Regular monitoring of hemoglobin levels

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 84 views

Differences in Hemoglobin Levels in Preeclampsia Pregnancy with Normal Pregnancy at the Adam Malik Hajj Hospital Medan

Introduction

Preeclampsia is a significant cause of maternal death worldwide, including in Indonesia. This condition is characterized by hypertension that occurs in pregnancy over 20 weeks, often accompanied by proteinuria or other symptoms such as thrombocytopenia, edema, and oliguria. The maternal mortality rate in Indonesia in 2015 was 305 per 100,000 live births, while in North Sumatra Province in 2016, it was 239 per 100,000 live births. Maternal mortality due to hypertension has increased significantly, reaching 27.1% in 2013. Therefore, it is essential to understand the factors that can affect maternal health during pregnancy, one of which is hemoglobin levels.

Background

Preeclampsia is a complex condition that can have severe consequences for both the mother and the baby. The exact cause of preeclampsia is still unknown, but it is believed to be related to the placenta's abnormal development. The placenta produces a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which can cause the blood vessels to constrict and lead to high blood pressure. In addition, preeclampsia can also be caused by other factors such as genetic predisposition, multiple pregnancy, and pre-existing medical conditions.

Research Purposes

This study aims to determine the relationship of hemoglobin levels with the incidence of preeclampsia in pregnant women compared to normal pregnant women in Adam Malik Hospital Medan. By identifying differences in hemoglobin levels, it is expected to provide useful information for the treatment and prevention of preeclampsia among pregnant women.

Methodology

This study uses analytic research design with a cross-sectional approach. The secondary data used came from a medical record at the Adam Malik Haji Hospital in Medan in 2018. The research sample involved 62 pregnant women aged more than 20 weeks. Inclusion criteria are applied to select relevant data, then analyzed using an independent T test to compare hemoglobin levels between the preeclampsia group and the group of normal pregnant women.

Research Result

The results of the analysis show that there is a significant difference between hemoglobin levels in women with preeclampsia and normal pregnant women. Independent t test results obtained a significant value of P = 0.001, with an average level of preeclampsia women's hemoglobin of 12.66 g/dl and normal pregnant women of 10.52 g/dl. This finding shows that hemoglobin levels in preeclampsia are higher than pregnant women who do not experience these conditions.

Discussion

An increase in hemoglobin levels in pregnant women with preeclampsia may be related to the body's response to the stress of hypertension experienced. Higher hemoglobin can be seen as an effort to adapt to ensure adequate oxygen supply to the body's tissues even though there is a condition of high blood pressure. However, high hemoglobin levels can also indicate the possibility of dehydration or other disorders that need to be treated properly.

The Importance of Monitoring Hemoglobin Levels

Although higher hemoglobin levels can be detected in pregnant women with preeclampsia, this increase does not always mean better health indications. In fact, this can indicate a potential for greater complications and higher risk for mothers and infants. Therefore, strict monitoring of maternal health conditions during pregnancy is very important, especially for those who are at risk of experiencing preeclampsia.

Conclusion

This study shows that there are significant differences in hemoglobin levels between pregnant women and preeclampsia and normal pregnant women. Hemoglobin levels in women with preeclampsia are higher than normal pregnant women. A better understanding of this difference can help in the prevention and handling of preeclampsia, which in turn can reduce maternal mortality. The health of pregnant women should be a priority, so monitoring and good care during pregnancy is very necessary.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Regular monitoring of hemoglobin levels: Pregnant women should have their hemoglobin levels checked regularly to detect any abnormalities early.
Early detection of preeclampsia: Pregnant women should be screened for preeclampsia regularly to detect any symptoms early.
Proper treatment and management: Pregnant women with preeclampsia should receive proper treatment and management to prevent complications.
Education and awareness: Pregnant women and their families should be educated about the risks of preeclampsia and the importance of monitoring hemoglobin levels.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The sample size of this study is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Secondary data: The data used in this study is secondary, which may be subject to errors or biases.
Cross-sectional design: The study uses a cross-sectional design, which may not be able to establish causality between hemoglobin levels and preeclampsia.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

Larger sample size: A larger sample size should be used to increase the generalizability of the findings.
Primary data collection: Primary data should be collected to reduce the risk of errors or biases.
Longitudinal design: A longitudinal design should be used to establish causality between hemoglobin levels and preeclampsia.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study shows that there are significant differences in hemoglobin levels between pregnant women and preeclampsia and normal pregnant women. Hemoglobin levels in women with preeclampsia are higher than normal pregnant women. A better understanding of this difference can help in the prevention and handling of preeclampsia, which in turn can reduce maternal mortality. The health of pregnant women should be a priority, so monitoring and good care during pregnancy is very necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hemoglobin Levels in Preeclampsia Pregnancy

Q: What is preeclampsia?

A: Preeclampsia is a condition that occurs during pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure and often accompanied by proteinuria or other symptoms such as thrombocytopenia, edema, and oliguria.

Q: What is the relationship between hemoglobin levels and preeclampsia?

A: Research has shown that there is a significant difference in hemoglobin levels between pregnant women with preeclampsia and normal pregnant women. Hemoglobin levels in women with preeclampsia are higher than normal pregnant women.

Q: Why do hemoglobin levels increase in preeclampsia?

A: An increase in hemoglobin levels in pregnant women with preeclampsia may be related to the body's response to the stress of hypertension experienced. Higher hemoglobin can be seen as an effort to adapt to ensure adequate oxygen supply to the body's tissues even though there is a condition of high blood pressure.

Q: Can high hemoglobin levels in preeclampsia indicate dehydration or other disorders?

A: Yes, high hemoglobin levels can also indicate the possibility of dehydration or other disorders that need to be treated properly.

Q: Why is it essential to monitor hemoglobin levels in pregnant women?

A: Monitoring hemoglobin levels is crucial to detect any abnormalities early and prevent complications. It can also help in the prevention and handling of preeclampsia, which in turn can reduce maternal mortality.

Q: What are the risks associated with high hemoglobin levels in preeclampsia?

A: High hemoglobin levels in preeclampsia can indicate a potential for greater complications and higher risk for mothers and infants.

Q: How can pregnant women reduce the risk of preeclampsia?

A: Pregnant women can reduce the risk of preeclampsia by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest. They should also attend regular prenatal check-ups and follow their healthcare provider's recommendations.

Q: What are the symptoms of preeclampsia?

A: The symptoms of preeclampsia can include high blood pressure, proteinuria, thrombocytopenia, edema, and oliguria. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Q: Can preeclampsia be prevented?

A: While preeclampsia cannot be completely prevented, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk. These include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, attending regular prenatal check-ups, and following your healthcare provider's recommendations.

Q: What is the treatment for preeclampsia?

A: The treatment for preeclampsia typically involves hospitalization and close monitoring of the mother and baby. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to lower blood pressure and prevent complications.

Q: Can preeclampsia be cured?

A: Preeclampsia can be cured with proper treatment and management. However, in some cases, it may lead to complications, such as premature birth or low birth weight.

Q: What is the role of healthcare providers in preventing and managing preeclampsia?

A: Healthcare providers play a crucial role in preventing and managing preeclampsia. They should monitor hemoglobin levels, detect any abnormalities early, and provide proper treatment and management to prevent complications.

Q: How can pregnant women and their families be educated about preeclampsia?

A: Pregnant women and their families can be educated about preeclampsia through regular prenatal check-ups, health education programs, and online resources. They should also ask their healthcare provider any questions they may have about preeclampsia.

Q: What are the long-term effects of preeclampsia on the mother and baby?

A: The long-term effects of preeclampsia on the mother and baby can include increased risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease. In addition, babies born to mothers with preeclampsia may experience low birth weight, premature birth, and other complications.

Q: Can preeclampsia recur in future pregnancies?

A: Yes, preeclampsia can recur in future pregnancies. Women who have had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy are at higher risk of developing it again in subsequent pregnancies.

Q: What are the risk factors for preeclampsia?

A: The risk factors for preeclampsia include a history of hypertension, multiple pregnancy, pre-existing medical conditions, and family history of preeclampsia.

Q: Can preeclampsia be diagnosed through a blood test?

A: Preeclampsia can be diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, urine tests, and physical examination. A blood test can detect high levels of protein in the blood, which is a common symptom of preeclampsia.

Q: What is the role of diet and nutrition in preventing preeclampsia?

A: A healthy diet and adequate nutrition can help prevent preeclampsia. Pregnant women should consume a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.

Q: Can preeclampsia be prevented through lifestyle changes?

A: Yes, preeclampsia can be prevented through lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Pregnant women should also avoid smoking and limit their caffeine intake.

Q: What are the complications of preeclampsia?

A: The complications of preeclampsia can include premature birth, low birth weight, placental abruption, and maternal mortality.

Q: Can preeclampsia be treated with medication?

A: Yes, preeclampsia can be treated with medication, such as antihypertensive medications, to lower blood pressure and prevent complications.

Q: What is the prognosis for women with preeclampsia?

A: The prognosis for women with preeclampsia is generally good, especially if they receive proper treatment and management. However, in some cases, preeclampsia can lead to complications, such as maternal mortality.