Why pregnant women have low protein. Reduced blood protein during pregnancy: indications for testing, procedure algorithm, decoding, low protein, causes, possible consequences and recommendations

Increased blood protein during pregnancy is a dangerous situation for the successful implementation of childbirth. total blood protein during pregnancy- this is exactly the indicator that displays the picture of protein metabolism, shows the composition of the blood serum of all available proteins. According to the norms of protein in the blood of a woman, it should vary from 64 to 84 hl.

The degree of total protein is the main laboratory coefficient, since different proteins are responsible for the numerous actions of the human body and the movements that take place in it:

• Inconstancy, viscosity, blood clotting;
• The size of the blood fluid in the vascular reservoirs;
• Transfer of exogenous, endogenous element of lipids, hormones, pigments;
• According to the blood vessels as absolutely all vital vital organ;
• Stability of the hydrogen sign of blood PH;
• Protective functions of the body and so on.

In a holistic totality, blood protein implies a combination of two key parts - albumin and globulin. The first of the elements is a product of the liver, and the second is the result of the synthesis of lymphocytes.

The presence of low hemoglobin, that is, the level of protein in the blood fluid, is a fairly common phenomenon during the bearing of a baby.

Due to the physiological transformation of the body of a girl carrying a child, a gradual decrease in hemoglobin is carried out. An increased level of protein in the blood of a pregnant woman is detected under certain factors, both external and internal. And sometimes hereditary.

An elevated hemoglobin level is detected in women who have bad habits such as smoking. In order to avoid possible harmful consequences, highly qualified specialists recommend eliminating all bad habits during pregnancy planning a few months before conception and subsequent bearing of the baby. Since this increase in protein in the blood during pregnancy can be provoked by the position of the renal, cardiac activity of the expectant mother.

Increased protein in the blood during pregnancy is characterized by the presence of the following symptoms:

• Violation of the visual apparatus;
• Drowsiness, rapid fatigue;
• Lack of desire to eat.

This symptomatology has similar features with the process that manifests itself during a reduced protein level. When carrying a baby, blood fluid should be given systematically for research, because a high level of hemoglobin affects the density and viscosity of the blood.

Every expectant mother should know that increased hemoglobin leads to the death of a child in the first trimester or to the development of fetal hypoxia. This is because the thickened blood fluid in the presence of high protein does not have the ability to saturate the amniotic fluid with nutrients in sufficient volume, the development of the fetus becomes slower.

It is very important to take into account the fact that when carrying a child, you need to drink plenty of fluids in the presence of the first signs of a high level of hemoglobin. With an increased protein for a long time, it is necessary to consult a hematologist and carry out the necessary course of rehabilitation therapy.

Highly qualified specialists and antenatal clinic doctors categorically prohibit taking vitamins without their own prescription, since many of the drugs contain elements of group B, folic acid, zinc, copper, and they, in turn, help absorb iron, which leads to an increase in blood protein levels during pregnancy .

The presence of elevated hemoglobin in a woman during the first trimester of childbearing can lead to fetal fading in the period of 5 months. Therefore, when carrying a baby, you need to carefully monitor the level of protein in the blood, since it is he who has a strong effect on the body of the baby and mother.

In the presence of the usual course of pregnancy in the functioning of the body of a girl, a huge number of processes of an adaptive-adaptive nature are carried out, which are aimed at ensuring adequate flows of the gestational period, as well as growth and development of the baby. The cardinal restructuring of the female body is associated with a change in the blood system of hemostasis, endocrine immune, biochemical conditions, which is reflected in the blood test.

It is known that the laboratory data of studies of blood fluid in girls bearing a child, as well as in non-pregnant girls, of course, have differences.

Increased protein in the blood during pregnancy is a signal of impaired functioning of the body. The norm of protein per day should not exceed more than 63-83 g / l. Its slight variation has every chance to manifest itself in the presence of stressful situations, as well as active physical activity.

If the indicator is sufficiently reduced from the norm, this level is not a pathological process, and an increased amount of protein that is normal helps to provide the body with more optimal activity of the anticoagulant and coagulation system. Carries out the formation and promote the growth of the uterus, mammary glands, placenta, immune defense of the body.

Every expectant mother should remember that protein is directly dependent on nutrition. Girls carrying a child need to be very careful and scrupulous about their own diet. It must be fortified with nutrients and properly designed. After all, the general health of the unborn child depends on what the mother consumes.

Increased blood protein during pregnancy: biochemical diagnostics

In order to find out the level of protein in the body, every pregnant girl must pass a biochemical analysis of the blood fluid. For diagnostic manipulations, blood is taken from a vein.

Before the procedure, you can not eat anything, as it is done on an empty stomach. In addition, you should not overeat before taking the study. Diagnostics recommend taking water before manipulation, which is purified and does not contain gas.

If a pregnant girl is taking any medications, she needs to warn the diagnostician, since the substances contained in the medicine will affect the protein levels.

At times, it happens that a specialist prescribes a biochemical analysis several times if he suspects the presence of:

• Serious liver disease.
• Chronic and acute infectious process.
• systemic pathology.
• A malignant neoplasm in which the protein produces an excess amount.
• Fluid deficiency, due to exposure to nephritis, intestinal obstruction, vomiting, diarrhea.
• Autoimmune pathological processes.

The results of a biochemical analysis help the female doctor to find out the root causes of increased protein in the blood during pregnancy, as well as to determine the measures to influence its reduction.

Future mothers should remember that timely diagnosis of the pathological process helps to prescribe the most effective recovery and combats high levels of protein in the blood at an early stage. In the presence of any unknown symptoms, it is imperative to contact a highly qualified gynecologist and obstetrician to prevent further complications.

Traditionally, a biochemical blood test during pregnancy is carried out 2 times for the entire period. During registration of women's consultation. From 28 to 30 weeks, if during this analysis there is no need for an earlier diagnosis.

Protein throughout pregnancy should remain within acceptable limits, since its decrease, as well as its increase, has a direct effect on the development of the fetus and the life of the expectant mother.

Protein is a very important component in the bloodstream, which determines the concentration of globulin and albumin elements. When the protein in the blood is lowered during pregnancy, then clotting is disturbed, the transport function decreases, and immune processes become more complicated. Pathology is dangerous, both for the health of the expectant mother, and for intrauterine development.

Causes of a decrease in blood protein during pregnancy

Protein in the blood of pregnant women is one of the main indicators for determining the condition of the child. This component of the bloodstream is an organic compound of globulin and albumin, due to which in the body:

• the transport function of nutrients is carried out;
• the immune status is formed;
• reserves are accumulated for subsequent lactation;
• placenta and fetus develop;
• the functioning of the uterus is supported;
• blood clotting proceeds normally.

A low protein level (hypoproteinemia) in the analysis is manifested in elevated hematocrit and hemoglobin. Such parameters are not uncommon for the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, when a deficiency causes an increase in density and, as a result, a decrease in volume, vasoconstriction, which leads to unstable blood pressure.

Reasons for the downgrade:

• renal and hepatic diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis, glomerulonephritis);
• diseases of the digestive tract;
• pathology of the endocrine system;
• immune deficiency;
• various injuries and burn injuries;
• malnutrition and starvation.

Low protein or its lack is accompanied by an edematous reaction, hypertrophy develops in the fetus, developmental delay is formed. The condition is determined by ultrasound, by measuring the circumference of the abdomen and the height of the fundus of the uterus.

The total protein below the norm is a common occurrence with poor nutrition, toxicosis, or during nervous overexertion. There is an aversion to food, which provokes a lack of substance.

The norm of protein in the blood in pregnant women

Sampling for biochemical analysis is carried out only in the morning before the first meal. The rate of protein in the blood during pregnancy is determined by lower parameters compared to the same indicators before conception. If in an adult the value varies from 65 to 85 g / l, then during fetal development there is a decrease to 55-65 grams per liter. The situation is explained by the increased volume of blood circulation, due to the appearance of the second circle of vessels.

The rate of total protein in the third trimester is significantly reduced due to the accumulation of fluids, as well as due to the increased need for building materials for a growing organism inside the womb.

How to increase blood protein during pregnancy

Reduced protein during the study requires urgent diagnosis in order to raise it to the required level. Appropriate diagnosis will determine the etiology of the pathology and develop treatment tactics.

If the protein is reduced due to problems with appetite, while pathological factors are excluded, then it will be enough to adjust the diet to restore protein elements:

1. Eat foods that increase protein in the blood - dairy and meat dishes;
2. The diet should consist of plenty of fruits and vegetables;
3. Plentiful drink - up to 2 liters per day;
4. Complete rejection of bad habits (smoking, alcohol);
5. Fractional nutrition - at least 4 meals;
6. Snacking on legumes and nuts between main meals.

It is possible to increase the protein in the blood during pregnancy, if anemia is diagnosed, with the help of iron-containing drugs and a targeted diet. For diseases and pathologies, drug therapy is prescribed taking into account the identified disease.

Why is total blood protein elevated during pregnancy

An increased protein in the blood during pregnancy is no less dangerous, but less common, the situation is most often associated with:

• with renal insufficiency (nephropathy);
• with autoimmune diseases (lupus);
• with hypercoagulability (increased clotting);
• with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• with tumor formations.

In this case, you need a diet where there will be little protein, and fluid intake remains at the same level. When a high indicator is recorded in the analyzes, this often indicates an increase in globulin, which is caused by inflammatory and infectious processes. A thorough diagnosis will be required to determine the cause and prescribe adequate treatment.

Low protein in the blood during pregnancy can be a serious cause of damage to the health of a woman and a child, since proteins are a necessary part of any cell or tissue of the body. They are essential for growth, development and health. Proteins form the structure of any organ, they make up the enzymes and hormones that regulate body functions. To find out if the body is experiencing a lack or excess of proteins, various tests are carried out, the main of which is a test that measures the amount of proteins in plasma.

The liquid portion of blood, called plasma, contains two main classes of proteins, albumins and globulins. . Albumins are 60% of all proteins, and the liver is engaged in their production.. Albumins perform a lot of useful tasks. They transport various molecules and ions throughout the body, are a source of amino acids necessary for metabolism in tissues. In addition, this type of protein is the main component of many substances necessary to maintain osmotic pressure, which affects the penetration of fluid through the walls of blood vessels.

The remaining 40% of proteins in blood plasma are globulins. This group of proteins is very diverse. These include enzymes, antibodies, hormones, transport proteins, and a myriad of other substances.

In a non-pregnant woman, the amount of total protein in the blood ranges from 6.7 - 8.6 g / dl. During pregnancy, the norm changes somewhat and has the following values:

• First trimester: 6.2 - 7.6 g/dl.
• Second trimester: 5.7 - 6.9 g/dl.
• Third trimester: 5.6 - 6.7 g / dl.

Sometimes analyzes report total protein, albumin, and albumin to globulin (A/G) ratios. In the normal state, the amount of albumin is greater than that of globulin, and slightly exceeds 1. A/G may change as the amounts of albumin and other proteins increase or decrease. Since albumin to globulin ratios are affected by various diseases, A/G sometimes provides valuable insight into the causes of changes in protein levels.

Reasons for deviations

The total protein level in a healthy body is relatively constant. It depends on the balance of the content of old proteins in plasma and the production of new ones. Protein may be elevated due to abnormally high protein production (for example, inflammatory diseases and multiple myeloma may increase protein). Increased protein occurs with dehydration, chronic and infectious infections, various autoimmune diseases, oncology, allergies.

The rate of protein in the blood of a pregnant woman may decrease if:

• The production of albumin and globulin is impaired due to malnutrition and severe liver disease.
• Total protein may decrease due to accelerated protein breakdown, which may be caused by kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome).
• Reduced protein in the blood in pregnant women occurs with an increase in blood volume (liquefaction).

With minor deviations from the norm, you should not worry too much. If the protein is highly elevated, the doctor must find out the cause. Provoke pathology can be poor nutrition, excess fluid in the body, chronic diseases of the digestive tract, severe poisoning. External or internal bleeding is also a cause of low protein. Sometimes he talks about problems with the thyroid gland, due to which it does not produce the right amount of iodine-containing hormones. Among the causes of low protein are oncology, a severe form of toxicosis.

Poor nutrition is one of the main reasons for low protein during pregnancy. There are a number of negative health effects associated with the lack of nutrients in the body of the expectant mother. This can affect both the pregnant woman herself and the development of the child throughout his life. Nutritional deficiencies can be classified into two groups. This is poor nutrition or a lack of individual components, their imbalance.

Malnutrition resulting from malnutrition occurs when a person consistently consumes fewer energy equivalents (measured in calories from protein and carbohydrates) than they expend. Malnutrition results in underweight, reduced immunity, and susceptibility to disease.

The lack of individual nutritional components is a condition when a person consumes a sufficient total amount of food, but it does not contain an insufficient amount of substances necessary to maintain the growth, development and functioning of individual organs and body systems. For example, a calcium deficiency in a child can affect the growth of bones and teeth.

Why is poor nutrition dangerous?

How a woman eats during pregnancy depends on her health, as well as the unborn child. If a woman is undernourished before conception due to not eating enough and irregularly, she may be underweight at the time of conception, which can affect the course of the pregnancy. The fact is that undernourished women at the time of conception simply do not have enough time to provide the body with an increased amount of nutrients due to the growth of the fetus. Such pregnant women cannot gain enough weight and are at an increased risk of mortality during pregnancy compared to pregnant women with normal body weight.

Undernourished pregnant women also lack the reserve of nutrients necessary to maintain normal embryonic growth. During the first few days after conception, the embryo exists in the uterus, but it has not yet implanted into its mucous membrane in order to begin to grow and develop. This state of the embryo is called the pre-implantation period, when cell division occurs at the highest rate. Embryonic failure in this phase can lead to irreversible consequences for fetal growth in the later stages of pregnancy.

The quality of nutrition of a pregnant woman at the time of conception also affects the differentiation (separation) of embryonic cells into fetal and placental cells (the so-called structure that nourishes and supports the fetus during pregnancy). In the embryos of undernourished women, significantly more cells go to form the placenta than those that form the fetus. This means that the embryo begins its existence in a much smaller size than it should be according to the norms. This can lead to limited fetal growth, and an increased risk of having a low birth weight baby (less than 2.5 kg). Low birth weight is associated with many childhood problems.

The development of the fetus also depends on how large a woman's nutrient reserves were before pregnancy. During the first few weeks, the fetus develops the main organs - the heart, brain, lungs. At this stage, the fetus can be greatly affected by poor nutrition and malnutrition of the mother. Lack of nutrients in the fetus at this time can slow down the growth and development of its organs. Since very often at this time a woman usually does not know that she is pregnant, the only way to prevent fetal pathologies is to eat well before pregnancy.

If the supply of nutrients to the fetus in early and late pregnancy is insufficient, this can have a long-term programming effect and increase the child's susceptibility to chronic diseases in the future. For example, at birth, he will already have a metabolism designed to deal with poor and malnutrition. At the same time, the amount of insulin and glucose production can be reduced in his body. Such an adaptive mechanism "reprograms" the entire metabolism of the child for almost a lifetime. In the future, various serious diseases may occur, including type 2 diabetes.

Nutrient deficiency problems

Thus, a woman whose body lacks specific nutrients before pregnancy has an increased risk of developing various negative phenomena, is prone to various diseases. For example, iron deficiency usually causes anemia. It often develops during pregnancy as a result of long-term malnutrition and insufficient supply of iron to the body, lack of protein.

Anemia increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in women due to the risk of dying from bleeding during childbirth, premature birth, and neurological dysfunction.

Vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness during pregnancy (a problem much more common in developing countries). The occurrence of night blindness is affected by both the lack of certain types of protein and vitamin A in the liver (which is stored mainly during the period preceding pregnancy), as well as the low intake of vitamin A during pregnancy.

A deficiency in a pregnant woman of specific substances can lead to such deficiencies in the development of the fetus, such as:

• B9 deficiency during early pregnancy is manifested by defective development of the neural tube of the fetus, from which the brain and spine develop. The result of this may be spina bifida.
• Calcium deficiency can limit fetal skeletal development. This deficiency can occur in women who do not have sufficient calcium stores in the bones, which occurs under the influence of long-term intake of sufficient calcium. Therefore, the fetus cannot receive the amount of this substance that it needs.
• Iron deficiency is associated with fetal growth retardation and low birth weight.

The effects of insufficient amounts of specific substances may have a long-term impact on the health of the child in the future. For example, a structural defect in the neural tube causes the bifid back to appear. Babies born with low body weight have an increased risk of mental and physical developmental disorders. Such children may grow shorter than their peers, they may have problems with learning at school.

Protein in the blood during pregnancy is an important indicator of the state of the body. Therefore, its definition is always assigned in this state. The concept of "total protein" includes the total amount of all protein formations in the blood serum.

Protein in the human body is an organic polymer and the main structural unit of all cells and systems; most important processes cannot occur without its participation. Its main functions are as follows:

• participation in the process of developing immunity;
• the transfer of substances and trace elements with the bloodstream to all organs;
• blood clotting.

It is the protein in the blood that determines its basic rheological properties, and its indicators directly indicate the state of homeostasis.

Protein norms during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a doctor prescribes many studies and tests. The most objective test of the body for the normal functioning of the kidneys is a urine test. During the normal course of pregnancy, no more than 120 mg of protein is excreted by the kidneys per day. An increase in this indicator may indicate that a pathological process may develop, which can occur exclusively during pregnancy - preeclampsia (nephropathy).

Of course, we are talking about a pronounced increase, since slight fluctuations around the normal indicator can be associated with physical or psycho-emotional overload.

During gestosis, the characteristic symptoms are also high blood pressure and the formation of edema. If these signs are detected at an early stage, then measures can be taken in a timely manner and prevent the development of preeclampsia and eclampsia (cerebral edema and pronounced convulsive syndrome). These severe conditions can be life-threatening for the mother and her unborn baby.

How to donate blood?

In the blood serum, the protein in the normal course of pregnancy ranges from 63-83 g / l. During the entire period of pregnancy, the process of donating blood is prescribed several times. This should be done only on an empty stomach, which for many pregnant women presents certain difficulties, since the effects of toxicosis are aggravated by the absence of a morning meal. Nevertheless, it is necessary to be patient, because the result of the study depends on it.

• tumor process;
• liver disease or kidney problems;
• acute or chronic infectious processes;
• systemic diseases.

Reduced protein

Such a phenomenon as a decrease in the level of total protein in the blood serum in pregnant women, or hypoproteinemia, may occur with a reduced intake of protein from food (with diet or toxicosis), or with absorption problems (chronic gastrointestinal diseases), may indicate a liver disease and a violation of it synthesis (parenchymal hepatitis, carcinoma, metastatic lesions). Flooding of the body leads to similar results, and an increase in the volume of the liquid part of the blood.

A decrease in the total protein can also be recorded during thermal burns, when its enhanced decay occurs in the body, the same process can be caused by cancerous growths, thyrotoxicosis, some hereditary diseases, and severe physical overload.

Slight downward changes may be detected due to the fact that during pregnancy the total blood volume increases, since the need for blood supply appears with the intensive growth of the fetus.

Increasing protein during pregnancy

An increase in the value of total protein can be observed during pregnancy only in some cases, but at the same time, such a result indicates serious abnormalities in the body and is an alarming signal. This can happen in such cases:

1. Severe acute infectious diseases or exacerbation of a chronic infection.
2. Autoimmune processes, such as lupus erythematosus, glomerulonephritis, reactive arthritis.
3. With multiple myeloma or lymphogranulomatosis, when hyperproduction of pathological protein is noted and paraproteinemia occurs.
4. Decrease in the liquid component of the blood (with severe vomiting, diarrhea, development of nephritis).

What can be done?

Before interpreting the results of a biochemical analysis, you should make sure that it was carried out correctly, in compliance with all the requirements of the doctor. If the protein values ​​\u200b\u200bare very different from normal values, then in such cases it is necessary to find out what is the reason for this phenomenon.

In the case when a pregnant woman has a low protein in the blood, the child may have inhibition of development, since this component is necessary for the construction of all organs and systems of the future organism. Therefore, a timely visit to the doctor with this problem can prevent many negative consequences not only for the mother, but also for the baby.

If the protein in a pregnant woman is lowered due to not entering the body from the outside, then the diet should be reviewed and more foods high in protein should be introduced. This is cheese, all kinds of dairy products, legumes. Be sure to eat meat dishes.

In case of violations of the gastrointestinal tract, all efforts should be directed to the elimination of inflammatory processes in the stomach, to take enveloping agents, to reduce the consumption of fatty, spicy and sweet foods.

Many pathological conditions require immediate referral to narrow specialists (gastroenterologist, oncologist, rheumatologist, endocrinologist) to decide on further pregnancy management tactics and the possibility of providing maximum assistance with minimal consequences for the unborn child.

The cause of low protein in the blood during pregnancy is most often the malnutrition of a woman, but this may also indicate serious diseases. However, during pregnancy, seemingly harmless "malnutrition" will lead to certain intrauterine pathologies in the development of the baby and cause complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

total blood protein

Proteins are essential substances for life. It is the basic building block of all cells. They make up about 20% of the tissue mass. Proteins are the main component of all known enzymes. Most hormones are either proteins or polypeptides in nature. Some of the proteins are involved in the manifestations of allergies and immunity in general. Others are involved in the transport of oxygen, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, hormones, and medicinal substances in the blood.

Total blood protein is the concentration of all proteins in the blood serum.

Physiological hypoproteinemia - a low content of total protein in the blood, not associated with diseases, is observed in young children, pregnant women, especially in the third trimester, while breastfeeding.

Indications for testing

Total blood protein is determined in each woman several times during pregnancy. This is done as part of a biochemical blood test. This study of blood composition is carried out:

In the listed terms, women take blood tests without any deviations in their condition. The doctor will prescribe blood tests more often if the pregnant woman has health problems:

• tumors;
• diseases of the liver and kidneys;
• acute and chronic infections;
• systemic diseases.

Data on the dynamics of the content of total protein in the blood help to assess the condition of the pregnant woman, to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

Carrying out the procedure

Blood for analysis is taken strictly on an empty stomach. It is better if at least 8 hours pass between eating and taking an analysis. Coffee, tea, juice are also food, you can only drink water.

Before the procedure, you can not physically strain (climbing stairs, gymnastics), emotional arousal is undesirable. Before the procedure of taking blood, you should rest for 10 minutes, calm down.

You can not donate blood after massage, physiotherapy.

For blood sampling, a tourniquet is usually applied just above the elbow, in some laboratories this is not done. Blood is usually taken from a vein in the antecubital fossa.

Blood for the determination of total protein is taken in test tubes with red caps. These tubes are needed to obtain serum. The total protein is determined, as well as other biochemical indicators, in biochemical analyzers. Usually a set of reagents is used to use the biuret method.

Errors in taking the analysis can lead to a falsely elevated level of total protein. For example, prolonged application of a tourniquet, physical activity, abrupt rising from a prone position.

Decryption

To express the content of total protein in the blood, mass concentration is used, showing the mass in 1 liter of blood (g / l). The amount of protein 60-80 g/l (6-8%) is considered normal. In pregnant women, the indicator is slightly lower - 55-65 g / l. The protein in the blood of a pregnant woman is especially noticeably lowered in the third trimester. The following standards have been adopted:

• first trimester - 62-76 g / l;
• second trimester - 57-69 g / l;
• third trimester - 56-67 g / l.

Only a qualified doctor should deal with the interpretation of a blood test. Even if a low protein content is detected, and the expectant mother feels well, she should still consult a doctor, there is no need to wait until signs of illness appear. Such an overlooked pathology will have time to harm the growing baby.

Causes of low blood protein during pregnancy

In a healthy person, the protein content in the blood serum can fluctuate under the influence of various factors.

During pregnancy, total protein in the blood is always lowered. This is due to an increase in blood volume, while the same amount of protein remains in the blood, thus a relative decrease in concentration is obtained.

Low protein in the blood during pregnancy can cause:

• insufficient intake;
• increased loss;
• violation of protein synthesis in the body.

A combination of the above reasons is also possible.

Low protein in the blood in pregnant women is most often recorded with insufficient intake from food while following a vegetarian diet or fasting. A deficiency can be caused by a violation of the absorption of amino acids in the intestinal mucosa, for example, with inflammation or tumors in it.

Large protein losses occur with kidney disease (especially accompanied by nephrotic syndrome), blood loss, and neoplasms.

Protein synthesis can be limited by a lack or absence of essential amino acids - building blocks that are not synthesized in the body, but come from food of animal origin - meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products. Synthesis disorders are possible with liver failure - cirrhosis, hepatitis, dystrophy.

The list of conditions accompanied by low blood protein during pregnancy indicates the non-specificity of this indicator. Therefore, the total protein content is taken into account not for the differential diagnosis of diseases, but to assess the severity of the patient's condition and the choice of treatment.

Low protein

Protein in the blood below normal during pregnancy is not a specific indicator. Therefore, the biochemical analysis of blood includes the determination of fractions - albumins and globulins.

Informative is the determination of plasma fibrinogen. Its decrease occurs in cases of pregnancy with placental abruption, amniotic fluid embolism, may indicate meningococcal meningitis, leukemia, acute or chronic liver failure.

The biological role of proteins during pregnancy

During pregnancy, proteins provide:

• The growth and development of the baby, as well as the placenta and mammary glands, since proteins are the main building material.
• Transport of many nutrients, micro and macro elements, vitamins, since it is proteins that carry these substances in the blood.
• The child's innate immunity because antibodies are proteins.
• The balance of the coagulation and anti-coagulation systems, since the substances that provide blood clotting (which will be extremely important to prevent bleeding during childbirth) are proteins.
• Normal osmotic pressure of blood plasma because proteins attract water. When there are enough of them in the blood, the fluid is attracted to the vascular bed and does not accumulate in the tissues, which prevents blood clotting and edema.

Possible consequences of protein deficiency during pregnancy

Reduced blood protein during pregnancy is often due to malnutrition. According to studies, if a woman does not get enough protein from food, then due to an improper diet, she also receives insufficient calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamins, and albumin.

The lack of proteins in the diet is one of the causes of perinatal morbidity and fetal mortality. One of the most common syndromes of the perinatal period is intrauterine growth retardation, which complicates the course of many diseases.

The lack of vitamins seriously harms the health of the child, reduces resistance to infections, leads to prematurity, congenital deformities, and the birth of weakened children.

In women with low protein in the blood during pregnancy, the lactation period is reduced to 3.5 months. The child has to be transferred to artificial nutrition.

According to studies, all women with low total blood protein during pregnancy had various complications of its course:

• iron deficiency anemia (76%);
• chronic placental insufficiency (63%);
• late gestosis (33%);
• threat of abortion (27%);
• fetal growth retardation syndrome (16%).

In pregnant women with a lack of protein in the diet, complications during childbirth are also noted:

• ruptures of the birth canal;
• early rupture of amniotic fluid;
• weakness of labor activity.

The average weight of children born to mothers with low blood protein during pregnancy is approximately 2900 g.

Normalization of nutrition and restoration of protein levels in the blood by correcting nutrition significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy complications (anemia, fetoplacental insufficiency, late gestosis, developmental delay syndrome), as well as neonatal asphyxia.

First of all, women with low blood protein during pregnancy should normalize their diet - bring the BJU ratio into line, pay special attention to the amount of protein foods, vegetable fats, and vegetable foods. It is necessary to make a balanced diet, only it can fully satisfy the needs of the expectant mother.

Nutrition in the first half of pregnancy

During this period, the body of the expectant mother needs as many nutrients as before conception. In the first trimester, all the organs of the baby are laid, so at this time it is extremely important to ensure that the body receives complete proteins, as well as vitamins, macro- and microelements in the correct ratio and quantity.

Depending on the weight, physical activity, nutritional status, a pregnant woman should receive protein 60-90 g / day, fat 50-70 g / day. and carbohydrates 325-450 g / day. The calorie content of the diet is 2200-2700.

The diet should be complete and varied. Physiologically justified five meals a day. At nine o'clock in the evening - the last meal - a glass of kefir. Dinner should have no more than 20% of calories, and it is better to eat fatty and protein foods in the morning. Pregnant women should not rest lying down after eating.

Nutrition in the second half of pregnancy

In the second half of pregnancy, the nutrient needs of the future mother increase due to the increase in the size of the baby, the beginning of the functioning of its organs - the kidneys, liver, intestines and nervous system. A woman needs 80-110 g of protein, 50-70 g of fat and 325-450 g of carbohydrates per day. That is, the need for protein increases, the amount of necessary fats and carbohydrates does not increase. Moreover, the protein must be at least 60% of animal origin. 30% of the protein should come from meat or fish proteins, 25% from milk and dairy products, 5% from eggs. The calorie content of the diet should increase to 2300-2800 kcal.

Diet to increase blood protein during pregnancy

Every day, the expectant mother should receive:

• meat and fish - 120-150 g;
• milk or kefir - 200 g;
• cottage cheese - 50 g;
• egg - 1 pc.;
• bread - 200 g;
• cereals and pasta - 50-60 g;
• potatoes and other vegetables - 500 g;
• fruits and berries - 200-500 g.

It is necessary to consume foods containing complete proteins: milk, yogurt, kefir, mild cheese, low-fat cottage cheese. These products contain not only complete proteins containing all the amino acids necessary for a person, but also calcium.

If in the blood of pregnant women the total protein is lowered, nutritionists recommend increasing in the diet:

• meat and fish up to 180-220 g;
• cottage cheese up to 150 g;
• milk and kefir up to 500 g.

It is better to boil fish and meat, especially in the second half of pregnancy. It is necessary to abandon mushroom, meat and fish broths, gravy, as they contain a lot of extractive substances. It is better to cook vegetable or milk soups.