Understanding the importance of iron during pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body undergoes a wonderful transformation to support the developing baby. One of these changes involves the need for increased nutrients, with iron taking centre stage. This essential mineral is crucial in helping the blood deliver oxygen throughout the body. As blood volume expands to nourish the foetus, more haemoglobin – the oxygen-carrying molecule – is needed, which in turn requires more iron.¹

The iron stored by the foetus during pregnancy is earmarked for the baby’s health during the initial months post-birth. This stored iron is primarily sourced from the mother, further increasing her need for increased amounts of this nutrient.

Spotting iron deficiency in pregnancy

Given this appetite for iron, pregnant women+ are potentially more at risk of becoming iron deficient, which may lead to iron-deficiency anaemia. This condition can be hard to recognize because its symptoms may overlap with pregnancy symptoms. The most common signs of anaemia include:^{2, 3, 4}

Fatigue: While it’s typical for pregnant women+ to feel tired, excessive fatigue might be due to iron deficiency.

Paleness: Iron deficiency can cause paleness of the skin and the inside of the lower eyelids. The paleness may be generalized or appear in specific areas like the face, nails, inner mouth and palms.

Shortness of breath: Due to a reduced number of red blood cells or haemoglobin, the body may not get the required amount of oxygen it needs, leading to shortness of breath or increased heart rate, even with minimal exertion.

Dizziness: Reduced oxygen delivery to the brain due to low haemoglobin can result in feelings of dizziness or light-headedness.

Headaches: Iron deficiency can lead to headaches, again likely because of reduced oxygen delivery to the brain.

Restless leg syndrome: Some pregnant women+ with iron deficiency experience restless leg syndrome, a condition characterized by an uncomfortable sensation in the legs that can disrupt sleep.

Recognizing and addressing these symptoms is crucial – not only for the mom’s safety but also because untreated anaemia can have a far-reaching impact on the child’s health and development.

For example, there’s the possibility of significant blood loss during childbirth or the chance of premature delivery.⁵ An iron deficit can also worsen the typical exhaustion in pregnancy and put the mom more at risk for infections. Research also shows potential links between maternal anaemia and postpartum depression.⁶

How much iron and what kind do you need

Your body’s demand for iron will increase as pregnancy progresses. Here are the typically recommended amounts broken down by pregnancy stages:

Pre-pregnancy or early pregnancy: For women+ of childbearing age who are planning to become pregnant or are in their first trimester, the typical recommended dietary allowance for iron is about 18 milligrams per day.⁷

Second and third trimesters: The iron requirement increases during the later stages of pregnancy. A common recommendation for iron supplementation is 30 milligrams per day.^{8, 9}

Iron-deficiency anaemia: Pregnant women+ experiencing iron-deficiency anaemia should get significantly higher dosages. Oral therapeutic amounts typically range from 60–120 milligrams of elemental iron per day.¹⁰ This would be split into multiple doses to improve absorption and reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Iron needs after birth: For breastfeeding women+, the recommended levels drop to about 9–10 milligrams per day.¹¹ This is because menstruation typically stops or reduces during breastfeeding, thereby decreasing iron loss. However, if you experienced significant blood loss during delivery or were anaemic during pregnancy, higher doses might be still advised to replenish iron stores.

Selecting the right supplement

While a well-balanced diet might suffice for some, many expecting moms still find themselves deficient in iron. Supplementing iron is therefore often recommended as a safe option in pregnancy, especially if you have low iron levels to begin with, have started taking iron late in pregnancy or are carrying twins.^{12, 13}

There are different types of supplemental iron. Ferrous sulphate, for example, is a widely used iron salt that the body absorbs pretty well. Ferrous gluconate, on the other hand, contains less elemental iron, which means it tends to be easier on the stomach but you’d also require a larger dose to correct a deficiency. Some supplements also contain iron together with other “pregnancy” vitamins like folic acid and B₁₂, providing a comprehensive nutrient profile.

In any case – before settling on a supplement, you should have a conversation with your doctor or gynaecologist. They can provide a plan of supplementation tailored to your needs, medical history and potential side effects.

Interactions with other medications

Pregnant women+ often take multiple medications to support their health and the health of their babies. Some of these may interact with iron supplements. For instance, prenatal vitamins might already contain iron. Adding an iron supplement to the mix without proper guidance could risk excessive iron intake. Make sure to carefully read the label before consuming any supplements.

Constipation, a common pregnancy symptom, might prompt the use of laxatives. Their downside, however, is that frequent bowel movements might decrease iron absorption. Antacids, medicines that neutralise the acid in your stomach, are also known to decrease iron absorption, so it’s advisable to space out their intake.¹⁴ On the other hand, paracetamol fortunately doesn’t have a known direct interaction with iron, making it a safe choice for pain or fever relief during pregnancy.

Iron for women+ beyond pregnancy

Beyond pregnancy, women+ in their reproductive period face another significant factor that can impact their iron levels: menstrual blood loss. It’s a biological reality that often sets women+ apart in their nutritional needs from men+.

On average, women+ lose about 15–20 milligrams of iron each menstrual cycle. Such losses, which may seem inconsequential month to month, can accumulate. Over time, they can lead to an iron deficit, especially for those who grapple with heavier or extended menstrual flows. This reality underscores the importance of consistent iron intake (of around 18 milligrams per day) throughout women’s+ reproductive years.¹⁵

Meet Donna’s Qubix iron

As we’ve now learned, pregnancy amplifies the body’s demand for iron, but this is not a time to compromise on health.

If you’re looking to boost your iron levels, check out our QUBIX IRON, a specially crafted supplement made with a unique mix of iron, vitamin B₂ and vitamin B₁₂. Learn more about the product here.

REFERENCES

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK235217/
2. https://www.nebraskamed.com/womens-health/pregnancy-birth/low-iron-in-pregnancy-spot-the-symptoms-of-anemia
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4375689/
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/anemia-during-pregnancy/art-20114455
5. https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/jpm-2020-0379/html
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6619471/
7. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=90&contentid=p02479
8. https://www.dge.de/wissenschaft/referenzwerte/eisen/
9. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-Consumer/
10. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2016/0115/p133.html
11. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/nutrition-tips-for-breastfeeding-mothers
12. https://utswmed.org/medblog/iron-supplements-pregnancy/
13. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ferrous-fumarate/pregnancy-breastfeeding-and-fertility-while-taking-ferrous-fumarate/
14. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3005669/
15. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-Consumer/