What causes low red blood cell hematocrit in pregnant women, and what should be done?
Aug 22, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, a low hematocrit in pregnant women may be caused by increased blood volume during pregnancy, increased nutritional demands, iron-deficiency anemia, megaloblastic anemia, or gestational hypertension. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatment, medication, or other appropriate measures. Daily management should include ensuring adequate sleep and avoiding excessive fatigue.
Generally, a low hematocrit in pregnant women might be caused by increased blood volume during pregnancy, elevated nutritional demands during pregnancy, iron-deficiency anemia, megaloblastic anemia, gestational hypertension, and other related factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to determine the exact cause, followed by improvement through general treatment, medication, or other methods under a doctor's guidance. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Increased blood volume during pregnancy: To meet the developmental needs of the fetus, the maternal blood volume physiologically increases during pregnancy. The plasma volume increases more rapidly than red blood cells, causing a relatively low hematocrit. This condition typically does not cause significant discomfort. Regular prenatal checkups should be conducted to monitor changes in related indicators. It is also recommended to consume more protein-rich foods such as lean meat, eggs, and milk in daily meals to maintain balance in blood components.
2. Increased nutritional demands during pregnancy: Fetal growth requires substantial nutrition. If a pregnant woman lacks sufficient iron or folic acid intake, red blood cell production may be affected, leading to a low hematocrit, which may be accompanied by mild fatigue. Adjust the diet to include more iron-rich foods like animal livers and spinach, as well as folate-rich foods such as leafy vegetables and legumes, to ensure balanced nutrition.
3. Iron-deficiency anemia: The demand for iron increases significantly during pregnancy, and insufficient supplementation can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, resulting in reduced red blood cell production and a low hematocrit. Symptoms may include dizziness and pallor. Follow medical advice to take medications such as polysaccharide-iron complex capsules, ferrous succinate tablets, or iron dextran oral solution to supplement iron and promote red blood cell production.
4. Megaloblastic anemia: Deficiency of folic acid or vitamin B12 in pregnant women can lead to impaired maturation of red blood cells, resulting in a low hematocrit. Symptoms may include loss of appetite and numbness in the hands and feet. Follow medical advice to take medications such as folic acid tablets, vitamin B12 tablets, or adenosylcobalamin tablets to supplement nutrients and improve red blood cell production.
5. Gestational hypertension: Elevated blood pressure affects placental blood supply, which in turn impacts red blood cell production, causing a low hematocrit. This condition is often accompanied by abnormal blood pressure and edema. Follow medical advice to take medications such as labetalol tablets, nifedipine controlled-release tablets, or methyldopa tablets to control blood pressure.
In daily life, ensure sufficient sleep, avoid excessive fatigue, engage in appropriate walking to promote blood circulation, and maintain a positive mood to assist in improving low hematocrit levels and ensure a healthy pregnancy.
