Haemoglobin Levels During Pregnancy: A Vital Maternal Guide

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Haemoglobin basically is protein present in red
blood cells, that helps in transferring oxygen to
various tissues and organs of the body and
transporting carbon dioxide from organs and
tissues back to lungs.
Iron is the main component in haemoglobin, that
helps in carrying oxygen from the lungs to the
different parts of the body. While the normal
range for haemoglobin for men is between 13.5 to
17.5 grams per deciliter, for women it is between
12.0 to 15.5 grams per deciliter. Anything lower
than this range would result in iron deficiency.
Without enough iron, there wont be enough red
blood cells to transport oxygen, which would
result in fatigue and anaemia. During pregnancy,
you would require more oxygen to provide the
all-essential oxygen and nutrients for the
developing baby inside you.
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• What Is The Importance Of Haemoglobin During
  Pregnancy?
• In order to understand the ideal blood level,
  blood is collected for testing not only with the
  progression of your pregnancy, but also during
  your labour and the delivery of your
  baby. Usually, the haemoglobin level ranges
  between 11.5 13.0 (13.5) g/dl, during your
  pregnancy. But, if your haemoglobin level falls
  under 11 g/dl, you are most likely to suffer from
  anaemia.
• Approximately 50 of pregnant women are
  considered anaemic.  
• Going deeper, 
• You will show signs of anaemia in your first
  trimester, if your haemoglobin concentration is
  lower than 11.6 g/dl (gram per deciliter), (10.6
  haemoglobin level during pregnancy, is a strong
  indicator of anaemia. Iron supplement may be
  frequented during this time).
• You will also suffer from anaemia in your second
  trimester, if your haemoglobin concentration is
  lower than 9.7 g/dl (gram per deciliter).
• In your third trimester, if your haemoglobin
  level is lower than 9.5 g/dl  (gram per
  deciliter) you might certainly be anaemic. Also,
  according to WHO, UNICEF, UNO and IDA, if the
  haemoglobin level, especially during your third
  trimester is 8 or 8.5, there are chances that you
  will be experiencing mild, moderate and severe
  anaemia respectively. 

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Studies have also claimed that 98 maternal
deaths occur in developing countries due to
anaemia. If you fall under this percentage, then
anaemia can be detrimental to your babys
development, while youre pregnant and can result
in birth defects in babies like low birth weight.
You might also have to undergo an Emergency C
Section. What Are The Symptoms Of Low
Haemoglobin Levels During Pregnancy?

• As mentioned earlier, haemoglobin levels below
  10.5g/dl, during pregnancy can affect you
  greatly. You will show signs of anaemia and they
  include
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Pale or yellowish skin
• Irregular heartbeats
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Chest pain
• Cold hands and feet
• Headache

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• What Are The Causes Of Low Haemoglobin Level
  During Pregnancy?
• Factors that contribute to lower blood levels
  during your pregnancy include 
• substantial blood loss 
• Iron, Vitamin B-12, or folate deficiency 
• hypothyroidism, or a thyroid gland that does not
  produce enough hormones
• thalassemia, a hereditary disease that prevents
  haemoglobin from functioning properly
• sickle cell anaemia, a genetic disorder that
  causes a reduction in red blood cells and
  haemoglobin
• How To Reach The Ideal Blood Level During
  Pregnancy?
• Since haemoglobin levels during pregnancy are
  considered to be the most important, you should
  consult the doctor and change your diet so as to
  replenish iron and reach the ideal blood level
  during pregnancy.
• And The List Of Foods Include
• Intake of foods rich in iron like meat and fish,
  soy products, eggs, dried fruits, and green
  veggies
• Intake of folate rich foods like spinach, rice,
  lettuce, avocados, kidney beans, etc.
• Intake of foods rich in vitamin C such as fruits
  and leafy greens
• Intake of iron supplements in consultation with
  the doctor.   

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As per the above- mentioned facts and evidences
Iron deficiency in blood during pregnancy means
lower haemoglobin levels or anaemia during your
pregnancy. Similarly, iron supplementation during
pregnancy increases the haemoglobin concentration
of pregnant women by 1.02 g/dl. The mean
haemoglobin concentration of women with a history
of iron supplementation during pregnancy is 1.02
g/dl higher. But, to keep the haemoglobin levels
normal during your pregnancy, eat a balanced
diet, stay active and dont miss your pre-natal
doctor visits.
Also remember, pregnancy is one of the beautiful
phases in your life. This is the time to nurture
yourself and your baby in every possible way. And
while youre taking care of yourself, dont
forget to include cord blood banking not only to
safeguard your babys health, but also to
safeguard your familys healthy future.
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Thank you
Source https//www.cordlifeindia.com/blog/haemogl
obin-levels-during-pregnancy/