Iron deficiency in pregnancy? Beat it now!

April 19, 2020

Iron deficiency and pregnancy

Pregnancy is a critical time in any mother’s life. There are a lot of stresses to cope with, starting months before getting pregnant. Among all the stresses, there are some which can be prevented. Diet and nutrition is one of them. Among dietary lacks, iron deficiency in pregnancy is one of the most popular.

Nutritional deficiency is a preventable cause of many issues when couples are trying to conceive and during pregnancy. It also can cause problems with the fetus development and growth. Conditions like Spina Bifida, for example are a result of folic acid deficiency. Folic acid deficiency is preventable by supplementing mothers with folic acid before and during pregnancy.

Before getting pregnant

Iron is a trace element which has a key role in any women’s health. Iron contributes to normal red blood cells and haemoglobin levels. Enough haemoglobin is a must in providing oxygen for the body organs such as brain, heart, or muscles. Another important role of iron is to make sure body cells are working normally. For example, our reproductive system is a cascade of signals and hormones, which leads to the formation of ovum and sperm. Lack of iron may lead to dysfunction of the cells producing these hormones. Thus, infertility may happen.

During pregnancy

Pregnancy is divided to three semesters, each three months. In the first trimester, your baby starts to develop and its organs will start to function. This process needs enough energy and oxygen in order to progress correctly. Otherwise it will result in developmental defects. Considering the role of iron in formation of haemoglobin and oxygen transfer, it is essential to have enough iron stores in your body.

Blood volume increases starting from the first trimester. The main volume gain will be at the second and third trimester. To compensate with increased volume, red blood cells mass needs to be increased. The problem is its increase won’t be as much as blood volume. This will also lead to low heamoglobin and anaemia.

Signs and symptoms

Pregnant women who suffer from low iron status, the following signs and symptoms may appear:

  • Feeling tired
  • Dizziness and feeling light headed
  • Difficulties with breathing
  • Increased heartbeat
  • Pale skin and nails

 

The symptoms are similar to a non-pregnant person but much worse. On the other hand, a pregnant women without anaemia or iron deficiency may have same symptoms because of the pregnancy itself. But again the symptoms will be much worse in case of iron deficiency compared to a non-deficient women.

 

Babies who are born from a mother who had iron deficiency during pregnancy, may suffer from:

  • Low birth weight
  • Delayed growth and development
  • Iron deficiency or even anaemia at birth
  • Developmental abnormalities during fetal period
  • Being born preterm (earlier than the due date)

 

At risks:

Women who are at these conditions are at more risk of iron deficiency:

Women who:

  • Were iron deficient before getting pregnant
  • Had heavy menstrual periods before getting pregnant
  • Have severe vomiting due to morning sickness
  • Are vegan or vegetarian, are on certain diets
  • Suffer from a chronic disease like crohn’s or celiac disease
  • Are not getting enough iron from their diet or do not use any supplements
  • Are pregnant with two or more babies
  • Got pregnant in a row and in a short period

 

Before getting pregnant, one of the first lab exams necessary to do, is a full blood count and a ferritin level. With this exam, your doctor will know about your iron levels. Then they will supplement you with the proper dose of iron, to avoid iron deficiency during pregnancy. One of the concerns of pregnant women is that iron supplement usually does not taste good. They also complain about the stomach upset caused by them. Using an iron supplement with the technology which does not have these side effects is the answer. You can use Irofix to reach these goals.

It is good to keep in mind that nutritional habits play a great role during pregnancy. Therefore you have to be careful about the nutritional values of what you eat. Get enough proteins and micronutrients, and avoid salted, oily and canned foods. It is also important to catch up with your doctor appointments, in order to make sure that everything is going well. Avoid smoking and have a routine workout plan.

And always remember that a happy healthy child needs a happy and healthy family.

Keywords : , , , , , , , , ,