Iron is a mineral that helps form red blood cells. Iron needs jump during pregnancy because the body produces more blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the baby.

Taking iron supplements early in pregnancy can help prevent low levels and avoid the more serious side effects of iron deficiency, such as exhaustion. It can make for a more comfortable pregnancy overall.

Increases Blood Volume

The body’s blood volume nearly doubles during pregnancy, and iron is a critical nutrient for that growth. Insufficient intake can lead to anemia, which is a serious problem in pregnant women and increases the risk of complications like low birth weight and preeclampsia.

Studies have shown that plasma volumes expand with gestation and correlate with nutritional biomarkers such as hemoglobin and vitamin levels. Larger datasets are needed to define plasma volume changes during pregnancy better and assess associations with outcomes.

In a randomized placebo-controlled trial, essential iron tablets for pregnancy – ensure optimal health for you and your baby in the first trimester of pregnancy significantly improved the mother’s hemoglobin concentration. They halved the risk of anemia during pregnancy compared to women receiving no supplement. This can help reduce the need for higher doses later in pregnancy. This is especially important, as the symptoms of anemia in pregnancy are often mistaken for typical pregnancy symptoms, such as fatigue and exhaustion.

Reduces Risk of Premature Birth

Premature birth, when a baby is born before its due date, affects about 10.5% of births in the US and worldwide. It causes many medical problems for the baby, including diseases of the eyes, lungs, and brain.

Your body’s iron needs are greatly amplified during pregnancy. This is why iron supplements are recommended as part of antenatal care, along with folic acid.

The blood volume in your body doubles during pregnancy, requiring extra iron to make red blood cells and other plasma proteins to carry oxygen through the placenta to your baby.

Your doctor checks your hemoglobin (iron levels) at regular antenatal appointments, but it is possible to become low in iron without your abnormal hemoglobin. Ferritin declines gradually during pregnancy, reaches its lowest level between weeks 35 and 38, and increases rapidly just before delivery. Unlike other nutrients, which often induce harmful free radicals in high doses, iron does not seem to do this during pregnancy.

Reduces Risk of Postpartum Depression

While it might seem counterintuitive, iron requirements jump during pregnancy because the body needs to produce more blood to supply oxygen to a growing baby. Iron helps form red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body through hemoglobin.

A deficiency in iron during pregnancy can lead to a condition called postpartum depression. Symptoms of this include feelings of sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness. You may also have trouble bonding with your baby. This can cause problems for you and your child, so talk to your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.

Getting enough iron in your diet is the best way to prevent postpartum depression. Add foods high in iron, such as spinach and fortified whole grains, to your meals. You can also try an iron supplement with a stool softener to help avoid constipation. Many midwives recommend taking a product that is specially designed for pregnancy and has 21 essential nutrients to support both mums and babies.

Increases Brain Development

From the moment a fetus is conceived, their brain starts to grow and develop. This process continues throughout pregnancy, and by the tenth week, the fetus’s brain has grown enough to produce the first electrical signals.

These signals indicate that the neurons are starting to communicate with each other. The brain’s hippocampus is also developing and will play an important role in lifelong memory functions.

The fetus’s brain can be seriously affected by infections that the mother may contract, even relatively harmless ones such as rubella or varicella (the cause of chicken pox). Conditions can also include cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, and some sexually transmitted diseases, like gonorrhea and syphilis.

Taking care of your health, eating whole foods, and taking prenatal vitamins, including iron tablets, can help ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby. Choosing a good multivitamin with iron can help you get adequate amounts of the vital micronutrients.