The norm of hemoglobin in pregnant women in the first trimester. What is hemoglobin responsible for during pregnancy?

With the onset of pregnancy, a woman automatically acquires a special status, as she is entitled to a number of privileges. In this case, doctors prescribe various studies that should be performed throughout the entire period of gestation. One of them is a blood test to determine the amount of hemoglobin. His expectant mothers must be surrendered more than once. This is done to control the hemoglobin rate in pregnant women in the 1st trimester and subsequent periods. As a result, problems can be detected in a timely manner and appropriate measures taken.

What is hemoglobin?

The term "hemoglobin" should be understood as special blood cells of protein origin, which are part of red blood cells (red bodies). Its main function is to deliver oxygen to all body cells from the lungs. But in addition to this, hemoglobin is also responsible for the removal of carbon dioxide, which is delivered directly to the respiratory system, and those, in turn, get rid of it.

The proteins themselves contain iron, and therefore our blood is red. Due to this structure, hemoglobin performs its direct duties. In the case of a successful conception in the female body, there is a need for iron, and a substantial one.

The role of an important protein compound

What hemoglobin should a pregnant woman have? To answer this question, it is worth a little understanding of some features of physiology. All life processes taking place inside the human body, regardless of the age of the person, occur with the participation of oxygen! It is a catalyst of natural origin, which is necessary for any reactions that occur every second.

The lack of this element or its intake in small quantities turns into a rather dangerous pathology - hypoxia. This condition seriously complicates the development of the child, and if no action is taken, it can cause a number of intrauterine abnormalities in the fetus.

And since iron is part of hemoglobin, it is very important to control its level. If this trace element in the blood is more or less than normal, then this threatens with undesirable consequences.

Norm indicators

Now we are getting closer to the question: what hemoglobin should a pregnant woman have? The concentration of this substance in the blood of healthy people can be different, based on gender and age. Representatives of the fair half of humanity (under ordinary circumstances) the number of blood cells varies from 115 g / l to 140 g / l. Men, by virtue of their physiology, require a greater amount of iron, so in this case the norm is already slightly different - 120-180 g / l.

However, in expectant mothers, the norm indicators are also their own and depend on the gestational age. This can be seen from the table below.

Minor deviations of the hemoglobin level in pregnant women from the norm up or down should not cause concern. This is due to physiological characteristics, and the losses will be made up on their own. However, in the case of a significant increase or decrease in hemoglobin levels, appropriate measures must be taken.

Monitoring the concentration of protein in the blood of pregnant women is carried out 3 or 4 times during the entire period:

• during registration of the expectant mother in the antenatal clinic;
• in the period from the 18th to the 19th week;
• on the 25-27th week;
• between the 32nd and 36th weeks.

If necessary, studies can be conducted more often. And with suspected anemia, the appointment of additional laboratory tests is not ruled out. In this case, a number of important parameters are determined - determining the concentration of serum iron, ferritin and other blood parameters.

High hemoglobin concentration

What hemoglobin is responsible for during pregnancy, we now know that a deviation from the norm causes certain complications. Therefore, it is important to maintain it at the optimum level. However, those women who live in the highlands have a high concentration of hemoglobin. At this altitude, the air contains too much oxygen, so this affects the increase in blood cell levels, which, however, is beneficial to both the mother and the baby.

The same can be said about the ecologically clean areas of the globe. Here, too, the hemoglobin level may be slightly higher than normal, which is also not a pathology. You should not worry about this, because after the birth of a child everything will finally return to normal.

However, it also happens that the discrepancies with the norm are quite substantial. In this case, this indicates the development of pathology. Usually, a deficiency of vitamins B9 and B12, which are involved in hematopoiesis, contributes to this. Such reactions take place not only in the mother's body, but also in her child.

In addition, an excess of hemoglobin level in pregnant women (see norms above) is associated with a lack of fluid, which, in turn, is due to several reasons:

• hot weather;
• small drink;
• stressful situations;
• excessive emotional and physical stress;
• dehydration with diarrhea;
• hereditary predisposition.

Another reason for the increase in hemoglobin lies in the activation of diseases of the digestive tract, which are in a chronic stage. And that is characteristic, sometimes even the woman herself before pregnancy does not suspect the presence of these pathologies. The fact is that not all diseases manifest themselves openly - there are those that have hidden symptoms.

Low level

In most cases, women in the last weeks of the term begin to develop physiological anemia. This happens for good reason - the amount of blood in the body increases. This condition does not require urgent intervention and should not cause concern. As mentioned above, here, too, after the baby is born, the indicators will return to the normal level.

In low hemoglobin during pregnancy, the consequences can be no worse than with its high concentration, or even more serious. With significant deviations in a smaller direction, this clearly indicates a pathology - anemia, which can occur in one of three forms:

• Light - from 108 to 90 g / l. There is no reason for concern, just adjust the diet.
• Average - from 89 to 70 g / l. This situation is already considered serious, but not yet dangerous. A pregnant woman feels tired, lethargic, and her performance decreases. Along with this, other signs of anemia appear - the skin surface dims, the hair with nails becomes dry and brittle, the immune system weakens, and the heart rate rises (tachycardia). This is already an occasion for taking more effective measures.
• Heavy - 69 g / l or less. This condition is relevant in the event of multiple pregnancy, deficiency of essential trace elements, chronic diseases of an infectious nature. Also, do not discount the digestibility of iron. This situation is already more serious and causes concern - women need competent treatment in a hospital setting.

As you can see, anemia, or anemia, can be menacing. Moreover, the most dangerous consequence of low hemoglobin during pregnancy is oxygen starvation of the internal tissues and systems of the body of the mother and her child. This is the main cause of many intrauterine pathologies.

In some cases, in the last weeks of pregnancy, iron deficiency anemia results in premature birth. Such a pathology requires not only the preparation of the right diet, but also a timely course of treatment.

Ways to increase hemoglobin levels

To bring the concentration of blood cells to normal, prescribed special medications. Doctors also make useful recommendations regarding diet. In case of anemia, it is recommended to observe them strictly and regularly. Any omissions only exacerbate the situation.

But actually, why does hemoglobin fall during pregnancy? As medical practice shows, this is largely due to anemia, and often this condition is called iron deficiency. In addition, those expectant mothers who are accustomed to vegetarian food are at risk.

Every expectant mother should remember that a significant decrease in hemoglobin levels has a more serious effect on the fetus than its increase. Therapists who are responsible for determining the cause of this pathology and the course of treatment are responsible for the treatment of anemia in pregnant women. If the deviation of the hemoglobin level occurred due to impaired blood formation, then hematologists are connected to the work. Such an integrated approach brings more meaningful results.

Monitoring the concentration of red blood cells should be carried out throughout the gestation period, even after the appointment of appropriate therapy. If at the same time the treatment does not give the proper result, then a consultation of specialists is carried out, where the course of treatment in each specific case is adjusted on the general advice.

Drug Correction

Some women are interested in how to quickly increase hemoglobin during pregnancy. It is guaranteed to increase its level with the help of drugs with a high percentage of iron content. Today, many pharmacies have a wide range of similar products. It’s just that you can’t prescribe such medicines to pregnant women yourself in order to avoid serious complications.

As a result, an overdose of iron can occur, which is detrimental to the liver. Therefore, the selection of iron-containing drugs, including their dosage, is the prerogative of the doctor who monitors the woman throughout the entire period of gestation.

Such drugs are available in various forms:

• Tablets are usually Sorbifer Durules, Ferretab, Ferroplex, Maltofer. As a rule, taking drugs to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy is carried out before meals, and some drugs are not combined with calcium.
• Suspensions - Ferronat, Ferlatum, Ferrum Lek. These drugs are preferable in terms of ease of use - to some women they are to their taste.
• Solutions are characterized by rapid absorption. They can be mixed with natural juices or tea. The most common of them are Maltofer, Totem.

Some drugs contain additional components - ascorbic or folic acid, B vitamins and others.

In severe forms of anemia, as well as in gastric ulcers, hemoglobin levels are normalized by injection. The same applies in cases where a woman has intolerance to tablets.

Products that contain iron and increase hemoglobin

Iron is not produced in the human body, and therefore, to maintain it within the normal range, care must be taken to supply this element from the outside. This is possible not only with the help of medications, some products are also rich in iron, and such "therapy" for obvious reasons is preferable. What should pregnant women pay attention to?

In order to avoid deviation of the hemoglobin level from the norm in pregnant women in the 1st trimester, it is necessary to carefully consider the menu. The diet should contain the following varieties of products:

• Egg yolk.
• Meat products (preferably boiled or baked) - pork, beef, lamb, including tongues and heart.
• Poultry - chicken, turkey (it is also advisable to bake or boil).
• From offal should be preferred liver.
• From legumes, you can eat lentils, beans, peas.
• Porridge - buckwheat, millet. Whole grain cereals will also be useful.
• Vegetables such as beets, pumpkins, tomatoes, cabbage, potatoes, carrots.
• Among fruits, pears, apples, peaches, bananas, apricots, plums, and persimmons will bring significant benefits.
• Greens - as without it: watercress, spinach, parsley.
• Eating dried fruits - dried apricots, raisins, dried apples, pears - will also play a significant role.

As you know, pregnant women should drink only natural drinks and no soda! And with a deviation of hemoglobin from the norm in pregnant women in the 1st trimester to the lower side, it is useful to prepare beetroot, carrot, pomegranate juices.

Secrets of assimilation of products

In order for the compiled diet to bring significant benefits, the use of iron-containing products alone is not enough.

It is necessary to take into account some features regarding the absorption of iron by the body:

• The element so necessary for the child’s body during its intrauterine development is well absorbed in combination with vitamin C. In other words, the use of iron-containing products or medications should be combined with the drinking of fruit or vegetable juices rich in this vitamin. For example, for breakfast, eat porridge and drink orange juice. For dinner, you can serve cutlets with a tomato drink.
• Black tea is not recommended because it interferes with the absorption of iron. In an extreme case, you should opt for the green varieties of this drink.
• Some pregnant women like to drink pomegranate juice, which is also useful for increasing hemoglobin in the blood of pregnant women. Only its use should be limited to two spoons per day to avoid constipation.
• Folic, ascorbic acid, and also vitamin B12 promotes the best assimilation of iron. Calcium, on the other hand, acts back; therefore, the use of dairy products should be carried out separately from a meal rich in iron.
• An element from animal products is absorbed much better than from vegetable products. By the way, most of the iron is found in red meat, namely in beef.
• It is advisable to eat fresh carrots or squeeze juice out of it. Beets are good not only in boiled form. It can be seasoned with fruit and vegetable fresh with the inclusion of the same carrots.

Everything else dark chocolate also contains iron. In addition, its use contributes to the normalization of pressure and the production of endorphins. At the same time, caffeine is present in its composition, and there is also the likelihood of subsequent allergic reactions in the child. For this reason, to normalize the hemoglobin norm in pregnant women in the 1st trimester, it is worth restricting its content in the daily menu, and it is better to eat it every other day or two and a little.

Conclusion

Severe anemia is at the same time dangerous for the child and his mother. But besides this pathology, there are also other risks. For this reason, it is necessary to regularly undergo all necessary examinations, including blood donation for analysis. Such forced measures work only for the good and allow timely identification of a problem in respect of which appropriate measures will be immediately taken.

The usual menu that fully satisfies a woman before pregnancy should be adjusted by making the necessary changes with the support of a doctor. Some products should be discarded, while others, on the contrary, will be useful in order to make up for iron loss. After all, it is already known what may cause a low level of hemoglobin.

In order to avoid many troubles, it is necessary to lead a moderately active lifestyle, more often to be in the fresh air. And remember that doctors do not just prescribe to pregnant women an analysis for hemoglobin during pregnancy. This benefits the mother and her baby, who will eventually be born healthy and happy.