Iron Deficiency in Pregnant Women: The Power of Iron

Iron deficiency in pregnant women occurs at both times during delivery and pregnancy. It can impact both mother and fetus.

See – Without enough iron, the body cannot produce enough Hemoglobin (a protein in RBC that carries oxygen) which leads to iron deficiency anemia.

Here is how I break it with easy examples:

• RBC (red blood cell) is a planet
• Hemoglobin is a truck
• oxygen is a load
• Iron is a fuel

About 15 to 20% of women suffer from iron deficiency in pregnant women which impacts both the mother’s and fetus’s health.

Iron deficiency is common during pregnancy due to the blood needed to support the fetus and mother.

It can be resolved easily through adequate diet, and iron supplements but consult your doctor before taking supplements.

Impact of Iron Deficiency in Fetus and Mother

IDA (iron deficiency anemia) is a global concern, especially in developing countries like Africa, some Asia countries, and Latin America.

But some issues that a mother can face during pregnancy which is a normal pregnancy part are tiredness, difficulty in breathing, etc.

Symptoms of ID in pregnancy

So when a pregnant woman suffers from iron deficiency anemia, these things happen.

Her hemoglobin level is low, and if her hemo level is low then her blood capacity to carry oxygen is also reduced.

Here are the common signs and symptoms of ID in pregnant women.

• Tiredness, weakness, feel low
• shortness of breathing
• pale skin
• headache
• cold hands and feet
• lightheadedness
• dizziness
• craving of non-foods like paper, choke, dirt, ice, etc

Remember if you see any other noticeable signs then consult to the doctor it may be other health concerns.

Risk of Iron Deficiency in Pregnant Women

IDA during pregnancy may become a serious concern, and this risk can shown on both mother and fetus such as:

Several studies reveal that severe or long-term IDA can increase the risk of physical and mental health disorders.

Pregnancy is a journey, so the mother should adopt a healthy lifestyle such as:

• Do exercise: yoga and meditation but avoid hard exercises.
• Eat healthy: Go with green vegetables, seeds, nuts, pulses, eggs, and dairy products, and consume them in a moderate amount.
• Getting enough sleep: Get enough sleep (a pregnant should sleep 8 hours) or simultaneously.
• Manage stress: Manage your stress by relaxation techniques like deep breathing, etc.
• Being calm: Stay calm because irritation and anger issues can impact baby’s health.

Causes of ID in Pregnant Women

ID in pregnant women mostly occurs due to supporting the fetus, where the body has to supply blood to both mother and fetus.

However, there are several other reasons for ID during pregnancy and delivery including:

• Iron Demand: Given supply to both mother and fetus (for growth) leads to Iron deficiency.
• Vegetarian diet: Veges are low in iron, especially in hema iron.
• insufficient iron-rich food: It is the most common reason in both and children.
• Certain medications: Some medications may interact with iron absorption.
• Iron absorption: Not sufficient iron absorption can also lead to IDA, so consume Vitamin C food.
• Blood loss: During delivery blood loss is a common reason, but it is prevented by the doctor at a given iron dose by injection.
• Heavy Periods: Blood loss in the period leads to iron loss.

It is important to notice your signs and symptoms which will help the doctor to diagnose your IDA easily.

Preventing ID in Pregnancy

The simple way to prevent ID in pregnant women is to consume Iron-rich foods which is the first doctor’s Suggestion.

Dietary Change

During pregnancy, a mother changes their dietary plan by consuming a healthy well-balanced diet like:

• Fish
• beans
• eggs
• chicken
• green vegetables like spinach, kale
• whole grains
• Avoid caffeine and milk intake it can interact with Iron absorption.

Make sure if you see any discomfort then you should consult your doctor it may unbalance your doshas.

Consume Vitamin C food like amla, tomato, and peppers for better Iron absorption.

Supplements

To take supplements, talk to your doctor who will suggest Iron supplements according to your condition.

Check-ups

Blood test: This can help the doctor find any deficiency or abnormal thing in the body.

Prenatal care: These check-ups allow doctors to monitor ID levels.

Healthy lifestyle

Adopt a healthy lifestyle if you have any bad habits or are overweight then it’s time to talk about it.

Lose weight: Being higher weight can lead to several issues like miscarriage, and pain than a normal pregnancy, so manage your weight.

Avoid bad habits: If you have bad habits like drinking alcohol, consuming excessive fast food, etc., avoid these habits.

Down Line

During pregnancy, IDA is common due to giving proper blood fetus also, and during delivery due to blood loss.

A mother should adopt a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy like healthy eating, exercise, managing stress, and getting enough sleep.

If you notice any discomfort then you should talk to your doctor it may interact with your pregnancy.