Tips to Increase Hemoglobin in Pregnancy Naturally
Key Highlights:
- Low levels of hemoglobin in pregnancy increase the risk of lower birth weight in babies.
- Anemia, caused by low hemoglobin, affects 25%–50% of the worldwide population and nearly 50% of pregnant women.
- Low hemoglobin remains a global health concern, affecting about one-quarter of the population, including 12.7% of men worldwide.
Introduction:
What is Hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin is the iron-rich protein present in the red blood cells. It supports the inhalation and distribution of oxygen along with exhalation of carbon dioxide through the lungs. This transport of oxygen produces energy in the body; thus, the hemoglobin level is crucial for the body. Hemoglobin in blood is measured in grams per deciliter. Both high and low blood levels impact the health of men as well as women.
The Indian government launched the Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) initiative in 2018. With the aim of reducing the iron deficiency in babies, children, and adolescents along with pregnant and lactating mothers. Hemoglobin in pregnancy also plays an important role during and post-pregnancy.
What is the role of hemoglobin in pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the blood temperature in the mother’s body rises by 20 to 50%. Hemoglobin, being the transporter, plays a critical role during this temperature rise; it helps the growing baby maintain the maternal energy and prevents complications. Maternal energy helps protect the mother from getting excessive exhaustion, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Hemoglobin supports baby growth and a healthy weight during birth. During delivery, hemoglobin helps the body survive through the process, supporting the intense metabolic demand during labor. Hemoglobin in pregnancy plays an important role right from conception to the birthing stage.
What are the symptoms and causes of low hemoglobin during pregnancy?
As depicted in the image above, hemoglobin level in pregnancy differs depending on the stages of the trimester. During pregnancy women lose more hemoglobin than normal. The reasons include consistent requirements to support fetal growth and placenta development, inadequate intake due to nausea, mood swings, improper absorption of nutrients, or increased demand while carrying more than one baby. Another major reason is that the plasma volume increases by 20-30%, heavily diluting the blood.
The early signs and symptoms of low hemoglobin level in pregnancy include unusual fatigue, dizziness, weakness, and pale skin. The demand for hemoglobin increases during pregnancy; the inability to maintain the required level may lead to anemia during pregnancy.
What are the Iron rich foods that help improve hemoglobin level in pregnancy?
Consuming iron rich foods before, during and post pregnancy supports healthy haemoglobin levels. The iron rich foods are also known as blood increase food. They are divided into two categories: heme iron and non-heme. Heme iron is sourced from animals and is easily absorbed by the body. Non-heme iron is sourced from plants. It has low absorption.
Non-vegetarian iron rich foods include offal and variety meats along with shellfish, red meat, fish and poultry. The vegetarian blood increase foods are legumes, soy products, and leafy vegetables, especially dark leafy greens, along with nuts and seeds; grains; and dark chocolate. Additionally, iron-fortified foods like cereals, grains, and breads that have supplemental iron added during the manufacturing process should also be considered as a part of blood increase foods list.
Do nutrients help improve Iron absorption?
Yes, nutrients like vitamin C play a vital role in managing iron levels in the body. The iron absorption works better when combined with absorption-boosting vitamin C-rich foods like tomatoes, bell peppers, oranges, lemons, berries, amla, and guava. Additionally, vitamin B12, along with folate, is crucial for hemoglobin levels because they synthesize DNA and divide cells, supporting the production of healthy blood cells. This process is the core of building and maturing hemoglobin.
The other essential nutrients are copper and vitamin B6. Copper helps in absorption and utilization of red blood cells and is available in food sources like cashews, almonds, lentils, and sunflower seeds. Vitamin B6 helps in the production of iron and is available in foods like chickpeas, bananas, and fortified cereals.
What are the tips for anemia treatment naturally?
| Population Group | Anemia Prevalence (%) |
| Children Under 5 Years | 64–69% |
| School-age Children & Adolescents | 51.2% |
| Adults | 53% |
| Pregnant Women | 72% |
As per the Prevalence of Anemia in India study by BMC Public Health, people across varied ages and genders are suffering from anemia. The Indian government has been working on the Anemia Mukt Bharat program by educating citizens about the issues and providing iron supplements and other required medical assistance.
Anemia treatment naturally; the list of tips include the following:
- Following a balanced diet
- Staying hydrated.
- Healthy food choices, especially
- Consuming iron rich food.
- Combining blood increases food with vitamin C.
In case of anemia during pregnancy, along with maintaining a diet, it is also important to consult the gynecologist and take the prescribed supplements and vitamins for anemia treatment naturally.
In a Nutshell
Iron deficiency leads to an inadequate hemoglobin level during pregnancy. Maintaining hemoglobin in pregnancy is crucial for both the mother’s and baby’s health. Lifestyle changes, especially food changes, help attain and maintain the required hemoglobin level during pregnancy. Avoiding tea, coffee, and green tea right after meals. And refraining from skipping meals and poor dietary choices helps maintain hemoglobin in pregnancy.
It is crucially important to consult the gynecologist and follow prescribed diets, supplements, and lifestyle changes. In case of low hemoglobin signs, inform your doctor, get the prescribed tests done, and follow instructions to avoid complicated pregnancy. You can visit our fertility doctors at Orchid. At Orchid we are dedicated to educating women and pregnant women about hemoglobin levels in pregnancy and provide thorough support right from planning to delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How to avoid anemia during pregnancy?
Anemia can be avoided during pregnancy by consuming iron rich food and taking the prescribed prenatal vitamins and folic acid. Combining plant-based iron with vitamin C. And following a gap of 2 years between two pregnancies helps avoid low hemoglobin during pregnancy.
- When to start iron and folic acid tablets in pregnancy?
As per the WHO, iron and folic acid tablets should be started with a doctor’s prescription prior to conceiving to avoid potential health issues for mother and child from the beginning and throughout the pregnancy journey.
- Which trimester is iron most important?
Iron is important throughout the pregnancy; however, the requirement increases with each passing trimester. The highest requirement is during the third trimester, as the baby is consuming 80% of the iron and helps during delivery.
