Consulting the best fertility doctor is very important when it comes to improving the hemoglobin levels in the body. Because they examine health conditions and fetal development and suggest personalized tips to improve the blood platelet count.
Still, we are here to help the newly pregnant women with some simple tips, which they can follow to increase the hemoglobin levels. What are you still searching for? Start exploring the upcoming sections to know more about hemoglobin levels during gestation and how you can increase it.
Normal hemoglobin level during gestation?
The American Pregnancy Association shares that there are certain levels of hemoglobin that should be present in pregnant women at different trimester levels.
- At first trimester, women in the gestational period should have from 11.6 to 13.9 g/dL
- During the second trimester, the hemoglobin levels must be from 10.5 to 13.0 g/dL
- And in the third trimester, the range should be from 11.0 to 12.8 g/dL
Lower levels than the suggested hemoglobin can cause anemia or can be a huge barrier for fetal development.
Things to do to increase HB levels
Workout
- Pregnant ladies can try low impact aerobics to boost the blood circulation and improve the overall health.
- Prenatal yoga, brisk walking, and swimming during pregnancy can increase the hemoglobin levels during gestation.
- These simple exercises can improve the blood circulation and potentially stimulate the red blood cell production.
Proteins and folate
- Consuming adequate amounts of protein and folate-rich foods is essential for the production of red blood cells.
- Pregnant women can rely on spinach, nuts, beans, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, and other healthy choices to boost the HB production.
Focus on iron absorption
- One of the best ways to increase hemoglobin levels is focusing on iron absorption. Thus, women can consume vitamin C, folate-rich foods, and limit inhibitors, which hinder the iron absorption.
- The thing is, many women are fond of caffeinated drinks and dairy products, and do you know that excessive consumption can affect the body? Yes, in particular it can disturb the iron absorption.
- Limit tea, coffee, and increase the intake of vitamin C such as amla,oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, etc.
Beetroots and a balanced diet
- Iron and folate content are rich in beets, so this can be a great addition to increase the hemoglobin levels in blood.
- Particularly, a balanced diet filled with fresh fruits, veggies, meat, and eggs with fresh juice can help to increase the HB levels during gestation.
- Therefore, pregnant women can consult the best fertility doctor to get some personalized recommendations according to their body conditions.
Foods that improve hemoglobin levels
| Food | Key Nutrients | Health Benefits |
|---|---|---|
|
Pomegranate
|
Iron, Vitamin C, Antioxidants
|
Enhances hemoglobin levels, improves blood flow, supports fetal development, and prevents anemia. |
|
Dates
|
Iron, Vitamin B6, Magnesium
|
Boosts hemoglobin, provides natural energy, strengthens the uterus, and supports healthy blood levels.
|
|
Beetroots
|
Folate, Iron, Vitamin C
|
Increases red blood cell production, prevents neural tube defects, and combats pregnancy fatigue. |
|
Legumes (Lentils, Chickpeas, Beans)
|
Iron, Folate, Protein
|
Essential for hemoglobin and blood health, supports baby's brain development, and prevents iron deficiency. |
|
Pumpkin Seeds
|
Iron, Zinc, Magnesium
|
Helps in hemoglobin synthesis, supports immunity, and reduces pregnancy cramps. |
|
Watermelon
|
Iron, Vitamin C
|
Enhances iron absorption, keeps the body hydrated, prevents swelling, and helps maintain hemoglobin levels. |
|
Moringa Leaves
|
Iron, Vitamin C
|
Highly nutritious, aids blood formation, prevents anaemia, and provides essential nutrients for mother & baby. |
|
Raisins
|
Iron, Copper, Vitamins
|
It helps increase hemoglobin, prevents constipation, and improves blood circulation. |
|
Sesame Seeds
|
Iron, Copper, Zinc
|
Essential for hemoglobin synthesis, supports fetal growth, and prevents iron deficiency. |
|
Spinach
|
Iron, Vitamin C, Folate
|
Boosts hemoglobin, supports blood production, prevents birth defects, and maintains placenta health. |
|
Lentils
|
Iron, Protein, Folate
|
Supports red blood cell production, maintains energy levels, and prevents anaemia. |
|
Fish
|
Iron, Vitamin B12
|
Important for hemoglobin production, supports baby’s brain development, and prevents iron deficiency. |
|
Nuts & Seeds (Almonds, Walnuts, Chia Seeds)
|
Iron, Folate, Essential Fatty Acids
|
Supports healthy blood levels, helps in baby’s brain development, and reduces pregnancy fatigue.
|
|
Dark Chocolate
|
Iron, Antioxidants
|
Boosts hemoglobin, regulates blood pressure, and supports blood circulation. |
|
Eggs
|
Iron, Protein, Vitamins
|
Contributes to healthy hemoglobin, provides essential nutrients for the mother and the baby's growth. |
|
Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Lemons, Grapefruits)
|
Vitamin C
|
Enhances iron absorption, helps prevent nausea, and improves iron uptake. |
|
Chicken
|
Heme Iron, Protein
|
Supports hemoglobin production, helps prevent anemia, and supports fetal development. |
Women always find organic ways to improve their health, especially during gestation. That’s why we help them with the best foods that increase the hemoglobin levels. Therefore, make sure to consume them regularly and pregnant women can also consult the doctors to be aware of their specific body needs.
Sudden drop in hemoglobin during pregnancy
When a woman is pregnant, so many reasons can contribute to the sudden drop of Hb levels, and one common reason is an increase in the physiological changes. It’s because a pregnant lady is not any more a single woman, she is two now and there will be an increase in blood plasma volume.
The sudden drop or insufficiency in hemoglobin levels during pregnancy can result in
- Lower oxygen delivery
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Pale skin
- Pre eclampsia
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- Weakness and fatigue
- Cold feet and hands
Final words
Maintaining and increasing hemoglobin levels during pregnancy is very important. It’s because both fetal growth and maternal health should be maintained properly to ensure safe and happy delivery.
Therefore, prioritize consulting the doctors to get personalized treatments and diet plans according to your health conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Proper dietary changes and supplementation can potentially improve the hemoglobin levels. However, women should learn to wait to reach certain levels of hemoglobin because it could take weeks or months for gradual increase of hemoglobin in the blood.
Moderate exercise can stimulate the red blood cell production and help in increasing the HB levels. Still, exercise during pregnancy could be a huge thing, so women should consult the healthcare provider before starting exercises.
Dehydration can make your blood thicker and reduce blood volume, so that the oxygen supply to the body will be reduced. Therefore, you should maintain a proper diet and also track the amount of water you drink every day to stay hydrated and healthy during gestation.
More than a treatment, gynecologists usually prescribe iron tablets and other supplements to improve the hemoglobin levels. Thus, consulting your doctor is the best way to be aware whether there are any exclusive medical treatments available to increase hemoglobin levels.
No, it’s not a good deal. Consuming iron supplements will surely increase the amount of blood in a pregnant woman’s body. But they need to be aware of the apt dosage their body needs and other side effects that can bring.
