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The
Importance Of Iron During Pregnancy By
Jyoti Bedi
Hemoglobin
becomes very important during pregnancy. Since your baby is also the
beneficiary, you will need extra iron to see you and your baby through.
Typically, the average woman needs 15mg, but now that she is pregnant,
the iron requirement increases to 30-50mg, especially from about the
20th week on.
Iron Facts
Many
women have an inadequate level of iron in their system to begin with,
and the lack becomes more pronounced during pregnancy
Iron
is very vital for the fetus; it is the only nutrient which the fetus
depends totally on the mother for the supply.
Iron
is needed for the formation of red blood cells; sufficient stores of
iron from the start of the to the end is vital.
The average
woman cannot depend on diet alone. The demand doubles during and so iron supplements are added to compensate for the
insufficiency.
There are two types of iron, heme
and nonheme iron, categorized this way because the former is derived
from meat and the other from non-meat sources. Heme iron is more
readily absorbed than nonheme iron.
Vegetarians
have to be careful in planning their menu to make sure they get a
sufficient dose of this mineral.
Iron Deficit
•
Insufficient store of this mineral is the likely cause of incessant
fatigue; it also
increases the incidence of illnesses and
fainting spells
• Lack of iron will
put a strain on the maternal heart
•
Lack of iron will also endanger the mother should she face excessive
bleeding
during delivery
•
On the other hand an iron overdose can be disadvantageous as well.
Supplement
fundamentals
• Iron supplements are
useful; they help to manufacture hemoglobin, which will in turn help
you to maintain the energy required during pregnancy.
•
Iron tablets come in several forms and under various trade names:
ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate and ferrous fumarate
•
Absorption of iron is enhanced by vitamin C. Ideally supplements should
be taken with fruit juices
• Certain
foods and medications including high calcium foods, caffeinated drinks
and antacids inhibit iron absorption. Avoid taking your supplements
with these items at the same sitting.
•
In the later months of pregnancy, when the blood volume has expanded,
women may have to take additional supplements apart from their prenatal
vitamins as the iron dose won't suffice then.
•
Do not exceed the recommended dose of this mineral unless advised by
your doctor - iron can suppress zinc levels.
On
the Flipside
• Iron in excess can cause
dry stools leading to constipation. The reverse happens with some
women; they get diarrhea
• Diarrhea or
constipation, it makes sense to change the form: you can switch from
tablet to liquid as liquid is known to be easier on the tummy
•
You may also try switching to either one of the three compounds (e.g.
ferrous fumarate to ferrous gluconate) and see if it works for you
•
The strength of the dose counts. Sometimes the strength may need
reducing. If that is decided then make sure you compensate by
increasing your intake of iron-rich foods everyday. Small amounts of
iron are found in most fruits, vegetables, grains and meat that you
consume daily. Work on increasing this mineral by eating iron-rich
foods along with your supplement. Jyoti Bedi, a homemaker and a mother,
officially writes for www.welcomebabyhome.com , a and parenting site. Articles are simple-to-read,
relevant and concise for today’s busy parents and
parents-to-be
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