Low Hemoglobin And Hematocrit

The hematocrit was 27.5 (% I think) and the hemoglobin was 8.9. I know it's low, but how low is too low for a pregnant woman? It's for a friend who has a history of low iron and is pregnant. Any sites that might help would be great!

Anaemia during pregnancy

Description: A low hemoglobin level (less than 10 g / dl) during pregnancy. Hemoglobin carries oxygen to body tissues by red blood cells.

Anaemia during pregnancy is very common and is present in almost 8o% of pregnant women. Because the volume of blood increases during pregnancy (hemodilution), a moderate decrease in the concentration of red blood cells and hemoglobin is normal.

The hematocrit (percentage of red blood cells from plasma volume) in the ranks of non-pregnant women of 38-45%. However, pregnant women due to hemodilution normal values may be much lower, for example, 34% singles and 30% in twin or multiple pregnancy even with normal stores of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12. This lower range simply reflects the "physiological hemodilution of pregnancy" and does not reduce the ability to carry oxygen or anemia true. Iron deficiency is responsible for 95% of the anemia of pregnancy.

Cause: Possible causes are: poor intake of iron in the diet with folic acid deficiency, blood loss from bleeding hemorrhoids or gastrointestinal bleeding. Although iron and folic acid intake are sufficient, a pregnant woman may become anemic because pregnancy alters the digestive process. Also the unborn child consumes part of iron and folic acid normally available to the body of the mother.

Prevention: Eat foods rich in iron such as liver, beef, whole grain breads and cereals, eggs and nuts. Eat foods rich in folic acid, such as wheat germ, beans, peanut butter, oatmeal, mushrooms, cabbage, broccoli, beef liver and asparagus. Eat foods rich in vitamin C such as citrus and vegetables, raw. Vitamin C helps absorb iron more efficiently. Take vitamin and mineral supplements, especially folic acid.

Signs and symptoms
Common symptoms:
Fatigue, weakness or fainting.
Pallor
Breathlessness
The occasional symptoms:
Headache
Nausea
Inflamed, sore tongue
Palpitations or an awareness of abnormal heart rhythm
Forgetfulness
Jaundice (rare)
Abdominal pain (rare)

Risk Factors
Affiliation:


Double or multiple pregnancy poor nutrition, especially multiple vitamin deficiencies
Smoking, which reduces the absorption of important nutrients
Excessive consumption of alcohol, leading to poor nutrition
Any disorder that reduces absorption of nutrients
The use of anticonvulsants

Diagnosis and treatment
General measures:
The diagnosis is based on blood tests that determine the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin, iron and folic acid levels in the blood. hematocrit below 33% is considered iron deficient and should be treated.
Food rich in iron and prenatal vitamins.

Drugs:
Iron deficiency anemia is treated with iron tablets, preferably in the form of ferrous sulfate 300 mg taken at most twice a day. Because the side effects of iron tablets (stomach pain and constipation) increase if more than 2 tablets.
About 20% of pregnant women are unable to ingest or absorb adequate amounts of iron and may need to be treated by injections of intramuscular iron. Iron dextran is given every other day in divided doses, for a total of approximately 1000 mg. over a period of three weeks.
Iron, folic acid and other supplements may be prescribed. For best absorption, take iron supplements 1 hour before eating or between meals. Iron Will.