What is the minimal hemoglobin level considered normal during the second trimester?

During the second trimester of pregnancy, the normal hemoglobin level is typically considered to be around 10.5 grams per deciliter. This reflects the physiological changes occurring during pregnancy, such as increased plasma volume, which can dilute hemoglobin levels. As a result, while hemoglobin concentrations may appear lower than non-pregnant values, they remain within the acceptable range for pregnant individuals. Hemoglobin levels lower than this may indicate anemia, which can have implications for both the mother and the developing fetus. The choice of 10.5 is rooted in clinical guidelines that recognize this level as the threshold below which further assessment and intervention may be necessary to ensure maternal and fetal health.