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 causing complaints and health problems in pregnant women.
Hb plays a role in binding and delivering oxygen throughout the body, including to the fetus. according to World Health Organization (WHO), the normal Hb level for pregnant women is around 11 grams/dL. Low Hb levels should get special attention to reduce the negative effects that can occur.
Causes of Low Hb during Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a decrease in Hb levels that progresses to anemia 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. Here is the explanation:
Malnutrition
Lack of iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 can be the cause of low Hb levels during pregnancy. This is because these three nutrients are needed for the formation of red blood cells.
Deficiencies of iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 are usually caused by an unhealthy diet and diet during pregnancy.
Suffering from certain medical conditions
During pregnancy, low Hb can also be caused by diseases already suffered by pregnant women, such as thalassemia. Thalassemia is a genetic disorder that causes red blood cells to break down more quickly. This will result in a decrease in the number of red blood cells and Hb levels.
Until now, thalassemia can not be prevented. Treatment for 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 repeated bleeding during pregnancy, the presence of anemia before pregnancy, pregnancy at a young age, excessive vomiting, pregnancies that occur close together, can also trigger a decrease in Hb levels in pregnant women.
How to Maintain Hb Levels while Pregnant
To maintain normal Hb levels during pregnancy, pregnant women can do the following:
Eat a variety of healthy foods
Decreased Hb levels are closely related to levels of iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. To prevent 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, beans 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 their processed products, make sure they are fully cooked.
Ensuring adequate rest time
In addition to eating a variety of healthy foods, pregnant women should also get enough rest. As much as possible do activities and activities that match your abilities and avoid doing activities that can drain a lot of energy.
Taking supplements
During pregnancy, do regular checkups to the doctor. This is necessary so that the condition of you and your fetus is always monitored. If you are a vegetarian or have conditions that increase your risk of low Hb levels, your doctor may prescribe supplements that you need to take regularly.
You need to know what are the causes of low Hb levels during pregnancy, so that you can do prevention and simple ways to overcome them. However, if the Hb level is still low even though you have done the above methods, you should consult a gynecologist to get the right treatment.