I am pregnant and my Hb is 8.7. Should I receive blood to improve it?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 32 weeks pregnant. This is my second pregnancy and I delivered my first child through C-section. I have low Hb content. As per my blood report done before a month, my Hb was 5.2 g/dL. After a couple of days, I was given two bottles of blood through an IV and started to have iron enriched foods and vitamin C added fruits. A week later, I had my blood test done. My Hb was 7.4 g/dL and electrophoresis was normal. Now, after a month, my Hb level is increased to 8.7 g/dL. Should I receive another bottle of blood to increase my hemoglobin further?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Hemoglobin (Hb) less than 10 g/dL during pregnancy is unfavorable. Blood transfusion should be done when Hb levels are less than 7 g/dL, so you do not need a blood transfusion now. You have to check your Hb till it reaches at least 10. The rate of increase in Hb is same either iron orally taken or through blood transfusion if provided iron gets absorbed from gut properly. Your rate of increase in Hb level is also good. I suggest you investigate the cause of anemia. You must get a serum vitamin B12 level done along with the stool examination for ova cyst as these may also be causing anemia along with iron deficiency. I advise you to have a high protein diet, iron enriched food and oral Iron supplements. Mebendazole and vitamin B12 supplementation if required. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and take the medicine with consent.

I am pregnant and my Hb is 8.7. Should I receive blood to improve it?

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