Why do unborn babies need iron?
Iron is a key nutrient and is essential for the developing fetus, neonate, infant, and child. Iron requirements are high during early stages of life because it is critically important for the production of new red blood cells and muscle cells as well as brain development.
What causes low iron during pregnancy?
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia in pregnancy. Folate-deficiency anemia. Folate is the vitamin found naturally in certain foods like green leafy vegetables A type of B vitamin, the body needs folate to produce new cells, including healthy red blood cells. During pregnancy, women need extra folate.
Is iron tablets necessary in pregnancy?
A lot of pregnant women take iron supplements because they think their bodies need more iron during pregnancy. Pregnant women with normal iron levels in their blood are also often advised to take iron supplements in order to prevent anemia. Mild anemia doesn’t affect the child, though.
What happens if you don t get enough iron while pregnant?
How does iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy affect the baby? Severe anemia during pregnancy increases your risk of premature birth, having a low birth weight baby and postpartum depression. Some studies also show an increased risk of infant death immediately before or after birth.
How can I quickly raise my iron levels?
You can enhance your body’s absorption of iron by drinking citrus juice or eating other foods rich in vitamin C at the same time that you eat high-iron foods. Vitamin C in citrus juices, like orange juice, helps your body to better absorb dietary iron. Vitamin C is also found in: Broccoli.
What should I eat if I have low iron during pregnancy?
Preventing Anemia
- Eat iron-rich foods such as meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dried beans and fortified grains.
- Eat foods high in folic acid, such as dried beans, dark green leafy vegetables, wheat germ and orange juice.
- Eat foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and fresh, raw vegetables.
What is the best time to take iron tablets during pregnancy?
The best way to ensure that your body completely absorbs iron is to take it in the morning on an empty stomach. When you’re pregnant, you need at least 27 mg of iron every day, which is almost twice the amount you normally need. That’s because your body has an increased blood volume.
What should your iron levels be when pregnant?
We will also offer you routine blood tests when you book for your pregnancy and again when you are 28 weeks pregnant. What is iron deficiency anaemia? We expect your haemoglobin level to be at least 110 g/L in the first trimester, 105 g/L at 28 weeks and 100g/L following delivery.