Importance of Iron in Pregnancy
Ever been diagnosed with iron deficiency?
Planning a pregnancy?
Before that, you should know everything related to iron.
Iron is an essential nutrient and a significant component of hemoglobin which carries oxygen to the body parts. In the body, iron is essential for maintaining many vital functions, including the immune system and metabolic processes. Iron is not just important for pregnancy but even after pregnancy. Let’s understand how iron plays a role in pregnancy and how its deficiency can affect a baby’s growth.
During the second and third trimesters, most pregnant women lack the necessary amount of iron as a result of dietary intake which can put them at risk of anemia. Anemia increases the risk of blood loss during labor which makes it more difficult to fight infection. A woman needs iron significantly during pregnancy because iron is important for:
- meeting the demands of the fetus and placenta
- the higher production of red blood cells
- during the delivery of a baby
Iron deficiency can affect the growth of a baby, especially during the first trimester:-
- Higher risk of having iron deficiency even after birth.
- Risk of premature delivery
- Intrauterine growth retardation
- Low birth baby
- Poor intellectual development
These complications can be avoided if the mother takes sufficient iron.
When should women start taking iron and how much iron should take?
A woman should start taking a low-dose iron supplement (30 mg a day) before the first prenatal appointment or before planning any pregnancy. In most cases, the doctor will prescribe prenatal vitamins during the first visit.
How you can treat iron deficiency during pregnancy?
Increased iron intake can reduce complications associated with iron deficiency.
Simple changes in your diet can make a huge difference to your pregnancy.
Diet:
- A glass of orange juice: Vitamin C helps boost iron absorption
- Prune juice: Helps with constipation which extra iron brings with it.
- Bean and lentils: Rich in fiber and protein, and their iron content is hard to beat.
- Spinach: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and iron, too., helpful during pregnancy.
- Broccoli: Have a lot of nutrients, beneficial in pregnancy. Contains a hefty amount of vitamin C, which helps with iron absorption.
Iron supplement:
Oral iron tablets are very effective in increasing iron stores and hemoglobin levels. Some iron tablets contain folic acid and vitamin C, which help with the absorption of iron from the gut.
The most common side effects experienced with these iron tablets are nausea, bloating, and constipation.
Keep in mind that the timing of iron uptake is important. An hour before and an hour after you consume iron supplements avoid milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, spinach, whole grains, coffee, and tea since they can hinder your iron absorption.
Discuss with your Doctor before it’s too late.
Don’t stay in the Dark!!
