What is the normal hemoglobin level for a pregnant woman in 2nd trimester

The body experiences several changes during pregnancy. Women can experience changes in hemoglobin levels during pregnancy, with an increase in the hemoglobin circulating in the body. The overall concentration of the hemoglobin drops, though.

Hemoglobin transports oxygen from the lungs to other body parts (1) (2). The oxygen requirement of the baby is also met through maternal blood. Many pregnant women are at risk of anemia in the second trimester when the hemoglobin levels are lowest. Doctors may check maternal hemoglobin levels during prenatal visits and recommend ways to minimize the risk of anemia.

Read on to learn more about ways to improve hemoglobin levels during pregnancy.

Ideal Hemoglobin Levels During Pregnancy

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According to the World Health Organization, the hemoglobin levels in pregnant women should be more than 11g/dl in the first and third trimester, and more than 10.5g/dl in the second trimester (2). Low levels of hemoglobin during pregnancy are likely to be associated with low birth weight and preterm birth.

Excessively high hemoglobin could also pose risks, and may not necessarily mean good iron levels, according to research. Therefore, proper care should be taken to maintain the ideal hemoglobin level during pregnancy.

Related: Eating Shrimp During Pregnancy: Safety, Benefits & Precautions

Possible Ways To Increase Hemoglobin Levels During Pregnancy

Here is what you could do to improve hemoglobin levels during pregnancy.

1. Iron-rich foods in the diet: If your hemoglobin is just below the ideal levels, increase the intake of foods that are rich in iron. During pregnancy, you need 27mg of iron a day (3). To meet that requirement, you may consider including the following foods in your diet (4):

a. Vegetables and fruits: Spinach, parsley, Brussels sprouts, turnips, peas, broccoli, kale, asparagus, cabbage, green peppers, and tomatoes are some sources of iron in vegetables. In fruits, you may eat oranges, apples, apricots, and figs.
b. Dry fruits: Raisins, peanuts, almonds, dates, dry figs, and hazelnuts are good sources of iron.
c. Grains, cereals, and bread: Wheat germ, wheat, buckwheat, millet, barley, oats, and cereals and bread fortified with iron might help.

Caution

You can consume all types of liver, except fish liver, during pregnancy as a rich source of iron; however, limit your intake to once per week (16).

d. Poultry and seafood: Eggs, chicken, liver, pork, beef, lamb, and seafood such as oysters, sardines, clams, tuna, and shrimp, are good choices.
e. Others: Some other foods that could help you improve hemoglobin levels are coconut, peanut butter, chocolate, and nettle tea (5).

1. Foods rich in vitamin C: Vitamin C could help in absorbing iron from the food you consume, thereby producing more hemoglobin in your body (6). Some of the sources include cauliflower, green pepper, cantaloupe, strawberries, kiwifruit, tomato juice, and potatoes (7).

Related: 20+ Healthy Fruits To Eat During Pregnancy, With Benefits

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1. Foods not to have along with supplements: Do not take iron blockers along with iron supplements, as they may hinder iron absorption. You may take them after some gap. A few such foods are cheese, yogurt, ice cream, milk, tea, coffee, and alcohol (8).

1. 1. Medications and supplements: Doctors usually prescribe iron supplements based on your hemoglobin count, your dietary plan, and the trimester you are in. Taking the prescribed dosage of supplements could help in preventing the risk of anemia (9).

Point to consider

Take the iron tablet with a small amount of food if it disturbs your stomach. Never take these tablets with dairy or calcium supplements (16).

1. Oral or intravenous: Iron supplements can be oral but if the woman is unable to tolerate oral iron, she may be administered intravenously.
2. Intake of vitamins: It is also important to take vitamins such as vitamin B12 as the deficiency of iron can mask the deficiency of vitamins. The safest way to maintain a healthy hemoglobin level is to follow a healthy diet throughout the pregnancy. See that you are getting proper nourishment from the foods you eat. Also, get your hemoglobin levels checked during regular visits to your doctor.

Quick tip

You may take prenatal multivitamin and mineral supplements that contain more folate to increase your hemoglobin level during pregnancy (16).

Related: Vitamin B Complex During Pregnancy: Why They Are Important

When To Visit The Doctor?

Low hemoglobin levels may also cause the following signs and symptoms that might need a doctor’s visit.

• Pale gums and skin
• Muscle weakness and fatigue
• Frequent headaches
• Irregular heartbeat
• Difficulty in concentration
• Labored breathing (10)

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the normal hemoglobin level for a pregnant woman?

The normal hemoglobin levels during pregnancy can range from 11.5 – 13.5g/dl. A hemoglobin level below 11g/dl is considered anemia in pregnancy and may require treatment .

2. What foods to avoid if you have low hemoglobin?

You may avoid drinks and foods that can reduce iron absorption in the body. Soy proteins and whole grains are plant-based foods that reduce iron absorption. Tannins in coffee, tea, and wine also interfere with iron absorption by the intestines (12). You may consult a dietician for a balanced diet plan, so you do not miss out on any essential nutrients.

3. What can I drink to increase hemoglobin?

Certain foods and drinks can help to enhance iron absorption in the body. Consuming vitamin C-rich foods, such as citrus fruits, boosts iron absorption. Cooking plant-based iron-rich food can increase the availability of non-heme iron than consuming it in raw forms. Animal proteins, such as lean meat, also contain iron (12).

4. What are the symptoms of low hemoglobin?

A low hemoglobin level can result in oxygen deprivation in the body since hemoglobin carries oxygen to tissues. This may make you feel tired, dizzy, and sluggish. Headache, pale skin, cold hands and feet, and breathing problems can also be experienced due to low hemoglobin levels (13).

5. What is the normal hemoglobin level for pregnant women in the second trimester?

10.5g/dl is the normal hemoglobin level in the second trimester. This can be slightly lower than the hemoglobin level in the first and third trimesters. Usually, women of childbearing age have 12 to 16g/dl hemoglobin levels .

6. At what level is hemoglobin dangerously low?

Hemoglobin level below 5.0 g/dL (50 g/L) is considered dangerously low. This may lead to heart failure and life-threatening conditions if not corrected promptly. Usually, it may take six to twelve weeks with adequate care to return to normal hemoglobin levels if it reduces to dangerously low levels (15).

It is essential to maintain optimal hemoglobin levels during pregnancy since low levels can increase the risk of low birth weight and preterm delivery. Taking iron supplements and iron-rich foods can help maintain the required hemoglobin levels in pregnancy. You could also consume vitamin C since it increases the absorption of iron. Also, avoid foods that interfere with iron absorption. Symptoms such as frequent headaches, pale skin, tiredness, labored breathing, or irregular heartbeat may indicate low hemoglobin levels. In such cases, you should seek medical care to manage it.

Infographic: Effects Of High Hemoglobin Levels In Pregnancy

During pregnancy, you will need iron supplements as advised by the doctor to meet the fetal oxygen needs. In some cases, the hemoglobin levels may arise from the lungs, kidneys, and heart conditions. These increased levels are not suitable for pregnancy. Check out this infographic that lists the outcomes of high hemoglobin levels when pregnant.

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