Article about Low Hemoglobin

Something to share about Low Hemoglobin:

Common Name:
ANEMIA DURING PREGNANCY

Description:
A low level of hemoglobin (less than 10 gm/dl) during pregnancy. Hemoglobin carries oxygen to body tissues via the red blood cells.
Anemia in pregnancy is very common and is present in almost 8o% of pregnant women. Because volume of blood increases during pregnancy (hemodilution), a moderate decrease in the concentration of red blood cells and hemoglobin is normal.
The hematocrit value (the percentage of red blood cells relative to plasma volume) in non-pregnant women ranges from 38 to 45%. However, in pregnant women because of hemodilution normal values can be much lower, e.g. 34%in single and 30% in twin or multiple pregnancy even with normal stores of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12. This lower range simply reflects "the physiologic hemodilution of pregnancy" and does not indicate a decrease in oxygen carrying capacity or true anemia. Iron deficiency is responsible for 95% of anemia of pregnancy.

Causes:
Possible causes include: Poor intake of iron in diet; Folic acid deficiency; Loss of blood from bleeding hemorrhoids or gastrointestinal bleeding. Even if iron and folic acid intake are sufficient, a pregnant woman may become anemic because pregnancy alters the digestive process. Also the unborn child consumes some of the iron or folic acid normally available to the mother's body.
Prevention:
Eat foods rich in iron, such as liver, beef, whole-grain breads and cereals, eggs and dried fruit. Eat foods high in folic acid, such as wheat germ, beans, peanut butter, oatmeal, mushrooms, collards, broccoli, beef liver and asparagus. Eat foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and fresh, raw vegetables. Vitamin C makes iron absorption more efficient. Take prenatal vitamin and mineral supplements, especially folic acid.

Signs & Symptoms
Common Symptoms:
Tiredness, weakness or fainting.
Paleness
Breathlessness

Occasional Symptoms:
Headache
Nausea
Inflamed, sore tongue
Palpitations or an abnormal awareness of the heartbeat
Forgetfulness
Jaundice (rare)
Abdominal pain (rare)

Risk Factors
Associated with:
Twin or multiple pregnancy
Poor nutrition, especially multiple vitamin deficiencies
Smoking, which reduces absorption of important nutrients
Excess alcohol consumption, leading to poor nutrition
Any disorder that reduces absorption of nutrients
Use of anticonvulsant medications

Diagnosis & Treatment
General Measures:
The diagnosis is based on blood tests which determine the red blood cell count, hemoglobin level ,iron and folic acid levels in the blood. Hematocrit levels less than 33% is considered iron deficient and should be treated.
Diet rich in iron and prenatal vitamins.

Activity:
No restrictions, except rest often until anemia disappears.

Diet:
Eat well and take prescribed supplements
Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation

Possible Complications :
Premature labor
Dangerous anemia from normal blood loss during labor, requiring blood transfusions
Increased susceptibility to infection after childbirth

Prognosis
Usually curable with iron and folic acid supplements by mouth or injection.