Low hemoglobin (Hb) levels it is common in pregnant women. Even so, mothers need to be vigilant if you experience low Hb during 9 months of pregnancy or approaching the time of delivery. Understand the risks and how to overcome them, so that your little one can be born healthy.
Low Hb (anemia) can occur throughout pregnancy, including at 9 months pregnant. Pregnant women in the final trimester are said to be anemic if their hemoglobin levels are less than 11gram/dL. This condition is usually known during routine blood tests during pregnancy or from complaints felt by pregnant women, such as always feeling very tired.
Low Hb Risk when 9 Months Pregnant
During pregnancy, blood production will increase to support fetal growth and development. This amount should be followed by an increase in hemoglobin (Hb), as an oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.
However, if you are deficient in iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12, your hemoglobin level does not increase, so anemia can occur. This condition will then make the organs lack of oxygen supply.
Mild anemia is generally asymptomatic and does not harm the fetus. However, if left unchecked, this condition may develop into a more severe condition, where the hemoglobin level is already lower than 6 grams/dL.
If a pregnant woman in the last trimester has severe anemia, the following conditions can occur:
- The growth of the baby in the womb is stunted.
- Premature rupture of membranes.
- Babies born prematurely or with low birth weight.
- Babies born with anemia.
- Babies experience developmental disorders in childhood.
- The mother's resistance decreases, making her more susceptible to infection. This condition can also make the duration of maternal care after childbirth become longer, and increase the risk of postpartum depression.
- If accompanied by folic acid deficiency, pregnancy with anemia can increase the risk of the baby being born with defects, such as spinal cord or brain defects.
Tips for Overcoming Low Hb when 9 Months Pregnant
Pregnant women need to have regular prenatal checkups at the doctor. The doctor will do an Hb check if he suspects that a pregnant woman has anemia, and provide the necessary treatment.
To prevent and treat low HB levels at 9 months of pregnancy, pregnant women can do the following:
Increase nutritional intake properly
Anemia during pregnancy can occur due to lack of iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. Therefore, the Earth needs to eat foods that contain these various nutrients.
Pregnant women need 20-30 mg of iron per day. To meet these needs, pregnant women can consume iron-rich foods, such as red meat, poultry, fish, green vegetables (spinach, broccoli), and eggs.
Taking prenatal supplements
If food intake is deemed insufficient, pregnant women can take prenatal supplements that contain iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12. Consumption of supplements must of course be according to doctor's advice. Don't take supplements carelessly, because each supplement has its own function, risk, and usage rules.
Low Hb during 9 months of pregnancy should not be left untreated, because it can harm the mother and baby. Therefore, pregnant women are recommended to have regular check-ups with a gynecologist so that low Hb and its complications can be detected and treated as early as possible.