Pregnancy is a sensitive period. You need to take the utmost precaution to ensure the health of your baby and yourself. Anemia in pregnancy is the most common problem which can lead to preterm birth and other problems. According to World Health Organization, 56% of pregnant women in developing countries are anemic. Severe anemia in pregnancy can put your baby at higher risk for anemia. Lower haemoglobin levels during pregnancy also increase the risk of maternal mortality. Haemoglobin levels in women should range between 12 to 16g/dl.
In this article, we will explain to you the importance of haemoglobin in pregnancy and how to treat its deficiency.
Haemoglobin is the protein molecule in red blood cells. It helps to carry oxygen and carbon dioxide from the lungs to the various parts of the body and return to the lungs. Haemoglobin is crucial for the development of red blood cells that are vital for immunity and strength.
Pregnant women need more oxygen during pregnancy. The foetus also needs oxygen for proper development. When you are pregnant your body goes through a lot of changes. The amount of blood in the body increases by about 20-30%. It increases the supply of iron and vitamins that the body needs to make haemoglobin. Many pregnant women are deficient in iron in the second and third trimester because the need for iron increases. Haemoglobin helps to maintain a healthy weight of the baby and fight infections.
Haemoglobin levels during pregnancy should be between 12 to 15g/dl. Haemoglobin level below 10.5g/dl leads to anemia in pregnancy. The blood volume of a pregnant lady increases by 50% to provide proper nutrition to the baby. During the 8th week of pregnancy, the amount of blood plasma in the body is more than the red blood cells. Due to the lower numbers of RBCs, the haemoglobin level drops in pregnancy.
Haemoglobin levels below 10.5g/dl can impact the mother and the baby in the womb adversely. The signs and effects of low haemoglobin levels during pregnancy includes-
Signs
Most women experience anemia in pregnancy. Many types of anemia develop during pregnancy. The types include-
Iron deficiency anemia
During pregnancy, the baby in the womb requires RBC for development. Pregnant women who don’t have enough stores of iron in the body during pregnancy are more likely to suffer iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency lowers the haemoglobin level. Iron-rich food before getting pregnant can help to increase the iron store in the body.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 plays an important role in making RBC and protein. Deficiency of Vitamin B12 in the diet of pregnant women can cause anemia. A strict vegetarian diet is a risk factor that can cause vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Folate deficiency
Folate is a B vitamin and helps to make cells with iron. If you don’t get enough folate during pregnancy then it could cause iron deficiency. Folate deficiency can also cause birth defects in the brain and spine. It causes anemia in pregnancy.
Lowers the level of haemoglobin during pregnancy can be cured with treatment. If you develop the symptoms of anemia during pregnancy, you must see your doctor get the right iron supplements for you. A diet rich in iron, Folic acid, vitamin B-12, and vitamin-C is beneficial in increasing Red blood cells. Include these food items to cure anemia in pregnancy-
HERA pro tip- you should avoid taking coffee, tea, alcohol during pregnancy. These drinks block the absorption of iron by the body..- HERA
Haemoglobin is a type of protein and is measured in gram per decilitre. The normal range of haemoglobin in various conditions are-
Pregnant women suffering from lungs, kidneys, and heart may suffer from high haemoglobin levels. Haemoglobin in Pregnant women rises due to many reasons. Dehydration can lead to a sudden rise in haemoglobin. Someone suffering from erythrocytosis may encounter a rise in the RBC which shoots up the haemoglobin level. An overdose of iron supplements during pregnancy can lead to a sudden increase in the haemoglobin level.
High levels of haemoglobin cause-
You must see your doctor for the treatment of a high level of haemoglobin in the body. You will be closely monitored by the specialist. The specialist will decide the treatment according to your condition. They may ask you not to take iron supplements or may provide some other medication.
The Bottom line
Anemia in pregnancy is very common. Lower levels of haemoglobin in pregnancy can affect the development of the baby in the womb and increase the risk of premature delivery. Anemia in pregnancy can also cause postpartum maternal infections. Iron, folate, and Vitamin B and C rich foods can help to increase the level of haemoglobin during pregnancy.