Red blood cells (RBC) are responsible for transporting oxygen to all parts of the human body. These cells contain a protein called hemoglobin. This hemoglobin helps red blood cells hold and transport oxygen to different human body parts. This protein also assists in transporting carbon dioxide from other parts of the human body to the lungs, where the gas is eventually exhaled.
The human body should have a consistent and normal supply of crucial nutrients like iron and several vitamins to synthesize RBC and hemoglobin. A drop in the level of hemoglobin can lead to anemia. The human body fails to function properly when there is less oxygen supply.
The desired hemoglobin level for pregnant women ranges between 11 g/DL to 16 g/DL. The hemoglobin level should be above 11 g/DL in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. The hemoglobin level should be above 10.5 g/DL in the second trimester of pregnancy. If the hemoglobin level of a pregnant woman falls below 11 g/DL, she is considered anemic. There are several natural ways to increase hemoglobin count.
The hemoglobin level of a pregnant woman can reduce when the human body does not get the required supply of crucial nutrients like iron—the volume of blood in the human body increases during pregnancy. Thus, the body of a pregnant woman would require an additional supply of iron (higher than the normal requirement) to synthesize more RBC. A low supply of iron can result in anemia, but the condition is not highly serious unless and until there is an abnormal drop in the RBC level. The hemoglobin level for pregnant women can also drop when the babies conceived use the RBC stored in the mothers for development and growth.
The risks of developing anemia are high during the following circumstances.
Go with natural ways to increase hemoglobin count or prefer consulting a doctor to increase the hemoglobin level of a pregnant woman using appropriate and reliable medication.
Symptoms of a Low Hemoglobin Level in Pregnant Women
A mildly low hemoglobin level in a pregnant woman does not result in drastic and obvious symptoms. There is an evident onset of symptoms only when the drop in Hemoglobin is drastic and highly abnormal. It is necessary to visit the doctor if the following symptoms persist:
Consuming food with high iron content is one of the most prescribed natural ways to increase hemoglobin count. The best food for hemoglobin may include fruits and leafy vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, parsley, green peppers, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, turnips, asparagus, peas, kale, broccoli, figs, oranges, apricots and apples. Dry fruits like raisins, hazelnuts, peanuts, dry figs, dates and almonds are some foods to eat for low hemoglobin.
Wheat, cereals, oats and barley are some of the best food for hemoglobin since these items contain high iron content. Seafood and meat like chicken, lamb, beef, pork, liver, oysters, shrimp, sardines, tuna, clams and eggs are also foods to eat for low hemoglobin .
Other natural ways to increase hemoglobin count include taking steps to increase Vitamin C, which assists in absorbing the iron from the consumed food. The best food for hemoglobin would also include items rich in Vitamin C, like cauliflower, potatoes, green pepper, tomato juice, cantaloupe, kiwis and strawberries.
Doctors majorly prescribe iron tablets for pregnant women depending on various factors like hemoglobin level, diet plans of the latter and the stage of the confirmed pregnancies. Usually, iron supplements can be consumed orally, but when the mother cannot stand taking oral iron supplements, they get the required nutrients administered intravenously.
If the expecting mothers are advised to take iron supplements, they should refrain from taking food items that block iron absorption. Food like cheese, alcohol, yoghurt, coffee, ice cream, tea and milk prevent iron absorption. Thus, it is best to take these items after a few hours from taking iron supplements.
Take the best food for hemoglobin in appropriate portions to maintain healthy hemoglobin levels throughout the pregnancy!
The hemoglobin level of a pregnant woman should be between 10.5 g/DL and 13 g/DL. It is mandatory to consult doctors when the hemoglobin level drops below 11 g/DL.
No. Pregnant women with this hemoglobin level are advised to visit the doctors promptly to avoid complications in pregnancy.
No. This hemoglobin level is low for pregnant mothers. This level can make the mothers feel dizzy and tired frequently.
No. A hemoglobin level below 10.6 g/DL is low. This hemoglobin level can bring several health complications for both the mother and baby.
A hemoglobin level below 10.5 g/DL is considered low for pregnant mothers. If the hemoglobin level falls below 5 g/DL, it is advised to rush to the doctor immediately. It takes between 6-12 weeks to increase abnormally low hemoglobin levels to the required levels.
One of the most effective natural ways to increase hemoglobin count is by taking a healthy diet. The best food for hemoglobin would include the ones rich in iron. Lean meat, plant-based food items that are rich in iron, fruits & vegetables that are rich in Vitamin C, etc., are foods to eat for low hemoglobin .
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