THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF IRON IN PREGNANCY

Iron in Pregnancy

Don’t overlook the importance of Iron and Pregnancy. Checking iron status throughout pregnancy is one of the most important wellness checks for Mama and baby. There are enormous demands on a woman's hemopoietic system (the organs and tissues involved in the production of blood) while she is growing a child in the womb, and it's estimated that [1]one in four women are anemic (low iron) following the birth of their newborn. What’s the big deal?

Anemia In Pregnancy Symptoms

Anemia in pregnancy is often overlooked because its clinical symptoms closely resemble both normal pregnancy and postnatal states. Here are some symptoms of anemia in pregnancy:

• fatigue,
• headaches,
• mood alterations
• and immune dysfunction, to name a few.

How To Increase Iron Levels In Pregnancy

What can you do if you are anemic in pregnancy?
Ask to view your blood work throughout pregnancy, and have it checked following the birth of baby if you experienced heavy blood loss. If you've been told you are within normal range, ensure you are not on the low end of normal. It takes some time to treat anemia and build iron stores (ferritin) catching it early on is key.

Here are some of our top recommendations to treat anemia in pregnancy:

1. Take a prenatal vitamin that features an easily absorbable form of iron
   All of us know that in pregnancy our palate can take a wild ride – if you are having a tough time eating meat or leafy greens, make sure to take a high-quality prenatal vitamin. Taking a prenatal vitamin with an easily absorbed form of iron will ensure optimal absorption of iron to minimize the risk of anemia.
2. Eat iron-rich foods
   Heme iron (found in meat) is more bioavailable than vegetable sources of iron. Source of iron-rich foods include: beef, chicken, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kidney beans, nuts and seeds, dark leafy greens.
3. Seek a licensed Naturopathic doctor's opinion
   They are trained to interpret lab work from a functional perspective.

Our Womb to Grow Prenatal Vitamin contains an easily absorbable form of iron and is an optimal choice for an iron supplement in pregnancy

Low Iron In Pregnancy Connected to Low Milk Supply

Research may indicate [2]low iron in pregnancy may be associated as well with low milk supply in breastfeeding. Makes sense. It’s easy to see how an underlying deficiency of iron may compound an already stressful, vulnerable post-partum period.

We stress the importance of addressing low iron concerns in pregnancy to help prevent issues with low breastmilk supply during breastfeeding.

If you or someone you know is experiencing low milk supply that may have been connected to anemia in pregnancy, consider a lactation tincture for low milk supply such as our Milk Aplenty.

Iron levels in pregnancy are too important to overlook ??.

Sources:

[1] Postpartum Anemia I: Definition, Prevalence, Causes, and Consequences.

[2] Is there a link between anemia and discontinuation of breastfeeding?