Hemoglobin
Anemia (anaemia) is caused by a shortage of hemoglobin. Such a shortage can be the result of a shortage of red blood cells, but it can also occur when too little hemoglobin is produced. This is often the result of an iron deficiency.
Hemoglobin is a protein that is found in the red blood cells. This protein carries oxygen through the blood. Hemoglobin is mainly formed from iron. In case of a shortage of iron, insufficient hemoglobin can be formed and therefore not enough oxygen can be transported to the pregnant woman and the baby.
A non-pregnant woman has a hemoglobin level between 7.5 and 10. In a pregnant woman, this can drop to 6.3 (this depends on the duration of the pregnancy) without anemia.
Anemia is more common during pregnancy because the demand for iron, folate, folic acid and other minerals and vitamins is increasing greatly. All these substances are important for the production of hemoglobin. The risk of anemia is greater in women who:
- suffer from morning sickness which is accompanied by vomiting;
- have a multiple pregnancy;
- follow a diet that contains little iron and folic acid;
- experience one pregnancy immediately after another;
- had severe periods before the pregnancy.
Symptoms and complaints
The symptoms of anemia include pale skin, dizziness, headache and chest pain (angina pectoris). Also common symptoms are the rapid exhaustion and fatigue, but these symptoms alone do not always indicate anemia. Many pregnant women can suffer from these, because their hearts have to work harder during pregnancy. It is advisable to discuss such complaints with a gynecologist or midwife.
Anemia and the health of the baby
The body ensures that the baby receives enough iron first and then the pregnant woman. This means that you are more likely to have an iron deficiency than the baby. The baby needs the largest amount of iron in the middle of pregnancy. That is why it is important that you take good care of yourself and get enough iron. Only at extremely low levels of the hemoglobin level does the baby run into danger. These extremely low values occur especially when there is a certain form of sickle disease or Thalassemia. If the cause of anemia is hereditary, then there is a chance that the baby also has anemia.
Complications during pregnancy and after delivery
When women have very severe anemia, there is a greater chance of premature delivery. The birth weight of the baby can also be too low. After the delivery, the blood will become thicker again (this returns to the pre-pregnancy levels) and the hemoglobin level increases. If there is excessive blood loss during childbirth or if anemia was present during pregnancy, it may be necessary to (continue to) use iron supplements for at least 6 weeks after delivery. The gynecologist or obstetrician will regularly check the hemoglobin level in the event of extremely high blood loss. When the woman wants to breastfeed, extra attention should be paid to iron intake. A lot of iron is used in the formation of breastmilk.
Control of hemoglobin
During pregnancy, the gynecologist or obstetrician will check the hemoglobin level. Most gynecologists and obstetricians have a device with which they can directly examine the blood. This blood is obtained by means of a finger prick and the result is known within a few minutes. This result only indicates the hemoglobin level from the blood, if it is too low a more extensive blood test will take place.
Therapy
First, the dietary pattern will be discussed, to make sure you get enough iron from food. Iron supplements are prescribed if necessary. There are rare cases that anemia can not be corrected with oral medication. Then blood transfusions or iron injection may be necessary. At most hospitals, the limit is currently at a hemoglobin level of 4.0.
Precautionary measures
Food is the best source of iron. Ensuring you eat sufficient amounts of the foods listed below should avoid the need to take any iron supplements.
- lean red meat, provided the meat is well cooked
- dark green leafy vegetable
- wholemeal products, for example wholemeal bread
- Eggs
- cornflakes (with extra iron)
- potatoes
- crustaceans
- nuts
- dried fruit, for example apricots and raisins
- legumes
- multivitamin supplements, especially for pregnant women
Liver, despite containing a lot of iron should be avoided, as it also contains high levels of vitamin A. High doses of vitamin A should be avoided during pregnancy. Research has shown that this can be harmful to the baby. Iron from meat is better absorbed by the body than the iron from vegetables.
Also see these information articles: · Tests during pregnancy · Amniocentesis · Anemia · Antibodies · Chorionic testing · Combination test · Group B Streptococcus · Neural tube defect · NIPT test · Triple test · Umbilical cord
Most read information articles
-
1st trimester (Bloodloss)
Many women suffer from some slight bleeding in early pregnancy. Normally, women who have had slight bleeding in the first trimester have no problems during the further pregnancy. A little blood loss can be normal, but it is sometimes a cause for conc......(136468 x) Read more » -
Stomach cramps
Babies get tummy cramps. They come and go many times. It's no fun for parents either; you can see your little one in pain, the crying doesn't seem to stop, and sometimes it seems like there's nothing you can do to help. Bowel cramps oc......(121088 x) Read more » -
Pregnancy symptoms
It is important during pregnancy to know the difference between normal symptoms and those which should be reported to your midwife or doctor. Below is a list of the most common symptoms experienced by pregnant women. Areola around the nipples get ......(86455 x) Read more » -
Mucus plug
During pregnancy, a mucous membrane forms in your uterus. The mucous membrane prevents infections of your uterus. The mucous membrane will remain in place until you give birth. When labour starts, the cervix is stretched and softer. This can c......(66369 x) Read more » -
Empty days (Breastfeeding)
If you are breastfeeding, you will probably wake up early and go to bed late in the early days. Your milk production is not yet set to your baby's demands. Moms often feel uncertain during these "empty" days; baby seems insatiable and y......(63509 x) Read more » -
Feeding
For the first six months, breastfeeding or complete infant formula will usually provide your baby with enough nutrients. The amount of food a baby needs is always different for each child. According to pediatricians, you can use the following guideli......(61753 x) Read more » -
Stillbirth (Loss)
If you lose your child after the 16th week, or your child dies during childbirth, this is officially classed as a "stillbirth". It's a tragic and often traumatic experience for parents. A mix of emotions are involved; anger, guilt, sadn......(58000 x) Read more » -
Development of the foetus
An interactive video of the development of your baby. Slide the sliders to see the growth! The first picture shows the growth from 0 to 8 weeks, the second the growth from 8 to 40 weeks. You may also like this animated gif: ......(57816 x) Read more » -
2nd trimester (Bloodloss)
Occassionaly you may have some blood loss during your second trimester. Common causes include cervical growth or inflammation. Bleeding can pose a threat to both the mother and the unborn child. The most common cause of severe vaginal blood loss duri......(55251 x) Read more » -
Teeth
First teeth Generally, babies get their first teeth between 5 and 9 months. Normally, the first two are bottom incisors, followed by the top two, then the teeth to either side. All eight cutting teeth usually come through when the baby is 8 ......(52607 x) Read more » -
Sleep (Sleep during pregnancy)
During your pregnancy, you may have more difficulty sleeping than usual. A larger abdomen, heartburn, anxiety, back pain and shortness of breath lead to less sleep. You can get frustrated about the lack of good sleep. Yet sleep is very necessary......(51391 x) Read more » -
Checklist baby outfits (Checklists)
When you're pregnant you need to spend a lot of time and money, because the new little addition to your family will need a lot more than you first think! What will you need? Well, print this handy checklist so you don't forget anything! &n......(50799 x) Read more » -
Skin changes
The increase in hormones during pregnancy as well as other factors can result in changes to your skin which can include: "Pregnancy glow" You may get a radiant glow over your face. Your face seems to blush because you have more bl......(50290 x) Read more » -
Breasts
Pregnancy and breast changes: During your pregnancy, your breasts are temporarily a little bigger. The following breast changes are normal: The breasts feel fuller and are more sensitive because pregnancy hormones p......(47945 x) Read more » -
Pregnancy after 35
Women are increasingly choosing to become pregnany at a later age. This has several reasons; work and career, still busy with study or promotion, no suitable partner, financial worries. The average age at which women have their first child increased ......(46269 x) Read more » -
Reflux in babies
Milk-spitting isn't the same as reflux Many newborns may spit out or dribble a mouthful of milk after they've been fed. They can drink more than they can handle, and some of it comes right back up. This little bit of returned is ......(42618 x) Read more » -
Gender of the baby
Dr. Landrum Shettles was a pioneer in fertility techniques. He was involved very early in experiments in which ova could be fertilized in a laboratory. He has also researched for years to influence the sex of babies. He also wrote a book about it, wh......(42113 x) Read more » -
Coughing and choking
It's well known that babies put "everything" in their mouths. They do this to explore their surroundings. Small objects can be dangerous to children (especially young children), the objects may become clogged in the trachea, res......(41632 x) Read more » -
Fluid retention (edema)
It's normal for your body to retain excess water during pregnancy. This can be on average 2 to 3 liters. In the last month, especially, this is very noticeable; symptoms include swollen hands, feet and face. Even in warm weather, you will retain ......(40714 x) Read more » -
Conceiving 30 tips
If you want to use a lubricant then use PreSeed. When you are dry the sperm have less chance of swimming up, PreSeed provides a comfortable environment for the sperms to swim through. Eat green leafy vegetables with plenty of folic acid, and thi......(40678 x) Read more » -
Clustering (Breastfeeding)
Clustering is a common term within the breastfeeding world. In short, it means that a child wants to drink at a certain time of the day, or sometimes even more often, with you. Sometimes a child wants to be at the breast continuously. It is completel......(40660 x) Read more » -
Sex (Safety during pregnancy)
Sex during pregnancy Many people worry that having sex during pregnancy will somehow harm or disturb the baby. Although perhaps the mechanics, especially as you get further on in your pregnancy, may prove challenging, there is no reason couples cann......(39835 x) Read more » -
Pregnancy tests
When can you take a pregnancy test? Urine tests can take place one day before the next period starts. Blood tests can be done at 6 to 8 days after ovulation. Pregnancy tests work by checking your urine for a hormone called human chori......(38579 x) Read more » -
Jaundice
The cause of the yellow color of the skin and mucous membranes is the substance bilirubin. This substance is released by red blood cell degradation. The baby has much more red blood cells than an adult in the womb. The red blood cells also ......(38215 x) Read more » -
Pelvic instability
Experiencing pain in your pelvic region is another symptom of pregnancy and quite normal. Research shows that 50 to 60% of women suffer from pelvic pain or low back pain. Early in pregnancy, hormones make the pelvis more flexible. In addition, the......(37597 x) Read more » -
Hypotension (Blood pressure)
Your blood pressure depends on age, weight and health. Average blood pressure is 120/80 (120 over 80). The first number is systolic pressure. This indicates how high the arterial pressure is and when the blood is pumped into the arteries every heart ......(37478 x) Read more » -
Vaginal infections (Tests before pregnancy)
Normally the vaginal discharge is whitish or slightly transparent in color and feels slimy and sticky. In pregnancy it is normal that the amount and thickness of the secretions vary greatly. Most women have more discharge than normal during pregnancy......(37033 x) Read more » -
Foreskin (Baby care)
The penis primarily consists of what could be called a stem and an acorn. The "acorn" tip is very sensitive and protected by a thin fold of skin. In some boys this covering is complete, while in other boys the covering is only partial. I......(36792 x) Read more » -
During a twin pregnancy (Twins)
Approximately 3 out of every 100 pregnancies is a twin or multiple pregnancy. Normally during your first ultrasound scan it will be determined whether you are having more than one baby although it may take the entire nine months for you to get over t......(35193 x) Read more »