Scientists use genetic rewiring to increase lifespan of cells, Beyond amyloid and tau: New targets in developing dementia treatments, Napping longer than 30 minutes linked to higher risk of obesity and high blood pressure, Activity 'snacks' could lower blood sugar, complication risk in type 1 diabetes, In Conversation: Investigating the power of music for dementia, What is hyperthyroidism? Dorgalaleh, A., Mahmoodi, M., Varmaghani, B., Kiani node, F., Saeeidi Kia, O., Alizadeh, S., Kashani Khatib, Z. Patients having a Hb concentration <10 g/l at any time during pregnancy are diagnosed to have anaemia. In spite of the fact that the WBC is commonly increased in normal pregnancy, excessively . Third Trimester. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. See additional information. The test is quick and requires no preparation. It is ordered as part of the common complete blood count (CBC) used to measure overall health. MCHC is a measure of the concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells. MCHC is a measure of the average amount of hemoglobin inside of a single red blood cell, and its often ordered as part of a CBC panel. Always check your lab's reference range on your results report. Manathakkali Juice. Learn more about low MCHC and its possible causes. Hyperchromic (high MCHC) is diagnostic of hereditary spherocytosis, hemolysis and sickle cell disease. The value after a cesarean section is about 12,710 per mm. Signs and symptoms of an elevated WBC count in nonpregnant adults may include: Many pregnant individuals experience more white blood cells during their pregnancies. Enjoy the pregnancy Newborns also have higher WBC counts than most healthy adults. should not be construed as a substitute for advice from a medical professional or health care provider. Your healthcare provider might order one for you to help diagnose or monitor certain conditions. A low score on the Hct range scale may be a sign of iron deficiency. Symptoms of autoimmune hemolytic anemia may include the. Signs of a serious condition may include: An increased neutrophil count during pregnancy may also be linked to gestational diabetes. Treatment of Anemia With a Low or High MCH, Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet. In addition to MCHC, a CBC provides a good amount of information about the body's cells, including the total number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, as well as the previously mentioned red blood cell indices: Other tests may be done to further clarify information found on the CBC and help diagnose a specific type of anemia. There can be various reasons for a high MCHC. Severe burns: Burns may cause a person to have hemolytic anemia and high MCHC. They often share similar symptoms but have different causes as well as different treatments and severity. When the bleeding has stopped, a bandage or gauze will be applied to your arm to keep the area clean and to reduce the chance of further bleeding. So it is very common to have iron deficiency during pregnancy. Here are thenormalCBC values from pregnancyfirst to third trimesters. Read more, Todays TipsIf you're pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, you probably know some of the basic pregnancy advice The symptoms of these conditions vary. ", Harvard Medical School: "The A list of B12 foods," "Vitamin B12 deficiency can be sneaky, harmful. They contain enzyme granules, which form in the cytoplasm (a thick, semi-fluid solution that fills each cell). The stimulus is unknown, but as RDW changes are These may be pills or shots (injections). Consult privately with the doctor of your choice. Dietary sources of vitamin B-12 and folate include: If a person has hereditary spherocytosis, a doctor may also recommend: Liver disease can often be managed with lifestyle modifications. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia can also develop along with another existing condition, such as lupus or lymphoma. If the intake of iron is not enough as per demand, the deficiency of iron causes low MCH. Health conditions that affect hemoglobin or hematocrit levels can give a false MCHC result. From the moment they are told they have a high-risk p Third trimester: 0.48 - 4.71 uIU/mL. This increase is greater than the associated increase in the red blood cell mass resulting in physiological anemia (associated with low RBC, Hb, Hct. People hospitalized with burns on greater than 10 percent of their body often have hemolytic anemia. We avoid using tertiary references. Low MCHC levels may be a predictor in outcome of certain cases of heart attack or pulmonary embolism. A lack of iron can impact the production of healthy red blood cells and, thus, your MCHC levels. For women, the range is between 36.9% and 44.6%. When you have iron deficiency anemia, you may have symptomslike: An anemia with a high MCH level could also be a sign that you don't have enough vitamin B12 or other nutrients. MCHC is measured in conjunction with MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume), WBC (white blood cell) and RBC (red blood cell) tests to diagnose anemia. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin. Increased mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration: Artefact or pathological condition? While a high blood cell count is normal during pregnancy, there may be signs of serious conditions. National Cancer Institute. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. In infants and toddlers, the numbers look different. Asking for my wife. Its important to note that the WBC count can also be elevated for other reasons. 2016;4(10):190. doi:10.21037/atm.2016.03.42. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. . MCHC is calculated by multiplying the hemoglobin level times 10 and then dividing by the hematocrit level, which is the volume percentage of red blood cells in your blood. When the condition has no determinable cause, its called idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia. A blood transfusion can help combat the condition. Usually, it develops during the third trimester and influences about 1 in 20 pregnancies. MCHC and other RBC indices on a CBC are evaluated if you have signs or symptoms of anemia. The Endocrine Society recommends that TSH levels be maintained between 0.2-<2.5 mU/L in the first trimester of pregnancy and between 0.3-3 mU/L in the remaining . In: StatPearls. Well go over normal hemoglobin ranges for adults, children, and. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. All of these are important parts of the immune system, which is greatly responsible for keeping the mother and the child free from any type of infection. The outlook for a person with high MCHC varies depending on the underlying cause. There are usually no signs or symptoms that can be felt or detected. When infection or inflammation enters the body, granulocytes rush to the area, releasing their granules to fight infection. A MCHC result may be high in people with some types of anemia, liver disease, or an overactive thyroid. A high MCHC (hyperchromia) can mean that there is a higher hemoglobin concentration in red blood cells than usual. Dorgalaleh A, Mahmoodi M, Varmaghani B, et al. ReadDr. Amos' full bio, the book about him "Lessons in Survival: All About Amos," and afictionalized account of his father's lifein the novel, "Through Walter's Lens.". Measuring hemoglobin through an MCHC blood test can help determine whether you have a medical condition, for MCHC levels that are too low or high can signal several conditions. An MCHC blood test may be used as a preliminary check for anemia. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Copyright 2017, Practo. Elevated first-trimester neutrophil count is closely associated with the development of maternal gestational diabetes mellitus and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Symptoms can include: Taking folic acid supplements or eating a diet high in folic acid can promote red blood cell production. MCHC Low 31.71 33.4-35.5 % Mean Cell Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) is the average concentration (amount) of Hgb in one RBC. Signs and symptoms of an elevated WBC count in nonpregnant adults may include: 7 Fever Swelling Bruising Bleeding Fatigue Weakness Night sweats Unintentional weight loss What Are the Symptoms of Pregnancy? MCH is particularly important when testing for anemia. (2011, May). A similar measure to MCH is something doctors call "mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration" (MCHC). MCHC during pregnancy [9]. This type of anemia can happen for a number of reasons, including: Higher-than-normal MCHC results may also be attributable to hereditary spherocytosis, a rare genetic condition in which the body makes abnormally shaped red blood cells. A high score could mean youre dehydrated. MCV measures the average size of your red blood cells. (2106, February 12). Anemia could occur if the red blood cells carry lesser . Increasing levels of vitamin B-12 and folate can also help to treat people with macrocytic anemia. Shortness of breath is a common symptom of anemia. If severe burns cause high MCHC, doctors will likely order blood transfusions. Which treatment you need depends on the condition that raised or lowered your MCH level. It is a value seen on a complete blood count (CBC), which includes information about the total number of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other red blood cell indices. When you are pregnant, numerous changes are going on in your body. A high score could mean you're dehydrated. Huang YL, Hu ZD. Labpedia. Doctors use information from the CBC to calculate your MCH. The accuracy of these figures could change depending on the testing apparatus. St Louis, MO: Elsevier, Qu X, Zhang T, Ma H, Sui P, Du J. g/L. If you have a bleeding polyp or tumor, you may need surgery to remove it. First Trimester. A nurse will insert a needle into your arm and take a blood sample. Immunology. After a vaginal delivery, the WBC count drops to about 12,620 neutrophils per microliter. The blood test can be helpful in diagnosing anemia. Megaloblastic anemia and other causes of macrocytosis. A CBC is a common blood test. Sarma, P. R. (1990). Can diet help improve depression symptoms? If a digestive tract problem causes your anemia, your provider may treat that first. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. The most common reason an MCH test is as part of a complete blood count (CBC) test. For instance, MCHC may be falsely increased due to cold agglutinin disease (CAD), a rare autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks red blood cells. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments here. Depending on the kind you have, anemia may cause high MCHC. Talk to your doctor about your blood test results. Learn how it's done and what the results can mean. Hemoglobin C disease. Using a small needle, a healthcare provider will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm. merckmanuals.com/home/blood-disorders/anemia/autoimmune-hemolytic-anemia, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/complete-blood-count, labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cbc/tab/test/, ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/hereditary-spherocytosis#definition, seattlechildrens.org/medical-conditions/heart-blood-conditions/hereditary-spherocytosis/, labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cbc/mchc-refrange/. This is called gestational thrombocytopenia and occurs in about 5% of pregnancies. 2015;92(11):1004-1011. MCHC is commonly ordered as part of a complete blood count (CBC) panel. Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition due to high levels of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. Your doctor can diagnose autoimmune hemolytic anemia using a blood test, such as a CBC panel. Background . Your doctor will also use blood tests, such as a CBC panel, to learn more about the severity of the condition. Maternal health problems. Avoid lifting weights and stress and intercourses 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. If your MCHC value is above 35.5 grams per deciliter, you have high MCHC. What Is MCH and What Do High and Low Values Mean? An MCHC that is below or above the normal range can develop for a number of reasons. What are the complications of folate-deficiency anemia? That could happen if you have low vitamin B12 or folate levels. Pregnancy Trimester Three: 319 to 355 g/L. Previous studies have shown that increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is an independent predictor for worse outcomes in coronary artery disease. Treatments for anemia and the conditions that cause it may include: Editors Note: Low levels of MCHC have been shown to be associated with poorer outcomes among people hospitalized with acute heart attack or acute pulmonary embolism. Thus, it becomes possible to safeguard the health of both the mother and the baby. You might also get these tests if your physician thinks you have some other disease. Depending on your results, your healthcare provider might talk to you about the potential cause of a high or low reading. Based on the ROC curves the sensitivity of MCHC and the MCH were 74.6 and 88.9% reaching for women with iron deficiency respectively. ", Medscape: "Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC). Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) measures the weight of the average amount of hemoglobin in one red blood cell. A higher concentration of hemoglobin with high MCHC makes the cells appear darker (hyperchromic), while a low concentration with low MCHC makes them appear lighter (hypochromic). Other factors, such as cancer treatment, can also affect it. MDApp. Learn more about low MCHC and its possible causes. Black Nightshade greens also known as Ganika soppu or kashi soppu has a whopping 20 mg of iron per 100 g. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) refers to the average concentration of hemoglobin inside a group of red blood cells. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) calculator. I am 22 weeks pregnant, I am having eczema on my hand fingers dermatologist doctor advised to, I am 18 weeks pregnant and I was advised to take Susten 300 Mg since very beginning of my pregnancy. A higher or lower than normal MCHC may indicate a type of anemia. Your MCHC stands for mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Taking tazloc once a day. The small amount of blood that the needle takes is collected into a vial. There are several potential causes of high MCHC. MCH levels over 34 pg are generally considered abnormally high. ReadDr. Amos' full bio, the book about him "Lessons in Survival: All About Amos," and afictionalized account of his father's lifein the novel, "Through Walter's Lens.". A normal range of white blood cells in healthy, non-pregnant adults is 4,500 to 11,000 neutrophils per microliter. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Reference ranges for blood tests are 32 to 36 g/dL (320 to 360g/L), [1] or between 4.81 and 5.58 mmol/L. No, neutrophils and other white blood cells will decrease after childbirth. What happens when the MCHC level is high? 2017;15(2):43-45. doi: 10.1016/j.jccase.2016.10.005. In general, normal TSH levels during pregnancy include: First trimester (9 to 12 weeks): 0.18 - 2.99 (uIU/mL). Normal range of MCHC found among . If a healthcare provider determines that anemia is the cause of your low or high MCHC levels, they will want to figure out what is causing the anemia and treat that cause. By Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH Symptoms of autoimmune hemolytic anemia include: If destruction of red blood cells is very mild, you may not experience any symptoms. If your RBCs are bigger than normal, your MCV goes up. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. MCHC below or above the normal limit may be a sign of anemia, meaning you do not have enough healthy red blood cells. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Additionally, conditions where hemoglobin is present outside of red blood cells due to red blood cell destruction or fragility can produce a high MCHC value. They fear they will gain too much weight and never get back Know, however, that your MCHC value may be normal with many types of anemia (normochromic anemias), such as: The reference or "normal" range for MCHC can vary somewhat between different labs, but it is usually between 32 g/dL to 36 g/dL (or 320 g/L to 360 g/L). Last medically reviewed on March 24, 2018, Microcytic anemia occurs when the body does not get enough oxygen and cannot provide enough energy to all organs and tissues, causing pale skin and, Nutritional-deficiency anemia happens when the body does not get enough iron or a few other nutrients from the diet. We, therefore, tested the hypothesis that women in the follicular phase exhibit higher coagulability. It's the average amount in each of your red blood cells of a protein called hemoglobin, which carries oxygen around your body. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost. And depending on any symptoms you may have and your past medical history, they will likely talk to you about treatment options to address your anemia. A hematocrit test is a measurement of the red blood cells in your blood. Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, is a freelance health writer with over a decade of experience working as a registered nurse in a variety of clinical settings. A high dose may be given initially and then gradually reduced over time. Low MCHC indicates that red blood cells are less capable of delivering oxygen to the body's tissues. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your blood values. ", Indian Journal of Hematology & Blood Transfusion: "Evaluation of macrocytosis in routine hemograms. Overactive thyroid: Thyroid problems frequently lead to changes in a persons red blood cells. During pregnancy, the number of neutrophils in the blood naturally increases in response to the extra stress that pregnancy puts on a person's body. Definition of white blood cell. Please read my page on Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Pregnancy. Ann Transl Med. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration ( MCHC) is a measure of the concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of packed red blood cell. A-F, Correlation between MCHC and RBC deformability during lo w, moderate and high shear force exposure. This is an inherited blood disorder in which you have fewer red blood cells and less hemoglobin present in your body. Too high or low MCHC levels can indicate health conditions such as anemia, characterized by dysfunctional red blood cells. Symptoms, treatments, causes, and more. How Can You Increase Your Red Blood Cells? B12 Deficiency in Pregnancy by: Kerri Knox, RN Hi Amy, Please read my page on MCV Blood Test. The technician will then insert the needle into a vein. Kannan, A., Tilak, V., Rai, M., & Gupta, V. (2016, July). Read more, It is challenging for parents to go through a high-risk pregnancy. Platelets make up the trio of the types of blood cells and are the smallest of the three types; however, their importance is huge. Your doctor can order this panel for any of the following reasons: The CBC panel gives your doctor information about three types of cells in your blood: white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. In addition to his current work, Dr. Amos is using his vast experience to launch Obie, a science-based app that offers personalized fertility advice. However, as parameters to classify different types of anemia together with MCV, the relationship between mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and long-term outcomes in acute coronary . My AFI (amniotic flu, Hi I have high blood pressure since 2 years . Youll have a high MCHC value if theres an increased concentration of hemoglobin inside of your red blood cells. High blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid disease, heart or blood disorders, poorly controlled asthma, and infections can increase . High MCHC is not a condition itself but may indicate one of the conditions mentioned above. Complete Blood Count Test (CBC) test is done in the early stages of pregnancy to determine any health issues the expecting mom may have developed. ", Mayo Clinic: "Anemia," "Complete Blood Count (CBC)," "Iron deficiency anemia," "Macrocytosis: What Causes It? It is important to be your own advocate and ask for the actual numbers (for example, your MCHC) rather than whether your CBC is simply in a normal range. For example, hyperlipidemia (an increased level of cholesterol or triglycerides), hyperbilirubinemia (elevated bilirubin levels in the blood, as with liver disease), and autoagglutination (the clumping of red blood cells) will cause the hematocrit level to be falsely high, and the hemoglobin levels to be falsely low. Platelets are responsible for clotting of the blood. Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, is a health writer with over a decade of experience working as a registered nurse. You need iron to make red blood cells. Hemolytic anemia develops when red blood cells break down faster than they can be replaced. Zamora EA, Schaefer CA. Besides MCHC, other red blood cell indices are: If your MCHC is above or below the normal range, your healthcare provider will likely talk with you about potential causes and, if needed, treatment plans to address the cause. What Is a Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) Blood Test? AUTHOR COPY A low mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) count is when there is less hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen, in red blood cells. A doctor may also order a CBC to monitor how an existing condition is responding to treatment. (2011). Your doctor will help you interpret the test results. Red Blood Cell Indices: Types, Uses, Results. A high MCHC level in the blood means: Mild MCHC increase (36 - 37 g/dl in adults): A mild MCHC increase is common in hereditary spherocytosis, a genetic disease where RBCs are sphere-shaped rather than bi-concave. When the test is done, you will be able to return home and resume your regular activities. Red cell indices. Lynne Eldrige, MD, is a lung cancer physician, patient advocate, and award-winning author of "Avoiding Cancer One Day at a Time.". Share actual reports for better understanding Evaluation of patients with leukocytosis. Connect for more details and information here Journal of Cardiology Cases. If hemoglobin is too heavy, not enough oxygen is carried to the organs. At 35-38 weeks of gestation, the 5th percentile Fig. A high MCHC value is often present in conditions where hemoglobin is more concentrated within your red blood cells. Douglas A. Nelson, MD, is a board-certified oncologist and hematologist who previously served for 13 years as a physician in the US Air Force. Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. The MCHC test is rarely if ever, ordered as a lone blood test. A normal range for a 2-week-old is 5,000 to 20,000 neutrophils per microliter. If WBC count is low, you are more prone to infections. It can also occur in conditions where red blood cells are fragile or destroyed, leading to hemoglobin being present outside of the red blood cells. All rights reserved. We have used protection but seems like it faile, Hello doctor I had medical abortion on 9th March. If you have questions about your results, ask your healthcare provider. Sometimes a B-12 deficiency can cause macrocytic anemia. Read more, High risk pregnancies, as the name suggests, is the condition in which the pregnancy is complicated in some way as compa Immature neutrophils are bands and can be detected in a blood test. Any time your immune system detects a foreign body, it sends neutrophils to the blood. Medians are shown, **p<0.01; Mann Whitney U test. Normal Value Range Negative Pregnancy Adult: 310 to 370 g/L Pregnancy Trimester One: 325 to 353 g/L Pregnancy Trimester Two: 324 to 352 g/L Lifestyle choices. Read our, What to Expect When Taking an MCHC Blood Test. Huang YL, Hu ZD. A high MCHC value is often present in conditions where hemoglobin is more concentrated within your red blood cells. They fear they will gain too much weight and never get back. Severe MCHC increase (> 37 g/dl in adults) : RBCs cannot accommodate more than 37 g/dL. Learn more about Obiehere. After ten days we had unprotected sex. Pregnancy is associated with increased platelet activation and accelerated clearance. Arbib N, Aviram A, Gabbay Ben-Ziv R, Sneh O, Yogev Y, Hadar E. The effect of labor and delivery on white blood cell count. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. What is anemia? Serious conditions, such as certain malignancies, may increase the WBC count. However its normal for this to be a bit lower during pregnancy. It is one of the most common causes of increased MCHC [ 18, 19 ]. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. I'm 19 weeks pregnant , my legs are swelling at both feet. She had a high temperatur, Hi Doctor, This hemoglobin test can help diagnose anemia. Gonzalez-Casas, R., Jones, E. A., & Moreno-Otero, R. (2009, October 7). Significance of an abnormally low or high hemoglobin concentration during pregnancy: special consideration of iron nutrition. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that helps our bodies fight off infection. The indices can help diagnose anemia. In: Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? (n.d.). How White Blood Cells Change When Pregnant. The WBC count will continue to decrease to a normal range over time. The value after a cesarean section (C-section) is about 12,710 neutrophils per microliter. My gf is pregnant.. her last period date was 1st march we did unprotected on 17th march and took emergenc, I missed my period and learnt that i am 5weeks pregnant!! Anemias can be categorized into three main pathophysiologies: (1) erythrocyte loss (hemorrhage, third-space bleeds), (2) accelerated erythrocyte destruction (hemolytic anemias), and (3) decreased . This calculates the percentage of red blood cells in your blood. Aslinia, F., Mazza, J. J., & Yale, S. H. (2006, September). Evaluation of clinical, biochemical and hematological parameters in macrocytic anemia. There is no significant change in MCH during pregnancy. Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are round to spindle- . Granulocytes are the most common type of white blood cell. All rights reserved. Hereditary spherocytosis. Medications: In rare cases, high MCHC levels have been found in people taking immunosuppressive or chemotherapy drugs. MCHC checks the average amount of hemoglobin in a group of red blood cells. The increase in blood volume during gestation is attributed to reduced atrial-natriuretic Hereditary spherocytosis. A lab then analyzes the blood sample. Other times, your healthcare provider may call you to give you your results. If your RBCs are low in count, you may have anaemia. If the count of platelets is too low, it means that the blood will not clot soon enough, while the number being high means that the mother is susceptible to sudden internal blood clots and haemorrhages. It often occurs in people with conditions that cause the red blood cells to be fragile or easily destroyed. Your doctor may use both measurements to help in a diagnosis of anemia. A high MCV Blood Test most always means that you have a Vitamin B12 Deficiency. A typical range for a newborn baby is 13,000 to 38,000 neutrophils per microliter. Sometimes, high MCHC develops on its own, but it can also occur alongside lupus or lymphoma. Anemia - treatment and management. Postpartum there was a signicant decline in mean MCHC. Learn more, including how to, Anemia is the most common blood disorder. Medications that can raise the WBC count include: It is normal to have a high white blood cell count during pregnancy. Here's a walk-through of how a sample of blood is drawn for testing. Pregnancy risks are higher for mothers older than age 35. It is normal to have a high white blood cell count during pregnancy. Haemoglobin is the protein in your blood that holds oxygen. Anemia can affect your weight, whether due to its impact on your appetite and activity levels or its underlying cause. 2001-2023 BabyMed.com - All Rights Reserved. 5. MCHC is measured during a CBC, a common test that analyzes the quality of your blood. The normal range for men is between 41.5% and 50.4%. In rare cases, it may be caused by. The Hgb levels, on the other hand, will indicate the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. It helps guarantee a developing fetus's nutrient supply by unleashing energy stored in excess fat cells in a mother's body, according to the Discovery Health website.