What is low hemoglobin in late pregnancy

Low hemoglobin in late pregnancy may be caused by insufficient iron intake, folate deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, gestational blood dilution, chronic blood loss, and other reasons. It can be improved through dietary adjustments, nutritional supplements, regular monitoring, medication treatment, and etiological treatment.

1. Insufficient iron intake:

The iron requirement during pregnancy is three times that of non pregnancy. If iron rich foods such as red meat and animal liver are not supplemented in a timely manner, it can lead to insufficient raw materials for hemoglobin synthesis. It is recommended to consume 20-30mg of iron per day, combined with vitamin C to promote absorption. If necessary, iron supplements such as ferrous sulfate and polysaccharide iron complexes should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.

2. Folic acid deficiency:

Folic acid is involved in red blood cell DNA synthesis and requires 600 μ g of folic acid per day during pregnancy. Insufficient intake of green leafy vegetables or improper cooking methods can lead to deficiency, manifested as large cell anemia. It can be supplemented by taking folic acid tablets orally and consuming more foods such as spinach and asparagus. It is necessary to continue supplementing until postpartum lactation.

3. Vitamin B12 deficiency:

Long term vegetarianism or insufficient gastric acid secretion can affect the absorption of vitamin B12, leading to megaloblastic anemia. Pregnant women need 2.6 μ g per day, which can be supplemented with fortified foods, egg and dairy products. In severe cases of deficiency, intramuscular injection of vitamin B12 injection is necessary. Those with neurological symptoms should be intervened in a timely manner.

4. Pregnancy blood dilution:

In late pregnancy, blood volume increases by 40% -50%, while red blood cell count increases by only 20% -30%, resulting in physiological blood dilution. When the hemoglobin level is not less than 100g/L and there are no clinical symptoms, it is a normal phenomenon and nutritional monitoring should be strengthened. After delivery, it can often recover on its own.

5. Chronic blood loss:

Placenta previa, hemorrhoid bleeding, or gastrointestinal ulcers may lead to occult blood loss. Symptoms such as black stool and hematuria need to be investigated, and the cause should be determined through fecal occult blood test and endoscopic examination. Treat the primary disease while supplementing with iron, and consider blood transfusion if hemoglobin is below 70g/L.

In late pregnancy, it is recommended to consume 50-100g of animal liver per week, combined with vitamin C rich fruits such as kiwifruit and fresh dates, to enhance iron absorption. Properly increase high-speed rail ingredients such as beef, duck blood, clams, etc., to avoid strong tea and coffee affecting iron absorption. Take a 30 minute walk daily to promote blood circulation, and adopt a left lateral position during sleep to improve placental blood supply. Regularly recheck blood routine to monitor changes in hemoglobin. If symptoms of hypoxia such as dizziness and palpitations occur, seek medical attention promptly. Severe anemia may affect fetal development and delivery safety.