Pregnancy and Iron

Pregnancy comes with a lot of changes for the expectant mother, one of them being increased iron needs. Pregnant women need large quantities of iron to help build the placenta and the increased blood volume that comes with gestation. Since red blood cells are responsible for bringing oxygen to all of the cells and tissues, extra iron is needed to make all the hemoglobin required.

Pregnancy brings about higher iron needs owing Constant cycle of endometrial growth and shedding, in addition to the potential need for iron transfer to a developing fetus.

In all about 1.24 g of Elemental iron is required to sustain requirements through pregnancy & childbirth.

The WHO recommendation 2-3mg of EI/kg/day ~ 100-150mg.

Close to 43% of women go into pregnancy with iron deficiency while 50% of all pregnancies will result in the development of iron deficiency anemia.

Without sufficient iron, symptoms of iron deficiency will appear, such as:

Tiredness
Low tolerance for physical activity
Trouble sleeping
Difficulty concentrating
Decreased appetite

If left unchecked, iron deficiency can lead to anemia and significant health problems. This added burden and risk to an already demanding period can be avoided with adequate iron intake. This typically means a diet enriched in iron, but unfortunately many women are affected by nausea and vomiting in the first trimester which makes iron absorption from diet all the more challenging.

Most pregnant women have trouble getting the iron they need through diet alone.

Sufficient iron levels are not only essential for the health of the mother but also for the health and development of the fetus, especially during the first trimester and early second trimester. Iron deficiency may result in developmental problems in an unborn child’s brain and can increase a pregnant woman’s risk for a premature or low birth weight baby. The fetus will also need to be able to draw enough iron from the placenta to make its own reserves of iron, since its iron ingestion and absorption will be insufficient for some time after birth.

In the first trimester, if an expectant mother is unable to fully digest meals and snacks, there are rarely sufficient levels of nutrients to completely provide for the needs of the mother and child. Certain combinations of foods affect the absorption of iron, which can limit the amount of iron gained from diet and supplements. Specially formulated doses of iron enriched prenatal vitamins are recommended to all pregnant women. However, some of these supplements are also associated with gastrointestinal side effects which can complicate therapeutic adherence. Speak with your doctor about pre natal nutrition and recommendations for your pregnancy specifically.

Physicians normally prescribe a diet rich in iron fortified foods which are soothing to expectant mothers’ gastrointestinal tracts. In women who continue to struggle with low iron, doctors can rely on supplements which are associated with fewer side effects than traditional iron supplements. FeraMAX^® 150 with demonstrated efficacy and reduced side effects, are now available by recommendation from your doctor and are located behind the counter at your pharmacy. It is always advisable to consult with a physician before taking any medications, especially while pregnant. Ask your doctor if an iron supplement such as FeraMAX^® might be appropriate for you during your pregnancy.

References:

Health Canada website: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/pubs/nutrition/iron-fer-eng.php