What exactly causes low Hb in pregnant women? This is an important question, because a decrease in Hb levels often occurs during pregnancy. In addition, low Hb levels are prone to cause complaints and health problems in pregnant women.
Hb plays a role in binding and delivering oxygen throughout the body, including the fetus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), normal Hb levels for pregnant women are around 11 grams / dL. Low Hb levels should receive special attention to reduce the negative effects that can occur.
Causes of Low Hb during Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a decrease in hemoglobin levels that continues to become anemic is associated with a number of conditions, such as an increased risk of maternal death, premature birth and low birth weight babies.
The causes vary, ranging from diet to certain medical conditions. The following is the explanation:
Malnutrition
Lack of iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 can be a cause of low Hb levels during pregnancy. This is because these three nutrients are needed for the formation of red blood cells.
Lack of iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 are usually caused by diet and unhealthy eating patterns during pregnancy.
Suffer from certain medical conditions
During pregnancy, low Hb can also be caused by diseases that have suffered by pregnant women, such as thalassemia. Thalassemia is a genetic disorder that causes red blood cells to damage more quickly. This will result in a decrease in the number of red blood cells and Hb levels.
Until now, thalassemia has not been prevented. Treatment of thalassemia is generally in the form of routine blood transfusions, bone marrow transplantation, or surgical removal of the spleen.
In addition to the above causes, several other factors, such as recurrent bleeding during pregnancy, the presence of anemia before pregnancy, pregnancy at a young age, excessive vomiting, pregnancy that occur close together, can also trigger a decrease in Hb levels in pregnant women.
How to Maintain Hb Levels during Pregnancy
To maintain Hb levels remain normal during pregnancy, pregnant women can do the following ways:
Eat a variety of healthy foods
Decreased hemoglobin level is closely related to iron levels, folic acid, and vitamin B12. To prevent the deficiency of these substances, pregnant women are advised to eat green vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, lettuce, and cabbage; and various types of fruit, such as oranges, avocados, melons, and kiwis.
In addition, various types of food, such as meat, fish, cereals, tofu, nuts and eggs, can also be a source of iron. Consuming it regularly will help meet the daily iron needs of pregnant women and prevent a decrease in Hb levels.
However, when consuming meat, fish and processed products, make sure it is cooked until completely cooked.
Ensure adequate rest periods
In addition to eating a variety of healthy foods, pregnant women should also get enough rest. As much as possible do activities and activities in accordance with ability and avoid doing activities that can drain a lot of energy.
Take supplements
During pregnancy, carry out routine checks to the doctor. This is necessary so that your condition and the fetus is always monitored. If you are vegetarian or have a condition that can increase the risk of Hb levels falling, your doctor may provide supplements that you need to consume regularly.
You need to know what causes low Hb levels during pregnancy, so you can do prevention and simple ways to overcome them. But if the hemoglobin level is still low even though you have done the methods above, you should consult an obstetrician to get the right treatment.
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