How To Increase Haemoglobin (Hb) In Pregnancy?

What is Haemoglobin?

Haemoglobin is a protein that is a major component of red blood cells. It plays a critical role in transporting oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. When a woman becomes pregnant, her body produces more blood to provide for the needs of her growing unborn child. Adequate levels of haemoglobin mean that both the mother and the developing baby can receive enough oxygen.

What is the Impact of Low Hb On a Pregnant Woman?

If a pregnant woman has low levels of haemoglobin, then there is less oxygen delivered to her and the developing baby, which can harm fetal growth and development and negatively impact the mother's health. Therefore, understanding how to increase haemoglobin levels during pregnancy is essential in preventing complications, including low birth weight, fatigue, and increased risk of complications during labour and delivery.

What are the causes of low Hb in pregnancy?

There are many reasons why a pregnant woman may experience a drop in her haemoglobin levels:

• Increased plasma volume in the blood causes the concentration of red blood cells to decrease
• Increased iron requirements for fetal development
• Dietary habits that do not include sufficient iron or vitamins
• Multiple pregnancies with limited postpartum recovery
• Parasitic infections and chronic diseases
• Diminished ability to absorb iron due to digestive difficulties

What are the Symptoms of Low Hb During Pregnancy?

Symptoms of low Hb during pregnancy are:

• Continuous fatigue and tiredness
• Paleness of skin
• Difficulty in breathing
• Dizziness or headaches
• Heart palpitations
• Cold hands and feet

Severe anaemia has been associated with an increased risk of premature labour, postpartum bleeding, delayed fetal development, and numerous other complications.

What are the best ways to increase Hb during pregnancy?

The best way to increase Hb during pregnancy is through dietary changes. Women should consume iron-rich foods daily throughout pregnancy. The following is a list of foods that contain iron from animal sources:

• Lean red meat
• Poultry (Chicken & Turkey)
• Fish
• Eggs

Iron (non-heme) from plants is not absorbed easily by a woman's body. Therefore, pregnant women should include iron (non-heme) from the following foods:

• Spinach, fenugreek, and amaranth leaves
• Lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans
• Soybeans and Tofu
• Jaggery
• Sesame and pumpkin seeds

Combining foods that are high in iron (either heme or non-heme iron) with vitamin C will improve iron absorption.

Fruits are an excellent natural source of vitamins and minerals, and support Hb production. Some of the best fruits a woman can eat during pregnancy to support Hb production include pomegranates, apples, dates, raisins, oranges, sweet lime, bananas, and watermelons. Eating a variety of fruits daily will support iron absorption and improve overall nutrition.

Vitamins play an important role in the production of red blood cells. For example, vitamin C promotes the absorption of iron in tomatoes, citrus fruits, and bell peppers; folic acid is necessary for red blood cell production in legumes and leafy greens; and vitamin B12 is necessary for healthy red blood cells in dairy products, meat, and eggs. Therefore, it is critical for pregnant women to ensure they consume adequate amounts of each nutrient to support haemoglobin formation.

Doctors may recommend using iron supplements when a woman's dietary intake does not meet her needs during pregnancy.

Many home remedies have been shown to support a healthy Hb level for many years; however, it is recommended to talk to your doctor before using any home remedy, especially in conjunction with your medical care.

What Foods Should Be Avoided When Hb Levels Are Low?

A variety of food and lifestyle choices can hinder iron absorption.

• Do not consume tea and coffee because of the tannins they contain, which can impede iron absorption.
• Pay attention to excess calcium intake with meals that contain a significant amount of iron.
• Avoid processed and junk foods.
• Limit consumption of carbonated beverages with iron-rich meals like soda
• Try to avoid consuming tea/coffee 1 hour before or after iron-rich meals

How Can Lifestyle Impact Hb Levels During Pregnancy?

A healthy lifestyle will positively contribute to improving your haemoglobin level. Some tips to improve lifestyle are:

• Get plenty of rest and sleep
• Do some form of light physical activity, e.g., walking, prenatal yoga.
• Stay properly hydrated
• Managing your stress effectively
• Through healthy lifestyle choices, you will have improved digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall maternal health.

When to seek medical care for low Hb?

Consult your doctor immediately if:

• Hb levels fall below 9 g/dL
• You experience severe breathlessness or fainting
• You are not seeing improvement in your Hb level with oral supplementation
• If the anaemia is severe, your doctor may recommend intravenous iron therapy or hospitalisation for closer observation.

Conclusion

When women understand how to increase haemoglobin during pregnancy, they become empowered to take action for better maternal health. Pregnant women can consume a balanced diet, take iron supplements if prescribed by their doctor, exercise regularly, get enough rest, and manage their medical conditions, which will support the body in producing more haemoglobin during their pregnancy. It is extremely important to speak with your healthcare provider before adding any new supplements or exercise programs to your routine, and also before treating any medical conditions that could impact haemoglobin levels. By following these recommendations and strategies, pregnant women can increase haemoglobin levels.