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How To Increase Haemoglobin And Hematocrite Levels In Blood During Pregnancy?
Question: Hi, I am 30 weeks pregnant and I have low haemoglobin levels of 8.0 and low hematocrite of 25.9. My blood doctor suggests I may need a blood transfusion if these levels fall more by next week. My gynaecologist suggested I intake protein as much as possible in order to keep the level steady. I am now taking 2 folic acid pills a day of 5mg each and iron pills. My iron levels are ok as are ferritin levels. I am a carrier of thalassimian trait but do not have thalassimian anemia. My husband is not a carrier. Will the protein help? Is there anything else I can do in order to avoid a blood transfusion? At what level of low haemoglobin and hematocrite will my baby be affected?
Brief Answer:
You need an iron rich diet also.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
If your hemoglobin levels fall further to 7 gm% or lower then a blood transfusion will be needed. The baby shows a growth retardation if the hemoglobin levels are less than 7 gm% for a long duration. You will have other symptoms like giddiness, palpitation, etc.
In addition to a high protein diet you need iron rich diet like chicken liver, mollusks, oysters, turkey, chickpeas, fortified cereal, pumpkin seeds, soybeans, beans, lentils, spinach, etc.
Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal
You need an iron rich diet also.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
If your hemoglobin levels fall further to 7 gm% or lower then a blood transfusion will be needed. The baby shows a growth retardation if the hemoglobin levels are less than 7 gm% for a long duration. You will have other symptoms like giddiness, palpitation, etc.
In addition to a high protein diet you need iron rich diet like chicken liver, mollusks, oysters, turkey, chickpeas, fortified cereal, pumpkin seeds, soybeans, beans, lentils, spinach, etc.
Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dear Dr. Tayal,
Thank you for your reply. I have also been eating an iron rich diet as well. But, my gynaecologist suggested clean protein (in the form of powder supplements). I am also taking an iron supplement. Do I enter the danger zone at 7gm per cent. and lower? Is there any danger to the baby if I remain at 8%?
Also, my hematocrite is 25.9%. Should I also monitor this? How low is too low for the hematocrite?
Thank you again
Thank you for your reply. I have also been eating an iron rich diet as well. But, my gynaecologist suggested clean protein (in the form of powder supplements). I am also taking an iron supplement. Do I enter the danger zone at 7gm per cent. and lower? Is there any danger to the baby if I remain at 8%?
Also, my hematocrite is 25.9%. Should I also monitor this? How low is too low for the hematocrite?
Thank you again
Brief Answer:
Try to keep the hemoglobin levels above 8 gm%.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
Hematocrit value directly depends on the hemoglobin levels. Usually we rely on hemoglobin levels to detect the danger levels. Even if your hemoglobin stays at 8 gm%, it will cause weakness and palpitation in you. It may not affect the baby's growth. If it drops down to 7 and remains there for 2-3 weeks then the baby may start showing the signs of growth retardation.
Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal
Try to keep the hemoglobin levels above 8 gm%.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
Hematocrit value directly depends on the hemoglobin levels. Usually we rely on hemoglobin levels to detect the danger levels. Even if your hemoglobin stays at 8 gm%, it will cause weakness and palpitation in you. It may not affect the baby's growth. If it drops down to 7 and remains there for 2-3 weeks then the baby may start showing the signs of growth retardation.
Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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