Pregnancy is an exciting and life-changing time for any woman. One of the most important things to be aware of before you welcome your baby into your life is maintaining appropriate hemoglobin levels during pregnancy.
Hemoglobin is a protein produced by the bone marrow and stored in our red blood cells. It helps red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to other body parts. Women typically experience low hemoglobin levels during pregnancy, often due to low iron levels, which can sometimes cause pregnancy issues. So, if you ever wondered, “How to increase hemoglobin in pregnancy?”, read on to learn about some proactive steps you can take towards increasing hemoglobin levels during this special phase in life!
Tips to increase hemoglobin during pregnancy
Listed below are a few ways pregnant women can boost their hemoglobin levels:
- Increase iron levels: Iron is needed to form hemoglobin in red blood cells. Consuming iron-rich foods can thus help increase hemoglobin level during pregnancy. Some iron-rich foods are millets, green leafy veggies, eggs, tofu, fish, green beans, and red meat.
- Increase vitamin C intake: Vitamin C helps the body to absorb iron more efficiently, due to which the concentration of hemoglobin increases. Foods that increase vitamin C content in the body are broccoli, citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, potatoes, strawberries, capsicums, tomatoes, and berries.
- Exercise: Exercise during pregnancy can be challenging, but at the same time it helps in increasing the hemoglobin level during pregnancy. Doctors always suggest doing simple exercises or light yoga in a daily routine, as it can help elevate blood flow to the uterus which helps to keep the fetus healthy. It also aids in the absorption of iron in the body thereby regulating hemoglobin levels in the body.
- Consume beetroot: Beetroots contain a substance called betalain, which is a red pigment with bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, betalain, folates, inorganic nitrates, vitamins and minerals. Beetroot is highly recommended in improving hemoglobin, since it helps in boosting hemoglobin count and regeneration of new red blood cells.
- Consume green leafy vegetables:- Green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and moringa are superfoods that are rich in iron, folic acid and vitamins B & C which are necessary for iron absorption and the health of a pregnant woman