Low Iron During Pregnancy
Having low iron during pregnancy can lead to a common condition known as anaemia. What this means is that a pregnant woman’s body does not produce enough red blood cells to carry the proper amount of oxygen throughout the body. This of course leads to fatigue and unusual tiredness.
One of the most important components to producing these red blood cells is iron.
The Role Of Red Blood Cells
Red blood cells take the oxygen from your lungs and carry it to all of the essential cells throughout your body.
It cannot be put any more simply than the fact that red blood cells are vital to all human life. Without these cells you would not get the proper amount of oxygen to live. It doesn’t get any more basic than that.
Iron Deficiency During Pregnancy
An expectant mother will have almost 50% more blood than she did before she became pregnant, which means her need for iron will go up substantially. Not only is iron important for the mother, but it is also vital for the placenta, which supplies your unborn baby with the required nutrients he or she needs to thrive.
Also, pregnant women who have anaemia are also more susceptible to illness and infections. This is why it is extremely important that you are monitoring your iron intake and ensuring that you get an adequate amount on a daily basis.
Who Is Most At Risk For Anaemia?
Any pregnant woman can be at risk for anaemia, but there are some women who are more susceptible than others and these include:
- Women carrying twins or triplets
- Vegetarians
- Women who have pregnancies less than two years apart
How Do You Know If You Have Anaemia?
You will be tested early on in your pregnancy for this condition, and once again around 28 weeks. However, there are some symptoms you can look for that may indicate you are suffering from anaemia and these include:
- fatigue and tiredness
- loss of color in your skin
- headaches
- difficulty breathing
How Do I Prevent Getting This Condition?
One of the best ways to ensure that you don’t get anaemia is to eat foods that are a good source of iron such as:
- red meats
- eggs
- broccoli
- spinach
- beans
- whole-grain cereals
You also may want to discuss the possibility of taking iron supplements with your doctor before you plan on becoming pregnant, to help properly prepare your body for the pregnancy.
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