Hemoglobin in Pregnancy: Normal Range, How to Increase

Haemoglobin (Hb) is an essential protein found in red blood cells (RBCs) that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. It is a vital component of the circulatory system and plays a critical role in maintaining overall health.

During pregnancy, haemoglobin is especially important, as the mother's body must supply oxygen to the developing baby as well as to her own organs and tissues. The increased demand for oxygen during pregnancy means that the body needs to produce more haemoglobin to meet these needs.

Without iron and vitamins, a mother's body cannot produce sufficient haemoglobin. Thus, levels of haemoglobin in pregnancy decrease due to a lack of iron and other micronutrients. In addition, excess haemoglobin is harmful too.

An association is established between high haemoglobin, haematocrit levels and pregnancy complications. 

Haemoglobin levels can vary during pregnancy due to changes in the body's blood volume and the increased demand for oxygen. Generally, the normal range for haemoglobin in non-pregnant women is between 12 to 16 g/dL.

However, during pregnancy, haemoglobin levels may drop slightly due to the expansion of blood volume in the body. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers haemoglobin levels of 11 g/dL or lower to be indicative of anaemia in pregnancy.

Haemoglobin levels are typically checked during routine prenatal care visits. If levels are found to be low, additional testing may be necessary to determine the cause and severity of the anaemia.

Common causes of low haemoglobin levels during pregnancy include iron deficiency, folic acid deficiency, and vitamin B12 deficiency.

Abnormal haemoglobin levels during pregnancy can have significant implications for both the mother and the developing baby. The Hb levels during pregnancy can vary as below.

Low Haemoglobin Levels

Anaemia is a common blood disorder caused due to low haemoglobin levels that occurs when the body doesn't have sufficient red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry oxygen to the body's tissues.

Several causes contribute to low haemoglobin in pregnancy. Given are the most common causes of low haemoglobin in pregnancy:

1. Lack of Iron: The volume of blood increases significantly during pregnancy. To produce more red blood cells, more iron and vitamins are required. A lack of iron can lead to low haemoglobin in pregnancy.
2. Insufficient iron stores: The baby uses the mother’s red blood cells for growth and development during pregnancy, especially in the last three months. Thus, due to insufficient iron stores, haemoglobin level during pregnancy drop.
3. Lack of Vitamin B12: Your body requires vitamin B12 to produce haemoglobin and red blood cells. Vegan women are more prone to vitamin B12 deficiency than other women. A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to a dip in haemoglobin in pregnancy.
4. Lack of Folate: Folic acid, often known as folate, helps cell growth when combined with iron. Iron deficiency may result from a lack of folate during pregnancy. This is another factor for low Hb levels during pregnancy. 

High Haemoglobin Levels

High levels of haemoglobin during pregnancy may indicate a condition called polycythemia, which occurs when there is an excessive number of red blood cells in the body. This condition can lead to complications such as an increased risk of blood clots and problems with blood flow to the placenta. 

High haemoglobin levels during pregnancy can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

1. Dehydration: If a woman is dehydrated, her blood may become thicker, which can increase haemoglobin levels. It is essential for pregnant women to drink enough water and fluids to prevent dehydration.
2. Smoking: Smoking can increase haemoglobin levels and also reduces the amount of oxygen available to the body. Pregnant women should avoid smoking to prevent potential complications for themselves and their developing baby.
3. Pre-existing medical conditions: Women with pre-existing medical conditions, such as lung disease or heart disease, may have high haemoglobin levels due to the body's response to these conditions.
4. Genetic conditions: Some genetic conditions, such as polycythemia vera, can cause high haemoglobin levels. Women with a family history of such conditions may need to undergo additional testing during pregnancy.
5. Living at high altitudes: Living at high altitudes can cause the body to produce more red blood cells, which can increase haemoglobin levels. Pregnant women who live at high altitudes may need to be monitored more closely.
6. Taking iron supplements: Iron supplements are commonly prescribed during pregnancy to prevent anaemia. However, if taken in excessive amounts, they can lead to high haemoglobin levels.

Abnormal haemoglobin levels can significantly impact both the mother and child during pregnancy. Haemoglobin is essential for delivering oxygen to the body's tissues, and low or high levels can lead to complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

1. Impact on Mother of Increased Haemoglobin Level During Pregnancy
   High haemoglobin levels should be taken seriously as they indicate an underlying disorder. Addressing a high haemoglobin count is necessary even if you don't have an underlying illness.
   Abnormally high haemoglobin levels can cause problems like blood clots. Here are some complications of high Hb level during pregnancy:     
   1. Decreased uteroplacental blood flow
   2. Placental infarction
   3. Late abortion (a condition where the baby fails to thrive during labour) 
2. Impact on Baby of Increased Haemoglobin Level During Pregnancy
   1. Intrauterine growth restriction 
   2. Intrauterine death
3. Impact on Mother of Decreased Haemoglobin Levels in Pregnancy
   Iron deficiency anaemia has a negative impact on both the mother's and baby's health during pregnancy. It can cause complications during labour and impact newborns' health.
   1. Breathing difficulty
   2. Fainting
   3. Exhaustion
   4. Palpitations
   5. Sleep issues due to low haemoglobin
   6. Risk of premature delivery 
   7. Preterm labour 
4. Impact on Baby of Decreased Haemoglobin Levels in Pregnancy
   Here are some effects of low haemoglobin on the baby:
   1. Affects the baby's growth, particularly in the first trimester.
   2. Baby born anaemic 
   3. Developmental disorders in the child.
   4. Low birth weight.
   5. Increased risk of morbidity and infant death.
   6. Intrauterine growth restriction

Maintaining haemoglobin levels is essential for maintaining good health and well-being. There are various strategies that individuals can use to prevent or reduce their risk of developing the underlying condition.

Preventing abnormal haemoglobin levels during pregnancy involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including:

1. Eating a balanced diet that includes foods high in iron, folate, and vitamin B12. Good dietary sources of iron include red meat, poultry, fish, beans, and leafy green vegetables.
2. Taking iron supplements as recommended by your healthcare provider. Iron supplements are often prescribed during pregnancy to prevent iron-deficiency anaemia.
3. Getting regular prenatal care and attending all scheduled appointments with your healthcare provider.
4. Avoiding alcohol and smoking during pregnancy, as these can interfere with the body's ability to produce haemoglobin.
5. Staying physically active, as exercise can help improve blood flow and promote healthy red blood cell production.

Treatment for abnormal haemoglobin levels during pregnancy depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. In some cases, lifestyle changes may be sufficient to improve haemoglobin levels, while in others, medical interventions may be necessary.

1. Iron supplements: If the haemoglobin levels are low, iron supplements may be prescribed by the doctor. Iron is essential for the production of haemoglobin, and taking supplements can help improve haemoglobin levels.
2. Folic acid supplements: Folic acid supplements may be recommended to help improve the body's ability to produce new red blood cells.
3. Blood transfusion: In severe cases of anaemia, blood transfusion may be necessary to increase the number of red blood cells in the body.
4. Medications: Certain medications, such as erythropoietin, may be prescribed to help stimulate the production of red blood cells.

A Haemoglobin check is done routinely throughout pregnancy. However, if you experience low haemoglobin symptoms like headache, dizziness, increased heart rate, pale skin or symptoms of high fatigue, increased sweating, easy bleeding, joint swelling, or sudden weight loss, call your healthcare provider.

Here are some points on when to consult a doctor in case of haemoglobin levels in pregnancy:

1. Routine prenatal care: Pregnant women should receive regular prenatal care and routine blood tests to monitor haemoglobin levels throughout pregnancy.
2. Symptoms of anaemia: If a pregnant woman experiences fatigue, weakness, dizziness, or shortness of breath, she should consult her doctor, as these may be signs of low haemoglobin levels.
3. Previous history of anaemia: Women with a history of anaemia or those with low haemoglobin levels in an earlier pregnancy should discuss their concerns with their doctor.
4. Abnormal blood test results: A doctor should be consulted to determine the cause and appropriate treatment if a routine blood test shows low haemoglobin levels.
5. Dietary concerns: If a pregnant woman is not eating a well-balanced diet or has special dietary needs, she should consult her doctor to ensure she gets the appropriate nutrients to maintain healthy haemoglobin levels.
6. Underlying medical conditions: Pregnant women with underlying medical conditions that can cause low haemoglobin levels, such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia, should consult their doctor for appropriate management.

Pregnancy is the most memorable and emotional phase in every woman's life which also comes with several changes in the body to support the growing baby. Changes in haemoglobin are one of the significant shifts that occur. It is crucial to maintain normal levels of Hb in pregnancy, as high or low haemoglobin levels in pregnancy can impact the health of both the mother and the baby. It is essential to diagnose the deficiency or the excess in time and treat it accordingly.

Now that you know how essential it is to maintain normal Hb levels during pregnancy, do you still have some queries about changes during pregnancy haemoglobin level? For more answers, contact a personal care assistant at HexaHealth. We are happy to guide you and resolve all your queries. You can come to our website to know more about HexaHealth and our pregnancy-related services such as Caesarean section, episiotomy, and others.

Suggested Reads

To read more on pregnancy and its care, visit the following links:

• Pregnancy Care
• HCG Levels in Pregnancy
• Early Pregnancy Urine Colour Changes?
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