Key Takeaways
- Iron in pregnancy is important for both the mother and the baby. Meeting your daily iron requirement in pregnancy can help prevent anemia and complications.
- Dame Health’s Pregnancy Support Plus is an all-in-one prenatal dietary supplement that covers your iron and folic acid requirements in pregnancy, supports fetal growth, and keeps you energized.
In This Article
Understanding Iron And Its Role In Pregnancy
Benefits Of Taking Iron Tablets During Pregnancy
Risks Of Iron Deficiency During Pregnancy
Common Signs And Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency In Pregnancy
Strategies To Combat Iron Deficiency In Pregnancy
When you are expecting, every nutrient in your body counts. But when we talk about iron in pregnancy, it's a total game-changer. Iron for pregnant women is responsible for energy levels, the baby's growth, and overall prenatal wellness.
Yet, iron deficiency in pregnancy is very common. Between the morning sickness, nutritional gaps, and the extra blood volume the body needs to nurture the growing baby, it's very easy to fall short on your daily iron requirement in pregnancy. That is where Dame Health's prenatal supplements come in. These health supplements are rich in iron and folic acid that can step up to fill in the dietary gaps and reinforce overall wellness for you and your little one.
Besides prenatal tablets, Dame Health also has some amazing sleep supplements, plant protein, and couple pre conception bundle that you can try out.
Understanding Iron And Its Role In Pregnancy
Iron in pregnancy is not just about maintaining your energy levels, but about supporting life itself.
So, what makes iron such an important part of your prenatal vitamin supplement? Iron is the core component of hemoglobin, a protein in the red blood cells that is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
During pregnancy, your blood volume nearly doubles (1), which means your total iron requirement in pregnancy is going to increase. To that end, your body needs more iron to make enough hemoglobin, not just for you, but also for your baby's developing organs and tissues. If there is an iron deficiency in pregnancy, your cells are going to struggle to get oxygen, leading to extreme exhaustion, dizziness, and even complications like low birth weight or premature birth.
Benefits Of Taking Iron Tablets During Pregnancy
If there is one health supplement that deserves a permanent spot on your prenatal checklist, it's iron tablets during pregnancy. Here are the benefits of taking iron in your prenatal routine.
1. Prevents Fatigue
Iron helps in transporting oxygen efficiently throughout your body. By maintaining healthy hemoglobin levels, you can reduce pregnancy-related tiredness and boost your energy levels.
2. Supports Increased Blood Volume
Your body's blood volume increases by around 50% during pregnancy. Taking iron tablets during pregnancy is going to make sure that your blood can carry enough oxygen for both you and your little one.
3. Reduces Anemia Risk
One of the most common pregnancy complications is iron deficiency anemia. When you take a proper diet and iron tablets in pregnancy, this can significantly lower the risk of the same.
4. Ensures Fetal Health
Adequate iron can support fetal brain development. It helps your baby grow stronger and smarter.
5. Improves Oxygen Supply
Iron-rich blood will ensure that every cell in your body, as well as your baby's, receives enough oxygen to thrive.
Risks Of Iron Deficiency During Pregnancy
Just as important as it is to know the iron benefits, it is also of consequence to understand what happens when your body does not get enough iron. When the iron levels in your body dip, iron deficiency during pregnancy can lead to serious health issues for you and your child.
Risks for the Baby
- Neurodevelopmental Issues
Insufficient oxygen can affect the baby's brain development and cognitive function. (2)
- Low Birth Weight & Preterm Birth
Low iron levels can increase the risk of early delivery and lower birth weight.
- Growth Restriction
Iron deficiency can also slow fetal growth.
- Compromised Fetal Iron Stores
Babies who are born to iron-deficient mothers often have lower iron stores in their bodies at birth.
Risks for the Mother
- Maternal Complications
A very common symptom of iron deficiency in pregnancy is fatigue. Mothers who do not take enough iron as part of their prenatal supplements tend to experience shortness of breath and weakness.
- Maternal Illness
Low iron can also affect immune function, making you more prone to infections.
- Heart Issues
Severe anemia can force your heart to work harder to supply oxygen to your body.
- Mood Changes
Low iron levels have been linked to higher chances of mood changes in new mothers.
Common Signs And Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency In Pregnancy
Iron deficiency can sneak up very quietly, but here are some symptoms that can help you spot it early.
- Fatigue and Weakness
The most common symptom of iron deficiency sign to start taking iron for pregnant women is fatigue. This is caused by reduced oxygen supply.
- Shortness of Breath
If you are left gasping for air even after light activity, it could be a sign for you to check your prenatal dietary supplements for iron.
- Dizziness and Lightheadedness
If you feel lightheaded, it means that your brain is not getting enough oxygen.
- Pale Skin
This is a telltale sign of reduced red blood cells.
- Cold Extremities
It is caused by poor blood flow from low hemoglobin levels.
- Headaches
Oxygen deprivation can often trigger headaches.
- Rapid or Pounding Heartbeat
This is because your heart is working overtime to deliver oxygen.
- Restless Legs Syndrome
Iron deficiency can also impact nerve function.
- Pica
If you have unusual cravings like chewing ice or clay, it is a sign of low iron.
Strategies To Combat Iron Deficiency In Pregnancy
If you are looking for prenatal iron supplements for healthy pregnancy outcomes or want to know more about what you can do to experience iron benefits during pregnancy, here is some information that you can check out;
1. Dietary Strategies
Include iron-rich foods to support prenatal supplementation, such as eggs, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals. Pair with vitamin C-rich foods (like oranges or tomatoes) to boost absorption.
2. Iron Supplements
Add iron supplements combined with prenatal vitamins with folic acid for prenatal health; like Pregnancy Support Plus. This prenatal dietary supplement has been designed to meet every phase of your pregnancy, right from the first trimester to the last. Packed with the power of iron, folic acid, choline, and probiotics, this supplement for women offers complete support for you and your little one. It promotes healthy hemoglobin levels, prevents iron deficiency in pregnancy, boosts immunity, and supports your baby's brain development. Moreover, it also has the goodness of natural ginger extract to ease nausea and probiotics to boost digestion.
3. Monitoring & Management
Regular blood tests help track hemoglobin and ferritin levels. If iron tablets upset your stomach, your doctor might recommend slow-release or intravenous options.
4. Lifestyle Adjustments
Avoid taking calcium supplements or tea/coffee right after meals. As this can reduce iron absorption.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much iron do pregnant women need daily?
The daily iron requirement in pregnancy is around 27 mg (3). A good prenatal supplement is going to ensure that you meet this requirement without overdoing it.
2. Can taking too much iron harm me or my baby?
Excessive iron can cause digestive discomfort or constipation. Therefore, it is always a good idea to follow the advice of your health care provider.
3. When to start taking iron supplements during pregnancy?
Ideally, you should start from the first trimester. We have some of the best prenatal vitamins and supplements containing iron and folic acid to support your well-being.
4. Can I take iron with other prenatal vitamins?
Pregnancy Support Plus combines multiple essential nutrients that can be taken in synergy for better absorption and balance.
5. Can iron deficiency cause fatigue and weakness in pregnancy?
Low iron means less oxygen delivery. This can lead to tiredness, weakness, and dizziness.
6. How does iron help prevent low birth weight?
Iron helps prevent low birth weight by supporting the production of hemoglobin, which in turn ensures proper oxygen supply to the fetus, thus supporting its development.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK235217/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6254649/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8918165/
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