Iron: How low is too low in pregnancy?
Chances are you’ve probably heard about the importance of iron in pregnancy, or maybe you haven’t? But why is it so important?
Most iron is found in haemoglobin, a component of red blood cells, whose job is to deliver oxygen from the lungs to our entire body! Without adequate iron stores, you simply can’t get enough oxygen delivered to all of your tissues. In pregnancy, your body needs extra iron to supply oxygen to the baby. In addition, blood volume is increasing throughout pregnancy, which also leads to an increased need for iron.
Baby begins to use a mother’s iron in the first trimester, which further increases by the third trimester. This increased demand is why developing iron deficiency anaemia during pregnancy can be common, which leaves a the mama feeling tired and fatigued.
How do I know if I am low in iron?
I always suggest mothers have their iron, ferritin, and haemoglobin levels checked before conception (if possible) during the first trimester and again in the second and third trimester. If iron is low then I suggest testing every 4 weeks to alter supplement dosage accordingly.
Symptoms and signs of low iron:
Fatigue
Light headedness and dizziness
Rapid or irregular heart rate
Shortness of breath
Dark circles under the eyes
Excessive fatigue
Trouble concentrating or brain fog
Pale skin, lips and nails
Cold hands and feet
Overall feeling of weakness
What is the best type of iron to take?
Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining iron, folate, and B12 levels, all of which are necessary for preventing and reversing anaemia.
There are two different types of iron: heme and non-heme
Heme iron is found only in red meat, seafood, and poultry
Non-heme iron is found in plant foods like spinach, lentils, and beans and is also the type used to fortify products. Unfortunately, non-heme iron is harder for the body to absorb.
The iron generally prescribed when your iron levels come back low are unfortunately poorly absorbed and can cause mild-moderate levels of nausea and constipation, as it’s difficult for your body to digest.
In clinic I generally prescribe a non-constipating form of iron that is easily absorbed along with lactoferrin (an iron-binding glycoprotein) which increases iron uptake as well as vitamin C.
If iron levels are borderline-low or low in the first trimester, it is good to start an iron supplement right away to support iron levels early on as they can drastically drop in the second trimester, without much warning might I add!
Book a free Supplement Consultation or discovery call here to discuss how I can support you.
