By now, you have realized that everything portrayed about pregnancy in movies and dramas had nothing to do with real-life pregnancy. In reality, pregnancy is hard and comes with a new challenge with every passing day. However, preparing ahead of time can help you pass through with this phase in a breeze. At ABC For MOMS, we will assure that none of your query related to pregnancy and motherhood goes untouched.
Iron deficiency is a common health issue that appears in pregnancy. Every woman becomes vulnerable to iron deficiency as soon as she gets pregnant. Globally, about 40% of pregnant women develop anemia, and iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia.
What Is Iron Deficiency?
Iron is a mineral needed by our bodies to create red blood cells. Deficiency of iron can lead to a deficiency of red blood cells in our body (anemia). Iron deficiency during pregnancy can have a direct impact on your baby. It can result in premature delivery and low birth weight in the baby.
Symptoms
Your gynecologist will already be reviewing your pregnancy symptoms and checking your iron levels. However, if you experience some or all of the following iron deficiency symptoms, you should report to your doctor right away.
- Constant fatigue
- Shortness of breath all or most of the time
- Increased heartbeat/palpitation
- Headache
- Pale skin
Treatment
Based on the degree of iron deficiency, your doctor will recommend your treatment to make for the lost iron in your body. In severe deficiency, you might be treated with injectable iron. In mild to moderate deficiency when you are able to tolerate oral iron tablets, your doctor will prescribe you iron medications along with a healthy, iron-rich diet. Some of the common iron-rich foods include red meat, plenty of leafy green vegetables, peas, dry fruits, and iron-fortified foods. It is also recommended to take iron-rich foods together with Vitamin-C enriched foods as Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron. Moreover, calcium hinders with the absorption of iron. Therefore, it is advised not to take these two supplements together.
