Iron is an essential nutrient for a healthy pregnancy. It is important in transporting oxygen to the baby and avoiding complications such as preterm labour and low birth weight. Despite this, many women suffer from symptoms of low iron in pregnancy which can impact both foetal and maternal health.
Knowing the signs of iron deficiency and how to boost iron levels can ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Signs You Need More Iron During Pregnancy
Iron is involved in the formation of haemoglobin which colours blood red. Without enough iron, your skin and nails may appear abnormally pale, indicating anaemia.
Shortness of breath- While you are pregnant, your body needs more oxygen, and iron supplements for pregnancy will ensure there is adequate transport of oxygen. If you notice shortness of breath when doing normal activity, then it is a symptom of iron deficiency.
Dizziness and headaches- Low levels of iron can lower oxygen delivery to the brain, causing dizziness and headaches. If such symptoms persist, you may need to include iron supplements for women in your regime to rebuild your levels.
Weakness and Fatigue- One of the first and most prevalent symptoms of low iron in pregnancy is fatigue. If you feel extremely tired even after sleeping well, it may show iron deficiency caused by low haemoglobin levels.
Pale skin and nails- Iron helps the production of haemoglobin, which makes blood red. Iron deficiency can cause your skin and nails to appear abnormally pale, indicating anaemia.
Heart palpitations– A fast and irregular heartbeat is another sign of impending iron deficiency. Because iron helps in the production of red blood cells, its deficiency can strain the heart, resulting in palpitations.
Cravings for non-food items – Unusual cravings for substances such as dirt, clay or ice might be a symptom of iron deficiency. If you notice such cravings, it is important to get your iron levels checked and take a prenatal multivitamin with iron to maintain good nutrition.
Frequent infections- Iron is needed for a healthy immune system. Pregnant women with low iron levels are more prone to infections, as their bodies cannot fight viruses and bacteria effectively.
Iron Supplement for Pregnancy
Iron supplements for pregnancy are among the best methods of preventing and treating pregnancy iron deficiency. These supplements ensure that optimal amounts of iron are always present while also lowering the chances of anaemia.
Your doctors can prescribe you a prenatal tablet with iron to meet your daily iron needs. Always consult your doctor’s advice while taking supplements to prevent any complications.
Iron supplements for women
Women, particularly pregnant women, lactating women, or women with heavy menstrual periods, need more iron to maintain healthy blood levels. Iron supplements for women are formulated to meet their higher nutritional requirements and avoid deficiencies. If you have difficulty with low energy, frequent infections, or low iron in pregnancy symptoms, incorporating an iron supplement into your regime can be helpful.
How to boost iron levels?
Understanding how to boost iron levels is crucial for having a healthy pregnancy. Here are some effective ways to raise your iron level.
Eat Iron-Rich Foods – A healthy diet is essential for a healthy pregnancy. Some of the iron-rich foods are as follows-
Legumes(chickpea, beans, lentils)
Fish
Poultry(turkey , chicken)
Fish
Red meat
Green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach)
Whole grains and fortified cereals
Avoid iron blockers
Some foods and beverages hinder iron absorption. Avoid consuming excessive amounts of coffee, tea, milk and calcium-rich foods when taking iron supplements for pregnancy to ensure optimal absorption.
Boost vitamin consumption
Vitamin C improves iron absorption. To increase iron intake from food and supplements, consume citrus food foods such as bell peppers, strawberries and tomatoes with your meals.
Choose a prenatal multivitamin with iron
A well-designed prenatal tablet with iron provides essential nutrients such as folic acid, calcium and vitamin D in addition to iron. This prevents deficiencies and supports general maternal and foetal health.
Look for Trimacare iron supplements for pregnancy. Trimacare multivitamin tablet is created by a team of doctors, pharmacologists and nutritionists under the guidelines of WHO and ICMR. Trimacare prenatal tablets provide 20+ nutrients in a single tablet, eliminating the necessity of pregnant women taking multiple prenatal pills and making it highly convenient.
The time-release iron present in Trimacare prenatal multivitamin with iron reduces gastrointestinal discomforts and bloating, which are commonly linked to iron supplements, without turning stools black.
Further, Trimacare iron supplements for women contain a bowel regulator to prevent constipation during pregnancy.
Conclusion
Iron deficiency can result in severe health risks for the mother and infant. Identifying low iron in pregnancy symptoms and taking proper measures to improve iron levels is important. Along with iron supplements for women, eating a healthy diet rich in nutrients, and choosing a prenatal multivitamin with iron will ensure proper iron levels.
FAQs
What is the difference between heme and non-heme iron?
Heme iron, derived from animal products, is readily absorbed by the body, but non-heme iron, derived from plant products, needs vitamin C for enhanced absorption.
How are prenatal vitamins useful in iron supplementation?
A prenatal multivitamin with iron provides you with the amount of iron you need, along with other nutrients like calcium and folic acid necessary for a healthy pregnancy.
How long does it take to correct iron deficiency in pregnancy?
It usually will take weeks to months for levels of iron to become normal based on the amount of deficiency and your body’s effectiveness in absorbing iron.
Can I obtain sufficient iron from the diet itself without supplements?
It’s possible but difficult. Most pregnant women still require iron supplements for women to achieve the daily recommended intake.
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