Temporal changes in transcutaneous hemoglobin levels and their influencing factors in postpartum women: a longitudinal study

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify the temporal changes in transcutaneous hemoglobin levels up to 1 month postpartum and the influencing factors in postpartum women using a noninvasive transcutaneous hemoglobin measuring device. The study participants were pregnant women recruited at an outpatient clinic. We collected information on their dietary history using a concise self-administered questionnaire and an agreement document when they were hospitalized for delivery. Transcutaneous hemoglobin levels of the mothers were measured using Pronto (Masimo) at 1 day, 4 days, 2 weeks, and 1 month postpartum. We included 135 mothers (mean age, 31.7 years) who delivered at full term. The mean transcutaneous hemoglobin levels decreased slightly from day 1 (11.9 ± 1.6 g/dL) to day 4 postpartum (11.8 ± 1.7 g/dL), followed by a significant increase from day 4 to 2 weeks postpartum (13.8 ± 1.0 g/dL; p < 0.01), and no change from 2 weeks to 1 month postpartum (13.8 ± 0.9 g/dL). Iron intake in the third trimester of pregnancy affected transcutaneous hemoglobin levels from day 4 postpartum to recovery by 2 weeks postpartum. The rapid increase in hemoglobin levels from day 4 to 2 weeks postpartum was a novel finding. Evaluation of hemoglobin levels in women at 2 weeks postpartum is important for postpartum recovery. Furthermore, health guidance regarding iron intake in the third trimester of pregnancy has been suggested to be effective in restoring postpartum hemoglobin levels.departmental bulletin pape