Iron is an essential mineral that the body needs, particularly during pregnancy. Iron plays a crucial role in the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. During pregnancy, the blood volume will significantly increase. This extra blood is needed to support the growth of the fetus and placenta.

Iron deficiency during pregnancy can lead to anemia, which affects both the mother and the fetus. Pregnant women need to take pregnancy supplements to prevent iron deficiency.

Benefits of iron during pregnancy

Iron has many benefits during pregnancy, including:

• Addressing pregnancy-related anemia
• Supporting fetal growth by providing an adequate oxygen supply
• Reducing the risk of premature birth
• Supporting the health of pregnant women by reducing the risk of fatigue, weakness, and other health problems
• Assisting in postpartum recovery

Impact of iron deficiency during pregnancy

Iron deficiency during pregnancy can have negative effects on both the pregnant woman and the fetus, including:

• Increased risk of severe anemia during pregnancy
• Increased risk of low birth weight in the fetus
• Increased risk of premature birth, which is delivery before 37 weeks of gestation and can be dangerous, requiring intensive care
• Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) can affect the development of the fetus's organs and body systems
• Impact on fetal brain development, which can have long-term effects on the child's intellectual and cognitive development

Signs of iron deficiency in pregnant women 

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Pale or yellowish complexion
• Shortness of breath

When pregnant women experience severe anemia, their heart rate becomes irregular, their blood pressure drops, and they may have difficulty concentrating.

Iron supplementation for pregnant women

Pregnant women need to ensure that they consume iron-rich foods to meet their nutritional needs during pregnancy. Iron requirements can be met by consuming the following foods:

• Red meat, such as beef
• Chicken and other poultry
• Fish such as salmon, tuna, catfish, milkfish, skipjack tuna, anchovies, red snapper, and mackerel
• Legumes and grains
• Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli
• Dried fruits
• Fortified cereals

However, because pregnant women may struggle to obtain iron from food (due to morning sickness symptoms), they require iron supplementation to meet their iron needs and prevent all its negative effects.

The doctor will prescribe an iron supplement based on the patient's medical condition. The recommended dosage typically ranges from 27 to 60 mg per day. If you are prescribed iron supplements, you need to follow the instructions given by your doctor, including:

• Taking iron supplements one hour before meals to enhance absorption
• Avoid taking iron supplements with milk, tea, or coffee, which can interfere with iron absorption
• Calcium supplements can inhibit iron absorption, so there is a gap between iron and calcium supplements
• Being aware of possible side effects such as constipation, nausea, or diarrhea

Not all pregnant women need iron supplements. You should talk to your obstetrician if you need iron supplements during pregnancy.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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