Hemoglobin is a blood substance that is part of erythrocytes, red blood cells. The function of hemoglobin is to supply the tissues of the body with oxygen and rid them of carbon dioxide. During pregnancy, changes in hemoglobin levels are considered normal. In order to prevent oxygen starvation of the child, it is necessary to control the hemoglobin parameters.
Hemoglobin rates
If during pregnancy there is a strong drop in hemoglobin levels, the body of the mother and child will be poorly supplied with oxygen. This has irreversible consequences for the development of the child in the future, so it is very important to maintain normal hemoglobin levels. During pregnancy, its values are in the range from 120 to 140 grams per liter of blood.
A feature is a decrease in hemoglobin at the end of the second trimester of pregnancy. The rate of decline is considered to be 110 grams per liter of blood. If the hemoglobin values are much lower, then the state of anemia has come.
There are three degrees of anemia:
- light - hemoglobin content from 90 to 110 grams per liter;
- average - indicators from 80 to 90 grams per liter;
- heavy - indicators less than 80 grams per liter.
With mild to moderate anemia, hemoglobin levels can be increased by eating iron-containing foods. When it is impossible to increase it by changing the diet, iron-containing drugs are prescribed. It is recommended to choose the latter with caution, since many of them can provoke constipation.
In severe anemia, complex treatment is usually prescribed in a day hospital.
Signs of a decrease in hemoglobin
The following signs may indicate low hemoglobin:
- constant fatigue, lethargy, lack of emotional tone;
- tachycardia, decreased appetite, gastrointestinal upset;
- stomatitis, fragility of the nail plates, dry skin, cracks in the corners of the mouth;
- frequent colds.
During pregnancy, a child's hemoglobin reserve is formed, which will be consumed after his birth. Therefore, it is very important for a woman to form this reserve during the period of bearing a child. Very often, this can be achieved by consuming foods high in iron and trace elements that help iron to be absorbed.
Iron rich foods
Iron-containing foods include: beef meat, white chicken meat, buckwheat, lentils. Apples, plums, bananas, pomegranates, black currants, walnuts and dried fruits are also very rich in this trace element. Iron is perfectly absorbed in combination with vitamin C, which is abundant in orange juice, spinach, bell pepper.
Monitoring hemoglobin indicators is a guarantee of excellent health for a mother and her child. Therefore, in case of any deterioration in well-being, it is necessary to consult a specialist as soon as possible.
