Hey there, gorgeous mom-to-be! We know pregnancy can be overwhelming. A bundle of emotions slap all at once, excitement, happiness, worry, panic, anxiety, and whatnot, phew!!! Above other concerns, one common concern expectant mothers face is their hemoglobin levels. You must be thinking, “Hemo what?” Relax, stress is not good for you, and why are we here, right? This blog will delve deep into the hidden pockets and secret corners of hemoglobin gin pregnancy. We will unearth what it means, its normal range, symptoms of low levels, diet to improve, and the best prenatal vitamin to ensure adequate levels. Let’s start.
Hemoglobin is a protein that is present in the red blood cells of the body. It is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and then returning CO2 to the lungs for exhalation.
The normal range of hemoglobin depends upon age, sex, and overall health.
Adult men: 19.8 to 17.2 g/dL
Adult women: 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL
During pregnancy:
(a) 1st trimester: 11.6 to 13.9 g/dL
(b) 2nd trimester: 10.5 to 13.0 g/dL
(c) 3rd trimester: 11.0 to 12.8 g/dL
Children: 11 to 16 g/dL
Newborns: 14 to 24 g/dL
The low hemoglobin condition is known as anemia, and it can be a result of a plethora of reasons:
Excessive Blood Loss: Menstruation, injury, surgery, or any internal bleeding can reduce red blood cells in the body.
Lack of Nutrients: Deficiency of iron, Vitamin B12, or folate might reduce the levels of red blood cell production.
Kidney Disorder: A kidney disease minimizes erythropoietin hormone which is required for the production of red blood cells.
Hypothyroidism: It slows down the production of RBC.
Genetic Disorder: Some genetic disorders, such as Thalassemia affect the body’s ability to produce adequate RBC.
Lung Disease: Chronic lung diseases end up leading to low hemoglobin levels in the body.
Smoking & Alcohol: Excess and chronic consumption of alcohol and smoking impacts oxygen transport and causes low levels of hemoglobin.
Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the body increases its blood volume to support the growing baby, which dilutes hemoglobin, leading to its low levels.
Bone Marrow Cancer: Diseases like Leukemia disrupt RBC production in the body.
Fast Or Irregular Heartbeat: If the hemoglobin levels are low, the heart may beat fast or irregularly to pump oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.
Fatigue: It is one of the most common symptoms that results in body cells receiving less oxygen, leading to more fatigue in the body.
Unexplained or Frequent Bruising: Low levels of hemoglobin lead to easy bruising without significant injury.
Shortness of Breath: As the body has less oxygen transport, it struggles for oxygen leading to shortness of breath.
Liver and Kidney Disease: Chronic low hemoglobin leads to strain on the liver and kidneys.
Pale Skin and Gums: Low levels of hemoglobin lead to visible paleness on the skin and gums due to less oxygen.
Recurring Headaches: Low oxygen in the brain leads to frequent headaches.
Dizziness: Low hemoglobin leads to dizziness or lightheadedness.
Anemia: If the body has low levels of hemoglobin, it leads to anemia and other serious health issues.
Vitamin C Intake:
Citrus fruits are packed with Vitamin C, which plays a pivotal role in enhancing the body’s ability to quickly absorb iron, required to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy. You can eat oranges, lemons, strawberries, or tangerines to boost hemoglobin in pregnancy.
Exercise:
A bit of light exercise promotes circulation in the body and ensures that your body efficiently utilizes iron.
Beetroot:
Mama, just paint the town red and include beetroot in your salads and juices to spike up your hemoglobin during pregnancy.
Green Leafy Vegetables:
Spinach, kale, and fenugreek are packed with iron and folic acid. These natural carriers of iron and folic acid quickly boost your hemoglobin in pregnancy.
Proteins:
What you eat reflects on your body. Protein acts like your best friend during pregnancy. Eggs, lentils, tofu, and lean meats nudge your hemoglobin in pregnancy.
Amla:
Oh yes! Amla. The hero of tiny green fruits. Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is packed with Vitamin C and thus, is a fantastic addition to your diet to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy.
Trimacare is the best prenatal vitamin with iron because it’s designed to support optimal hemoglobin levels during pregnancy. Enriched with high-quality iron, folic acid, and essential nutrients, Trimacare not only boosts energy and supports fetal development but also promotes overall maternal health. Its carefully balanced formulation ensures efficient iron absorption, making it a reliable choice for expectant mothers aiming to quickly increase hemoglobin levels.
In conclusion, increasing hemoglobin in pregnancy requires a balanced approach, focusing on a nutrient-dense diet, vitamin C for better iron absorption, and light exercise. It is always a good idea to include foods like beetroot, green leafy vegetables, and proteins to naturally boost hemoglobin.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated and practice overall wellness. With consistent effort, you can effectively manage your hemoglobin levels, ensuring both your and your baby’s health. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.