up to 6%, while plant foods can only provide 0.2%. Walking in the fresh air, taking ascorbic, folic acid also contribute to the increase in digestibility.

Doctors note that without iron-containing drugs, the treatment of anemia is impossible, since an insignificant amount of the necessary iron enters the body with food. Treatment can last for several months. If a woman does not tolerate pills, then injections are used.

Pregnancy is the most wonderful time in the life of every girl, but also the most responsible. How often do we hear the phrases “hemoglobin level” and “low hemoglobin during pregnancy” during this period?! What is the role of hemoglobin and its norm during pregnancy? Let's figure it out.

Hemoglobin and its role

Hemoglobin is one of the components of blood in the human body, which also stains it red. It is a protein in red blood cells that contains iron and carries oxygen. The level of this indicator is determined by passing a general blood test. However, it is worth distinguishing between the average value in the erythrocyte and glycated hemoglobin.

The hemoglobin in erythrocytes is usually examined

The first will indicate the body's ability to saturate with oxygen, and the second will indicate the development of diabetes by analyzing the state of glucose in the blood. The analysis of glycated hemoglobin today is considered an expensive procedure and is prescribed by the attending physician in rare cases and, if necessary, after taking a general blood test.

The norm of hemoglobin in the blood

Hemoglobin in the blood, like any other indicator of human health, has clear boundaries of its concentration. Its indicators depend on gender, age and are measured in grams per 1 liter of blood (g / l).

In children, the hemoglobin rate varies significantly from a few days after birth until the age of 18.

hemoglobin during pregnancy

Particular attention is paid to the level of hemoglobin in the blood during pregnancy. Its value is slightly reduced, which is associated with an increase in the volume and speed of blood circulation in the body of a pregnant woman, as well as with the consumption of iron by a child. Doctors strongly recommend taking care of saturating the body with iron even during the conception planning period in order to avoid complications of varying degrees and taking medications during gestation.

Hemoglobin levels usually decrease towards the end of pregnancy

In the first trimester, the hemoglobin level decreases for the previously described physiological reasons and is the norm in the range of 112 - 160 g / l. Deviation from the norm during this period is the most dangerous in connection with the laying of the baby's organs and the restructuring of the mother's body.

In the II trimester, the amount of blood in a woman's body continues to increase and hemoglobin should be in the range - 108 - 144 g / l. It is during this period that most pregnant women experience a decrease in this indicator, and if you do not prepare your body in advance, then the development of anemia is guaranteed.

In the third trimester, the body prepares for childbirth, blood loss, in a child, almost all organs are formed and various useful substances are formed. Iron in this case is no exception, its absorption improves, so 100-140 g / l is considered the norm.

As the pregnancy progresses, the mother-to-be needs more iron to keep herself and her baby healthy. Without enough iron in the blood, the organs and tissues will not get enough oxygen as usual, which is bad for both the pregnant woman and her baby. What is the risk of a deviation from the norm of the hemoglobin level in the blood of a pregnant woman?

high hemoglobin

During childbearing, elevated hemoglobin is rare. The reasons for its occurrence:

• living in high mountain areas;
• great physical exertion, for example, among athletes;
• oncological diseases;
• lack of vitamins B9 and B12;
• maternal smoking;
• cardiovascular diseases.

With increased hemoglobin, the pregnant woman feels weakness, drowsiness, fatigue, etc. Complications that may arise are primarily associated with an increase in blood density and, as a result, a lack of oxygen: freezing and hypoxia of the fetus, premature birth, the risk of blood clots in the mother, etc.

Low hemoglobin

A low iron content in the blood is called anemia or anemia. Causes of occurrence:

• unbalanced diet of a pregnant woman;
• toxicosis;
• disease of the endocrine, cardiovascular and other body systems;
• multiple pregnancy;
• weakened immunity;
• less than 3 years have passed since the last birth.

Iron deficiency can also be determined by the appearance of a pregnant woman: deterioration of hair and nails, pallor and dry skin, weakness, drowsiness, etc. Anemia can provoke premature birth, toxicosis, preeclampsia, fetal hypoxia, disruption of the respiratory system after childbirth in a child, its insufficient body weight and "cyanosis" of the skin.

The difference between erythrocytes in normal and non-nemic conditions

There are several different types of anemia (iron deficiency anemia, folate deficiency anemia, and vitamin B12 deficiency), but iron deficiency anemia is the most common type in pregnancy. It is normal to have mild anemia when you are pregnant. But you may have more severe anemia from low iron or vitamin levels, or for other reasons.

Anemia can make you feel tired and weak. If it is observed in a severe form of a pregnant woman, then treatment is mandatory, since the risk of serious complications, such as premature birth, may increase.

Although the body needs more iron during pregnancy, this does not mean that the expectant mother should take iron medication to prevent anemia in the future. Iron supplements can have some unpleasant side effects, so it's best not to take them unless you really need them. It is possible to solve the problem of low hemoglobin due to a lack of iron. To do this, it is enough to adjust the nutrition of a pregnant woman.

Prevention of iron deficiency

Good nutrition is the best way to prevent anemia if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Like most vitamins and minerals, food is the best source of iron. A mother-to-be does not need iron supplements if she eats a lot of iron-rich foods. She just needs to increase the amount of these foods in her diet to avoid anemia during pregnancy.

There are two types of iron-rich foods. Red meat, fish, and poultry are animal foods that contain iron in a form called heme iron, which our body absorbs easily. Foods such as legumes, dried fruits, fortified cereals, whole grain breads, and dark green leafy vegetables contain iron, which is called non-heme.

Nutrition with low hemoglobin is very important

Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron. Try drinking a glass of orange juice with your morning cereal. Or combine fruits or vegetables that are rich in vitamin C with iron-rich foods. Sources of vitamin C: orange juice, strawberries, kiwi, red and green peppers, potatoes. Vitamin C is especially important if you are a vegetarian, as the iron in vegetables and other foods is not as easily absorbed as the iron in meat. Luckily, some iron-rich foods like broccoli and Brussels sprouts are also high in vitamin C, making them the best of both worlds!

Be aware that some foods, drinks, and medications can make it harder for your body to absorb iron. These include primarily tea and coffee because of the tannins they contain, so avoid eating them.

Whole grains are a good source of iron, but they also contain phytates, which can interfere with iron absorption, so try to limit them. Zinc and magnesium salts also interfere with iron absorption. It is worth avoiding the one-time consumption of products containing iron and calcium.

What can you do to make sure you have enough iron?

Doctors usually do several tests to check the percentage of red blood cells in your plasma and the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. These are indicators of whether you are prone to anemia or not.

Ask your doctor about your risk of developing anemia and make sure you get tested at your first prenatal visit. You can also get tested four to six weeks after giving birth. Depending on your condition, your doctor may refer you to a hematologist, a doctor who specializes in blood conditions.

Your doctor should check your hemoglobin levels at pregnancy registration and again when you are 28 weeks pregnant. It is normal for hemoglobin levels to fluctuate during pregnancy. If you have prepared for pregnancy with a good level of iron stores, your hemoglobin levels are likely to rise initially and then gradually drop to half of your pre-pregnancy levels during the first month of your third trimester. This is because there is much more fluid in your blood to dilute your red blood cells at this stage, and the iron in your system moves and is used faster.

Later in the third trimester, your hemoglobin levels may change again. Iron levels are measured by determining the number of grams of hemoglobin per deciliter of blood.

Anemia treatment

If your hemoglobin levels fall below normal levels for your stage of pregnancy, your doctor may prescribe iron supplements.

Your doctor may also suggest more tests to determine if your anemia is due to an iron deficiency rather than a deficiency in vitamins such as folic acid.

You are more likely to have iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy if your body's iron stores are already compromised, which is likely if your diet was low in iron. An important question - can anemia affect the health of the unborn child? If the pregnant woman is not severely anemic, then there is no need to worry much. She will need to take iron supplements and take care of herself, as anemia can make her feel very tired. Nature made sure that the baby gets its share of iron before it is absorbed in the mother's body.

To increase hemoglobin, you can eat red meat, nuts, spinach and a number of other foods.

If a pregnant woman has a severe form of anemia, then there is an increased risk of complications, including: giving birth to a child with low iron levels, which can affect his physical and mental development.

What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia? Some of the common symptoms of anemia are fatigue and low energy levels, and rapid heartbeat. Less common symptoms include headaches, tinnitus, and fatigue. You may experience all or none of these symptoms if you have anemia during pregnancy. Fortunately, blood tests to screen for anemia are common in early pregnancy. It is important for a future mother to monitor her condition and listen to her feelings, visit a antenatal clinic and narrow specialists in a timely manner.

If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, remember the importance of getting enough iron, folic acid, and vitamin B-12. Eat nutritious foods and get outdoors more often. Never try to diagnose yourself. An overdose of iron supplements and supplements can be very dangerous. You should not take iron supplements unless your doctor tells you to.

It is important to first determine if you have an iron deficiency. If you do this, your doctor will be able to recommend the correct dosage and duration for you.

Summing up, let's say - for pregnant women it is very important that the level of hemoglobin in the blood is normal. Not only the state of her health, but also the health of the baby depends on this indicator. If deviations from the norm occur, it is not necessary to immediately resort to drug treatment, it is worth starting with the correct lifestyle of the future mother and a well-chosen diet. In any case, it is better to consult with your gynecologist, and only then take action.

Most women are familiar with such a problem as low hemoglobin during pregnancy. Expecting a child is an exciting moment, and in a pregnant woman, low hemoglobin is of particular concern. What danger does this represent? In this case, everything is individual.

Hemoglobin is a constituent of the blood particle, which, with the help of red blood cells, supplies oxygen to all cells of the human body. During pregnancy, the health of the fetus depends entirely on the hemoglobin level of the expectant mother. What to do if low hemoglobin is dangerous for a child? There are some cases where this needs to be done quickly.

A normal hemoglobin level is 110 g / l and above. If the indicator is slightly lower than indicated, then we can talk about anemia. According to statistics, approximately 40-45% of women suffer from low hemoglobin during pregnancy. For this reason, it is imperative to donate blood for analysis to detect a decrease in the volume of red blood cells. Often a woman can independently identify the symptoms of low hemoglobin during pregnancy.

There are three levels of anemia in women during pregnancy:

• 1 degree (mild), hemoglobin index 110-90 g/l;
• 2 degree (average), the indicator is 90-70 g / l;
• 3 degree (the most severe), the indicator is too low, below 70 g / l.

It should be taken into account the fact that many expectant mothers have low hemoglobin. With the help of an experienced specialist, this problem can be completely solved. How to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy will be prompted by the attending physician based on the results of the necessary blood tests.

signs of anemia

It is important to remember that any malaise, poor health of a woman is transmitted to the child. Any mother does not want the baby to suffer. For this reason, you should not delay a visit to the doctor at the slightest suspicious symptoms. The cause of the disease is easier to eliminate at the very beginning than in a neglected state, which is simply necessary during pregnancy.

Symptoms have their benefits. Reduced hemoglobin in a pregnant woman is a kind of signal that a pathology is present in the body. It is a mistake to believe that such a condition is the norm during pregnancy. These are not the whims of a child, as many people think. The signs and symptoms of low hemoglobin during pregnancy are initially understood. Understand what is at stake for any woman:

• palpitations and shortness of breath;
• severe headaches, sometimes with spasms;
• insomnia or vice versa, excessive craving for sleep;
• feeling of complete physical impotence;
• problems with bowel movements (constipation);
• too pale skin on the face;
• loss of strands and fragility of the nail plates;
• darkening in the eyes and fainting;
• loss of appetite or, on the contrary, a desire to eat incompatible foods.

Causes of a decrease in hemoglobin

You need to know your hemoglobin levels, whether it is normal or significantly reduced. In pregnant women, the total blood volume is increased. Therefore, the concentration of red erythrocytes, of course, decreases. The fetus grows and develops, it needs a lot of iron. It is necessary to increase the hemoglobin of a pregnant woman.

Women are especially at risk of getting anemia during multiple pregnancies. If there are several fruits, then they need a lot of nutrients. Iron begins to be poorly absorbed if there is a deficiency of vitamin B12, copper, zinc, folic acid.

How can you raise your hemoglobin levels during pregnancy? To answer the question, it is necessary to find and establish the cause of the decline. A reliable preventive measure is the correct diet of a pregnant woman. A balanced diet is the key to health, especially for a future mother. After all, she has to eat for two.

The reasons can be very different:

Additional factors

In the first trimester of pregnancy, iron levels are often normal. The shortage manifests itself in the second trimester, during the intensive development of the fetus, which requires more and more nutrition.

At about 20 weeks, iron deficiency occurs in most cases due to an increase in total blood volume. A pregnant woman needs to increase hemoglobin.

The lowest hemoglobin levels are usually closer to 34 weeks. Such a sharp decrease is considered normal. In this case, there is no need for treatment. This is due to a strong increase in maternal blood volume. If the viscosity remained the same, then there would be problems with circulation. There is a process of reducing the concentration of red blood cells, which is completely natural.

Hemoglobin starts to decrease. But before the onset of the birth process, the required level is independently restored, increasing to normal. Low hemoglobin in pregnant women must be normalized in a timely manner.

Norm and pathology

An important point should be taken into account. There is a natural drop in hemoglobin due to anemia, physiological. In this case, treatment is required. This can be dangerous for the fetus. Due to the lack of important and necessary substances, various complications can occur.

With a lack of oxygen, the baby may suffer from hypoxia. In this case, low hemoglobin during gestation is a serious danger. But it can go down as well as up. He cannot descend on his own.

What are the dangerous consequences

Concepts such as low hemoglobin and pregnancy have long been synonymous. A specialist will tell you how to treat and not confuse a pathological drop in hemoglobin. With the initial symptoms of low hemoglobin in a pregnant woman, you should visit your doctor. In this way, unwanted complications can be avoided.

The main danger of anemia is the threat of premature discharge of amniotic fluid. Late toxicosis can also significantly complicate the life of the expectant mother. Based on the results of the tests, it can be established that iron deficiency occurred during pregnancy.

During childbirth, various unexpected and additional difficulties can arise. They manifest themselves in the birth process, which began much earlier than planned, in the weakening of labor activity. There is also a place to be severe bleeding, representing a direct threat to the life of the baby.

Children born in such cases are born with low body weight, weak, very susceptible to infections, immunity drops. It is in order to avoid these consequences that all experts strongly recommend that you carefully monitor your well-being and treat a lack of hemoglobin.

Elevated hemoglobin

High hemoglobin levels during pregnancy - is it good or bad, how does it affect the fetus? Despite the lack of iron in most cases, it still sometimes happens that the level exceeds the permissible norm. This happens if a woman spends too much time in the mountains, that is, she is a resident of the highlands. This can cause an increase in iron levels in the blood.

We know that extremes are always bad. In this case, if the rate is too high, exceeds 170 g / l, this is a serious danger for a pregnant woman. She has a risk of erythrocytosis, which can lead to very sad complications:

• cardiopulmonary insufficiency occurs;
• contributes to the development of varicose veins, the formation of blood clots;
• causes death of the fetus in the womb;
• can be the cause of the birth of a child without signs of life.

In some cases, the presence of a high level of iron is the cause of problems associated with intestinal obstruction. It also has a close relationship with diseases of the cardiovascular system.

An important link is the so-called glycated hemoglobin. Its normal level or a slight deviation indicates the degree of presence of sugar in the blood during the last 4 months. If a person is healthy, then an indicator of 6% is the norm. If the level is 6-6.5%, the expectant mother is at risk of getting diabetes. Accordingly, if the indicator is above 6.5%, this is a clear sign of the disease.

It must be remembered that excessively elevated or reduced hemoglobin needs treatment. Self-treatment is absolutely unacceptable, it is better to leave it to experienced medical specialists. It is not only about the health of the future mother, but also about the life of the child. Therefore, the doctor must control the situation, and do everything so that the iron level drops.

Treatment and preventive measures

Any problem is easier to prevent than to cure. It is known that low hemoglobin during pregnancy is no less dangerous than high hemoglobin. How to solve the problem, what needs to be done should not be decided on your own. It is necessary to protect the unborn baby from possible complications, which often happens during pregnancy. Therefore, only the opinion of a doctor is a competent solution to an important issue about hemoglobin.

When making a correct diagnosis, it is important to pay attention not only to nutrition, but also to taking special drugs to increase the hemoglobin of a pregnant woman. Iron-containing vitamin complexes should be selected by the attending physician. No need to listen to the opinions and advice of friends and relatives, you can only harm yourself and the unborn baby.

In most cases, drugs such as actiferrin, maltofer, sorbifer are prescribed. Iron is not easily absorbed by the body. Therefore, you need to take additional components that can speed up the absorption process. It can be the well-known ascorbic acid. You can also take fructose, folic acid. This will cause a gradual increase in hemoglobin.

To avoid indigestion while taking the drug, it is advisable to take daily walks. A little physical activity in the fresh air is very useful during pregnancy. This will bring great benefits and fruit. Pregnancy with low hemoglobin needs to be monitored by specialists.

Prevention

From the first week of pregnancy, you should remember the importance of compiling a diet. For many women, taste preferences change significantly, so iron levels may drop. Then it must be raised. You have to find the golden mean. How to raise hemoglobin during pregnancy, and maintain the desired level, the attending gynecologist can help.

It will help you create a sample menu that includes healthy and iron-containing foods. Today it is quite possible to buy tropical fruits in winter by visiting the nearest supermarket. It is best to have a special notebook, and clearly control the type of food consumed. It is very comfortable.

• boiled beef, or any red meat;
• walnuts, almonds;
• eat at least a handful of dried fruits a day;
• vegetable dishes (potatoes, carrots, beets, etc.);
• any sea fish;
• fruits (pomegranate, persimmon, peaches);
• wholemeal bread;
• some dark chocolate.

What is the danger of indiscriminate eating? How does it affect the body? With low hemoglobin in pregnant women, protein food is especially useful, it significantly accelerates the absorption of iron by the body. That's why it's so important. But foods rich in calcium are best reduced. These include cottage cheese, sour cream, milk, etc. Many people like to drink coffee or tea with food, which is better not to do during pregnancy. You need to get rid of this habit.

Most women are less enthusiastic about taking doctor's advice on taking synthetic drugs to normalize hemoglobin. The gravity of the situation should not be underestimated. Sometimes this is not only necessary, but vital. To avoid undue risk, all medical recommendations should be followed. Iron deficiency poses a serious threat to both the expectant mother and the fetus. That is why it is so important to regularly donate blood for analysis.

Any drug is taken after meals. The reception is washed down with a large volume of ordinary mineral water. This is necessary in order to avoid nausea and indigestion. So gradually you can increase low hemoglobin during pregnancy.

Experts say that it is possible to increase hemoglobin only with the help of special drugs. How can you increase hemoglobin in the blood? Of course, the right diet is good. But with food, in any case, only a small part of iron enters the body. The drug must be taken for a long time. The first good result is usually observed after 3-4 weeks of daily use.

In case of severe anemia or if there is intolerance to the drug, injection therapy is carried out. Do not be upset and worried. An experienced doctor will select the appropriate type of treatment that increases the level of iron on an individual basis. Do not underestimate the low level of hemoglobin in the blood.

Pregnancy is characterized by an increased consumption of all nutrients. Since during this period the woman's body must support not only itself, but also provide building material for the baby. In the intrauterine state, the child grows as never before at a tremendous rate.

Anemia is the most common disease of women during pregnancy. It occurs both independently and as a complication of other diseases. This condition poses a risk to the health of the fetus in the first place, but the mother's body also feels the disadvantage.

What is anemia?

Anemia is a decrease in the level of hemoglobin and / or red blood cells in the peripheral blood.
The normal level of hemoglobin is considered from 120 g / l. Considering that the fetus requires resources from the mother, the amount of hemoglobin in pregnant women will be in the range of 110 g / l.

There are several degrees of severity of anemia:

1. A mild degree is characterized by a hemoglobin content within 109-90 g/l ;
2. With an average degree, hemoglobin drops to numbers 89-70 g/l ;
3. Severe anemia is characterized by a drop in hemoglobin levels below 69 g/l .

The norm of hemoglobin during pregnancy should be considered individually, taking into account the trimester and the presence of concomitant diseases.

Causes of a decrease in hemoglobin in pregnant women

By the third trimester, the volume of circulating blood increases. Thus, dilution occurs, and hemoglobin becomes less in relation to volume. Therefore, by the end of pregnancy, the number of women with anemia increases.

If a woman's hemoglobin level is below normal in the initial stages or fluctuates in the lower normal range, such pregnant women should be observed and preventive treatment should be carried out.

Women who suffer from the following conditions are at risk for anemia:

1. Pregnant women with chronic diseases. For example, hepatitis, gastritis, peptic ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract, pyelonephritis, helminthic invasions;
2. With a diet with low meat intake, unbalanced nutrition (anarexia, vegetarianism);
3. The presence of blood clotting diseases (thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy);
4. Women who had a decrease in hemoglobin levels before pregnancy;
5. Complicated obstetric history (abortions, miscarriages, bleeding);
6. With multiple pregnancy;
7. With gestosis of the second half of pregnancy;
8. The age of the pregnant woman is up to 18 and after 32 years.

Manifestations of anemia

Anemia can pass without any symptoms, and often the expectant mother writes off minor changes in health as an “interesting” situation. But in more severe cases, the manifestations will be pronounced. Signs of anemia during pregnancy:

1. General weakness, including muscle weakness;
2. Pale coloration of the skin and mucous membranes;
3. Jams in the corners of the lips;
4. Changes in the perception of taste and smell (addictions to previously unpleasant odors);
5. There may be a rapid heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath;

Possible complications of pregnancy with anemia

Complications from the fetus are quite common, especially if a woman suffered from anemia even before conception and did not correct this condition.

Low hemoglobin during early pregnancy can lead to incorrect placement of the placenta. With anemia, underdevelopment, low location or complete blocking of the entrance to the uterus by the placenta occurs. All these changes and conditions can lead to abortion, bleeding, hypoxia (oxygen starvation) and fetal growth retardation.

In childbirth, women with low hemoglobin levels are more likely to suffer from weakness of the birth forces, which subsequently leads to hypotension (muscle relaxation) of the uterus. Hypotension of the uterus is a formidable complication of the postpartum period, which is manifested by bleeding. A newborn from an anemic mother is born with a number of problems.

Low body weight and underdevelopment at birth in a child is due to the fact that in utero the baby received an insufficient amount of nutrients and oxygen.

Children are born with an underdeveloped and unadapted respiratory system, they lag behind their peers in development, both physically and intellectually.

How to diagnose anemia

In addition to all clinical manifestations, a general blood test will help in making a diagnosis. The doctor pays attention to the following indicators:

1. The amount of hemoglobin, normal during pregnancy, is 110-150 g / l;
2. The level of erythrocytes in anemia is below 3.5 million.
3. The color index evaluates the level of hemoglobin in the erythrocyte (0.33-0.4);
4. Serum iron is determined in a biochemical blood test. The lower limit of the norm is 10 µmol/L.

In the third trimester of pregnancy, relative anemia can be observed. This means that the amount of hemoglobin remains the same, but the volume of blood has increased due to plasma. In this case, the diagnosis will help to determine the level of serum iron.

How to increase hemoglobin level?

A pregnant woman with a low level of hemoglobin should be observed by a general practitioner. In severe degrees, the absence of improvement from the use of drugs for 1.5 months or the appearance of complications, observation by a hematologist is indicated.

Treatment of even a mild degree of this disease with the help of diet therapy rarely brings positive effects. In any case, the recommended diet should be high in protein and iron. Products that should be included in the diet of a pregnant woman, even for preventive purposes:

1. Beef liver contains the most iron and protein;
2. Fish and seafood;
3. Veal meat, beef;
4. Cereals;
5. Spinach, lettuce.

Treatment with drugs consists of several stages. The first step is to restore hemoglobin numbers to normal levels. Given the abandoned depot, you need to restore the supply of iron. And subsequently, maintenance therapy is prescribed until the end of pregnancy.

1. Pregnant women, regardless of the level of hemoglobin, receive a prophylactic dose of iron and folic acid before the term of delivery;
2. If a decrease in hemoglobin is detected, the dose of iron is doubled;
3. The drugs are prescribed in tablets and only in especially severe cases, intravenous drugs and blood components are prescribed;

Ascorbic acid improves iron absorption. But during pregnancy, this vitamin should be used with great care and only after 37 weeks. In all other terms, the use of "ascorbic acid" can cause a threat of abortion. Preparations for the treatment of anemia during pregnancy: Ferronat, Ferlatum, Fefol, Ferretab, Totem.

Prevention of anemia

Iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy may not occur if proper prevention is carried out.

A woman should lead a healthy lifestyle, spend more time outdoors. Nutrition should be balanced in all trace elements and basic substances, contain meat and fresh vegetables.

Pregnancy must be planned. If anemia is detected, get treated. It is important that normal blood counts are maintained for several months before conception, in order to replenish the depot. The entire pregnancy will have to take iron supplements in a prophylactic dose.

Iron deficiency anemia - why we need iron

Iron is part of one of the most important proteins - hemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting air through the blood vessels. Despite the fact that the content of iron in humans is relatively low, its deficiency can result in serious problems.

Iron enters the body with food, but it receives only a small part of it. So, for example, a pregnant woman, adhering to a suitable diet, consumes about 15 mg of this substance per day, but the body gets only a small 15% of this mass - only 1-2 mg.

As the pregnancy progresses, so does the body's iron intake. This is due to the need to compensate for the large losses of this trace element - it is spent on the development of the fetus. The peak itself falls on the 4th month of the term, it is at this time that the bone marrow hematopoiesis of the fetus occurs, which causes an increase in the mass of blood in a woman. This is such a difficult process for the body that it lacks even the natural enhancement of iron absorption - up to 4 mg per day, almost twice as much as the norm.

What happens to iron in the body

Iron, as an element necessary for the body, is absorbed during digestion. It occurs in the jejunum and in the duodenum. And this process does not always go smoothly. It all depends on how healthy a person is - all sorts of chronic diseases of the intestines and stomach can significantly complicate the absorption of iron.

In addition, the level of this trace element in the body has a great influence.

Medications taken with food, as well as the product in which we consume iron and the food that gets inside with it, have a significant effect.

The latter factors are actually not as innocent as they seem at first glance. Iron is a complex element and can be found in food in two forms. Depending on the form, the level of its assimilation also changes. So, heme iron, which is part of hemoglobin, loses protein bonds during digestion and is absorbed by the inner lining of the intestine. At the same time non-heme iron that exists outside the protein is absorbed much worse.

Heme iron is also important because it is this type that is found in hemoglobin. It is present in foods such as fish and meat - especially liver. Its absorption rate is 25%, while the absorption of non-heme iron is from 1% to 15%, depending on the type of product consumed.

With this difference in absorption, non-heme iron makes up a significant portion of dietary iron. In addition, one should remember about the valence of iron - bivalent is absorbed better, and trivalent, respectively, is worse.

To increase the absorption of this trace element, it is necessary to control the composition of the food consumed in order to monitor which products enter the intestine at the same time. Their combination affects the percentage of dissolution of non-heme iron. For example, Vitamin C, which is an essential catalyst for the absorption process, is of great importance. This is due to the oxidation of iron elements and its transformation from a trivalent form to a divalent one.

On the other hand, consuming a lot of foods containing copper, zinc, or manganese can make it harder for the body to absorb iron. The fact is that these elements come from the intestines into the body with the help of a special transporter protein, which is also responsible for the entry of iron into the initial part of the small intestine. Thus, a large amount of zinc and copper creates too much load on this protein, making it difficult for it to perform its function of transporting iron.

Calcium has a similar property. However, in this case, one should be extremely careful - during pregnancy, a shortage of this element should not be allowed.

Calcium is an important resource for a heavily stressed body. Therefore, it is worth resorting to, so to speak, separate nutrition and consuming calcium after consuming iron, making sure that more than 4 hours have passed between meals or a vitamin. In practice, this is expressed much more simply - before eating foods or medicines containing iron, it is better to bypass foods that contain calcium: dairy foods, cheeses and green vegetables.

During pregnancy, you should be aware of the division of products into those that promote the absorption of iron and those that hinder this process. The first ones include:

• especially meat and fish. They contain such important proteins as myoglobin and hemoglobin, as well as vital lysine, cysteine ​​and histidine. These are amino acids that promote the absorption of iron;
• fermented milk products such as kefir, fermented baked milk, acidolact;
• foods containing vitamin C (they include the acids necessary for the absorption (citric, acetic), namely, citrus fruits, bell peppers, plums, apples, pears, bananas, beets, carrots, tomatoes, pumpkin, potatoes and even sauerkraut. This food is also important for its content of essential simple carbohydrates, in particular fructose.

At the same time, they have a negative impact:

• cereals, bran, corn;
• legumes - they contain phytic acid and its derivatives - phosphates and phytates, which impede the absorption of iron, as well as coarse dietary fiber;
• tea, both black and green;
• green leafy vegetables and spinach - it contains polyphenols and oxalic acid;
• products containing calcium (milk, both hard and soft cheeses, cottage cheese), as well as eggs - they include complex phosphoprotein proteins;
• disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, used in canned foods as a preservative.

What causes iron deficiency anemia

As we have already said, anemia is a disease in which the level of hemoglobin in the blood is low. A special case of the disease - iron deficiency anemia - occurs due to a lack of iron necessary for protein synthesis.

Most prone to developing this disease are women suffering from chronic tonsillitis, heart defects, diabetes, gastritis, rheumatism, etc., as well as women who have abundant menstrual flow.

In addition, at risk are often pregnant women who are already iron deficient during previous childbearing, pregnant at an early age and pregnant while breastfeeding. The prerequisites for the development of anemia can be a low level of hemoglobin in the first trimester (below 120 g / l), severe toxicosis in the early stages, threats of miscarriage and viral diseases transferred at that time, as well as multiple pregnancy and polyhydramnios.

The disease can also make itself felt due to the low consumption of meat - therefore, strict vegetarians should be especially careful - and as a complication after suffering pyelonephritis, viral hepatitis and dysentery.

How to treat iron deficiency anemia

The treatment process takes a long time and is carried out by taking drugs containing ferrous iron. However, if you do not speed up recovery, then you can definitely ease the expectation of its onset with the help of a simple but incredibly healthy diet.

First of all, it is necessary to include proteins in the diet that favorably affect the synthesis of hemoglobin - they should be about 130 g per day (a little more can be), and about 90 g should come from animal proteins.

It should be borne in mind that anemia often causes the deposition of excess fat in the cells of the bone marrow and liver. Therefore, it is worth reducing the consumption of fats (no more than 80 g), and, conversely, increasing the intake of foods that help normalize cholesterol and lipid metabolism in the body. This is cottage cheese oatmeal and buckwheat grain, vegetable oil, lean meat and fish.

Of course, products containing iron and vitamins of groups C and B, in particular B12, are mandatory - first of all, these are liver and brains (exclusively beef), beef meat itself, fish, bran, millet. It is also necessary to consume such trace elements as cobalt, copper and manganese, as well as the above products that contribute to the high absorption of iron.

What to eat with anemia - the right diet

Despite the fact that with anemia it is natural to lack appetite, it is necessary to adhere to a clear nutrition schedule, based on the following schedule:

• two breakfasts with a break of two to three hours. The dishes that make up the first tomorrow should be denser and more satisfying; light, steamed fish or fresh vegetables are recommended for the second breakfast;
• lunch, which necessarily includes soup or chicken broth, a second course and fruit;
• light afternoon snack (jelly, fresh fruit, tea with crackers);
• dinner, which includes several dishes (cottage cheese, vegetables and meat);
• a glass of kefir or fermented baked milk before going to bed.

At the same time, you should not panic and limit yourself in everything - there are no fundamental dietary restrictions for iron deficiency anemia. From the diet it is worth excluding only what is contraindicated for all pregnant women - strawberries, raspberries, coffee and cocoa, chocolate and seafood. At the same time, bread, like simple carbohydrates, does not belong to such products. On the contrary, it can be useful in reasonable doses - both black and white, but not more than 200 g per day.

Thus, the main rule to be followed is to know the measure in everything. For example, you should not eat only meat, as the main source of iron, because there will be absolutely no benefit from this, and you can only harm your health. There is no need to try to eliminate iron deficiency only through diet - for this you will have to increase the amount of food consumed several times, because. the percentage of the suctioned element always remains the same. Therefore, the most correct way is a combination of competent nutrition with the intake of medications prescribed by a specialist.

The range of iron-containing medicines is very large, so trying to choose them for yourself can be dangerous - you must definitely entrust this to your doctor.

The ideal option, of course, is the prevention of anemia. When planning pregnancy, you should keep it in mind in any case, not to mention those cases where a woman falls under at least one risk factor. Both before pregnancy and during, it is necessary to do a biochemical blood test for such an important indicator as serum iron - this will give a complete picture of the content of the element in the body.

In addition, it will not be superfluous to periodically check the general blood test for the level of hemoglobin and red blood cells. This will help keep the situation under control and prevent the possible development of this serious disease.

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy is a common pathology that often occurs in women. Many expectant mothers are diagnosed with this, but not everyone understands how dangerous this condition is and what complications can arise.

Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein that is part of red blood cells (erythrocytes). This substance is necessary for transporting oxygen to all organs.

Anemia (anemia) is a pathology that occurs as a result of a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood.

Causes of low hemoglobin during pregnancy

Hemoglobin does not decrease on its own, some diseases and malnutrition provoke its decrease during pregnancy. Factors that affect the decrease in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood of a pregnant woman:

Reduced hemoglobin in pregnant women is typical for women in the middle of pregnancy (week 20). The lowest content of hemoglobin in the blood for a period of 32 weeks of pregnancy. An independent increase in its level is observed before childbirth.

From weeks 1 to 12, the level of iron ions is almost the same as before pregnancy. From 13 to 27 weeks, the amount of iron in the body is halved. From 28 to 40 weeks, the hemoglobin level drops by 5 times.

Doctors diagnose anemia in women after 19 weeks much more often than in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Symptoms and manifestations of anemia

There are no external signs that characterize a decrease in hemoglobin. To accurately determine the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, it is necessary to conduct a laboratory study.

Symptoms that indicate a decrease or increase in hemoglobin in the blood:

External signs if hemoglobin is lowered during pregnancy: dizziness, shortness of breath, tinnitus, loss of appetite. These symptoms indicate a lack of oxygen in the body and an imbalance in the acid-base balance.

It is 100–150 g/l. When its level drops to 50 g / l or below, the blood becomes acidic. This threatens with vomiting, diarrhea, increased pressure, disruption of the heart and respiratory organs.

External symptoms are often dystrophic in nature:

• Brittle, exfoliating nails, in some cases damaged by a fungus;
• Strongly fall out or slowly grow hair, split ends;
• Small sores appear on the tongue or in the corners of the mouth;
• The skin becomes pale and dry;
• Tingling and cramps in the legs.

The above signs indicate the exhaustion of the body, they are typical for pregnant women with a slight decrease in hemoglobin levels.

Internal symptoms of low hemoglobin:

• Increased myocardial contractions from 90 beats per minute;
• Murmurs in the heart;
• Decreased blood pressure;
• The color indicator of blood has changed its color.

You will learn about internal signs at a doctor’s appointment, and you must tell about external signs yourself, this will help establish a diagnosis.

There are 3 degrees of anemia:

1. Mild - the amount of hemoglobin in the blood is 90–110 g / l, there are no clinical manifestations.
2. Average - the amount of hemoglobin is 70–90 g / l, there are the first symptoms of anemia, which a woman sometimes does not notice.
3. Severe - the amount of hemoglobin is about 70 g / l, all symptoms are present, this condition is dangerous for a woman and a child.

Consequences of low hemoglobin and complications of pregnancy

Many women do not take this diagnosis seriously and do not understand what complications anemia leads to. In the absence of treatment there may be dangerous consequences:

• Preeclampsia is a severe complication in late pregnancy, which is characterized by the appearance of edema, high blood pressure, and the appearance of protein in the urine. These symptoms are directly related to anemia. Due to iron deficiency, liver function, water metabolism are disrupted, and protein production is reduced. In severe cases, cerebral circulation is disturbed, because of this, a woman often has headaches and dizziness, visual disturbances, nausea, and abdominal pain appear. Due to preeclampsia and eclampsia, pregnancy is terminated at any time.
• The fetus lags behind in development. Due to hypoxia, the embryo grows and develops more slowly. This condition is bad for the brain of the child.
• premature birth. Due to anemia, a woman can give birth from 22 to 37 weeks.
• Premature detachment of the placenta. In the absence of timely treatment, there is a risk of death of the embryo or mother.
• In severe anemia, in 10% of cases, the fetus is born dead, as it dies inside the womb.
• Complications during childbirth are possible: weak labor activity, uterine bleeding.
• High risk of infection of the uterus after childbirth.
• Small amount of breast milk or its complete absence.

According to medical research, women with anemia in old age are more likely to develop dementia. This is due to the fact that neurons are damaged due to brain hypoxia.

Thus, anemia negatively affects the health of the expectant mother and child.

How to increase hemoglobin

To determine the level of hemoglobin, blood or bone marrow is examined. The main goals of treatment:

1. Normalize low hemoglobin;
2. Restore iron balance.

First of all, it is necessary to identify the cause of low hemoglobin, and then eliminate it. Only complex treatment guarantees a positive result, for this they use medications and change the diet.

During the day, a pregnant woman should consume at least 5 mg of iron in the II trimester, and in the III trimester - about 10 mg. Some women believe that they can make up for the lack of iron with the help of food alone, but this is not so.

With the help of products, you can get no more than 1 mg of iron per day, and this is very small for a woman in position. At first, iron deficiency is replenished from the internal reserves of the body, but after 20 weeks, anemia develops.

There are 2 types of iron - heme and non-heme. Heme iron comes from hemoglobin and is well absorbed into the intestine. Non-heme iron does not affect the level of hemoglobin in the blood. To compensate for iron deficiency, include the following foods in your daily diet:

• Meat products, liver;
• Fish;
• Eggs;
• Fruits: pomegranate, apples, persimmons, peaches;
• Vegetables: tomatoes, pumpkin, potatoes, beets;
• Buckwheat and oatmeal;
• Beans, nuts;
• Oatmeal.

Animal products give 6% of iron, and vegetable products - about 0.2%.

Limit the use of the following foods: cilantro, parsley, tonic drinks (tea, coffee). These foods interfere with the absorption of iron.

Include sources of ascorbic acid in your daily diet. This vitamin promotes easier absorption of iron. For the same purpose, eat more strawberries and strawberries.

You can compensate for the lack of iron with the help of medical means: Totem, Sorbifer, Ferrum, Folic acid. You need to take drugs after testing and prescribing a doctor. A pregnant woman must strictly observe the dosage and frequency of administration, which the doctor has determined for her.

These medicines must not be combined with calcium-containing drugs. Drink the tablets with water without gas, milk and tonic drinks are not recommended for these purposes.

To prevent anemia from the first days of pregnancy, take vitamin and mineral complexes. Take walks, eat right, treat intestinal dysbacteriosis in time, avoid stress.

Take care of your health and at the first signs of anemia, go to the hospital. Remember, low hemoglobin during pregnancy is dangerous not only for you, but also for the health of your unborn child!