Pregnant women are at high risk of experiencing low hemoglobin (Hb), also called anemia. It is estimated that about 40% of pregnant women around the world experience Hb deficiency. Therefore, Hb enhancer food for pregnant women needs to be consumed during pregnancy.
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that functions to carry oxygen throughout the body. In adult women, normal hemoglobin levels in the body range from 12-16 g / dL.
Whereas in pregnant women, Hb levels that drop to 10.5 g / dL are still considered normal if there are no complaints or symptoms of anemia. This mild anemia occurs because the body of pregnant women produces more blood plasma, so the concentration of red blood cells decreases.
Decreasing the amount of hemoglobin in pregnant women is more risky if there are the following conditions:
- Lack of iron, folate or vitamin B12 intake
- Contain twins
- Already suffering from anemia before becoming pregnant
- The distance from the previous pregnancy is close
- The age of pregnant women is still a teenager
- Frequent vomiting due to morning sickness
- Large amounts of bleeding
Impact of Anemia on Pregnant Women
Mild anemia during pregnancy is quite normal and rarely causes symptoms. However, severe anemia that is not treated in pregnant women, can be at high risk of causing a number of complications, such as:
- Babies are born prematurely.
- Babies born with less weight.
- Babies are born with birth defects and growth and development disorders.
- Babies die before or after birth.
- Mothers and babies are more susceptible to infection.
- Mother experienced postpartum bleeding.
- Mother suffered from postpartum depression.
To prevent some of these health problems, pregnant women need to meet their nutritional intake by consuming Hb-enhancing foods.
Enhancing Hb Nutrition for Pregnant Women
Eating Hb supplementary foods for pregnant women and pregnant supplements is one of the best ways to prevent and overcome anemia during pregnancy. There are several types of Hb enhancing nutrition for pregnant women, namely:
Iron
Pregnant women need to consume foods that contain iron, because this substance is the main raw material for the body to make hemoglobin. The recommended daily requirement for pregnant women is 27 mg per day. In the third trimester of pregnancy, the need for iron increases to 40 mg per day.
Hb-enhancing foods for pregnant women rich in iron include red meat, eggs, green vegetables such as, spinach and broccoli, tofu, peas, whole grains, and shellfish.
In order for the body to absorb iron to the maximum, pregnant women are advised to consume foods that are rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, kiwis, tomatoes, and strawberries. In addition to vitamin C, foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots, mangoes, and sweet potatoes, are also capable of helping iron absorption.
In addition, avoid drinking coffee, tea or alcoholic beverages, because these drinks can reduce the absorption of iron by the body.
Folic acid
Besides being good for the development of the baby's brain and spinal cord, folic acid also helps the body to produce red blood cells. Pregnant women are advised to consume around 400-600 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid per day.
Food supplements for pregnant women that are rich in folic acid include meat, soybeans, peas, spinach, broccoli, oranges, beets, grapes, lemons or oranges, papaya, bananas, eggs, and avocados.
Vitamin B12
Together with folic acid, vitamin B12 works to recycle old red blood cells that have been damaged and produce new red blood cells. If vitamin B12 intake is lacking, then the body can experience Hb deficiency. Pregnant women are advised to consume 2.6 mcg of vitamin B12 every day.
Foods that are rich in vitamin B12 are oranges, peas, soybeans, green vegetables, wheat, meat, spinach, barley, eggs, milk, and vitamin B12 fortified cereals.
By consuming a variety of Hb enhancing foods above, it is expected that the amount of hemoglobin in the body of pregnant women will rise. In addition, pregnant women are also advised to take pregnancy supplements that contain lots of iron and folic acid.
To monitor the adequacy of nutrition and health conditions of pregnant women and the fetus, pregnancy checks need to be done routinely to the obstetrician, especially if the pregnant woman has certain medical conditions.
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