The body needs iron to build a strong immune system. Iron is important for oxidation, or transporting oxygen to the body\’s cells, and it helps produce mitochondria, which provide energy to the body.
2. Pregnant women need more iron
During pregnancy, due to the increase in red blood cell production, the number of red blood cells and plasma expansion, coupled with the iron needs of the fetus and placenta, more iron is needed than the average woman.
Iron deficiency can make you tired and weak. Severe ischemia can lead to pregnancy complications that can lead to poor fetal neurodevelopment, or problems such as premature birth, infant and maternal death, low birth weight, and behavioral and cognitive impairments.
4. Iron-rich foods
Many foods are rich in iron, such as beef, chicken, almonds, dates, broccoli, lentils, soybeans, tofu, spinach, kidney beans, etc. You can eat more to supplement iron.
5.Daily Iron Requirements
Pregnant and nursing mothers need 20-30 mg of iron daily. Meat eaters can get it from their normal diet, but vegetarians may need iron supplements.
2. Effects and side effects of iron supplementation for pregnant women
1.What is iron
Iron supplementation is very important for pregnant women with anemia. If you don\’t have a hemoglobin deficiency, taking iron supplements is just a preventive measure. Therefore, some blood tests are done during pregnancy to help identify iron deficiencies.
2. Required amount of iron
During pregnancy, the fetus and placenta require 300 mg of iron, and maternal hemoglobin requires 500 mg. To meet this need, you need to consume 2 to 4.8 milligrams of iron per day.
3. Can I take it if I am not deficient in iron?
As your pregnancy progresses, your doctor may prescribe iron supplements, but this does not mean your body is iron deficient; it is usually taken as a preventive measure because a pregnant woman\’s iron needs increase.
4. Side effects of iron supplements
Iron is very important to the body, but must be kept in balance to avoid side effects. Although the body can store iron, excess can cause nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
5. Disable when necessary
If you really feel that taking iron supplements makes you feel uncomfortable, but you are not sure whether it is caused by the iron supplements, it is recommended to do a blood test to detect whether your body is iron deficient. If not, you can stop using it.