Pregnancy and Iron

The body normally requires 18mg per day of iron, but when you are pregnant, the body needs at least 27mg of this vital mineral.

There are two types of iron; one is heme which is found in meat, fish and poultry. It is absorbed most easily by the body. The other one is Nonheme, the type found in legumes, grains and fortified stuff like cereal. It is hard for the body to absorb. You should try to include more of heme iron in your diet.

Why is it needed?

Normally, the body requires iron to produce hemoglobin. It is also a major component of myoglobin (which supplies oxygen to the muscles), collagen (protein present in connective tissues) and many enzymes. It is also required to maintain a healthy immune system. But when you are pregnant, the body needs it for more number of uses than the normal ones. Some of them are:

• Your body requires double the blood when you are pregnant. More iron is required to make more hemoglobin.
• It helps in growing the baby and the placenta, especially during the last two trimesters.
• If you are one of those women who start their pregnancy with insufficient amount of iron, you need more of it.

The CDC recommends an iron supplement of that contains 30mg of it, per day. It is recommended because even if you are pregnant (your body absorbs it more easily) because you may not get enough of it from your diet.

What if I don’t get enough?

Like a rich person without a job, if you do not get enough of iron, your body reserves will deplete over time. At the point when you don’t have enough of it in your blood, you become anemic. Anemic people find it much harder to fight against diseases. Also, they tire more easily. In case of pregnancy, not getting enough of iron can cause preterm birth, low birth weight and a fetal or newborn death. Also, babies whose mother is anemic are at a greater risk of suffering from it themselves.

Best food sources

Some of the edible stuff that contains iron is:

• Red meat
• Oysters
• Turkey
• Chicken breast
• Pork loin
• Beef
• Fortified cereal
• Soybeans, kidney beans
• Lentils
• Chickpeas
• Bread
• Spinach
• Tofu
• Raisins
• Orange and other juices

You can also talk to your dietician about some other sources.

You need to keep a check on the amount of iron you are taking because too much of it can lead to constipation and nausea. Consult your doctor if you feel such symptoms.

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2. Vegetarian Pregnancy
3. Pregnancy and Calcium
4. Riboflavin: the “energizing” Vitamin B
5. Nutrition Tips for Healthy Pregnancy
6. Pregnancy and Fluoride
7. Prevent Birth Defects with Folic Acid
8. Pregnancy and Weight Gain
9. Be Cautious With What You Eat During Pregnancy
10. Heartburning Foods that You Should Avoid During Pregnancy