Why Iron Matters: Role of Iron in Pregnancy Explained

Up to 52% of pregnant women globally suffer from iron deficiency anemia, making it one of the most common nutritional disorders during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with excitement, joy, and a bit of nervousness.

As your body goes through many changes to grow and nourish a baby, it needs more of certain nutrients.

One of the most important nutrients during pregnancy is iron.

Here, we’ll explain the role of iron in pregnancy in easy and clear language.

You’ll learn about the importance of iron in pregnancy,

how much iron you need each day, the benefits of iron during pregnancy,

and why iron is good for pregnancy.

We’ll also cover food sources, supplements, and warning signs of iron deficiency, so you feel confident and informed every step of the way.

What is Iron and why do you need it?

Iron is a mineral that helps your body make hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body and to your growing baby.

Without enough iron, your body can’t make enough healthy red blood cells, and that can lead to a condition called iron-deficiency anemia.

There are two main types of iron in the food we eat:

Heme Iron: Found in animal-based foods like meat, chicken, and fish. It is easier for the body to absorb.
Non-Heme Iron: Found in plant-based foods like spinach, beans, tofu, and cereals. It is not absorbed as well, but eating it with vitamin C-rich foods (like oranges) helps.

Key Role of Iron in Pregnancy

The role of iron in pregnancy is very important. During pregnancy, your blood volume increases by 20 to 30%.

This means you need more red blood cells and iron to carry oxygen to you and your baby.

Here are the key roles iron plays in your pregnancy:

Transports Oxygen: Iron helps send oxygen to your baby’s organs, tissues, and brain.
Supports Fetal Development: Iron helps your baby’s brain, heart, and muscles develop properly.
Prevents Anemia: It reduces your risk of becoming tired, dizzy, or weak due to low red blood cells.
Prepares for Birth: Enough iron helps you stay strong for delivery and reduces the risk of early birth or low birth weight.

Importance of Iron in Pregnancy

Understanding the importance of iron in pregnancy helps you take better care of yourself and your baby. Iron helps in many ways:

Builds strong red blood cells for both mother and baby
Supports the placenta, which feeds and supports your baby
Keeps your energy levels up during the day
Helps your immune system stay strong to fight infections
Reduces the chance of premature labor or low birth weight

Benefits of Iron During Pregnancy

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of iron during pregnancy:

More Energy: Iron helps fight fatigue and gives you the strength to carry your baby.
Healthy Baby Growth: It supports the growth of your baby’s organs, especially the brain.
Better Delivery: Having enough iron through food and supplements helps prevent complications during labor.
Faster Recovery: After giving birth, your body can heal faster if your iron levels are good.

These are just some reasons why iron is good for pregnancy.

Iron Requirement in Pregnancy Per Day

Your body needs more iron during pregnancy than before. Here’s how much you need:

Before Pregnancy: 18 mg per day
During Pregnancy: 27 mg per day, the standard iron requirement in pregnancy per day.
While Breastfeeding: 9–10 mg per day

Your doctor might check your levels and recommend an iron supplement if your levels are low.

Signs of Iron Deficiency in Pregnancy

Low iron levels can be dangerous for you and your baby. Knowing the signs can help you act early. Watch out for:

Feeling tired or weak all the time
Pale skin and lips
Feeling dizzy or out of breath easily
Cold hands and feet
Fast heartbeat
Headaches
Brittle nails or hair loss
Poor appetite (especially in children born to iron-deficient mothers)

These signs mean your body might not be getting enough iron. Remember, understanding the role of iron in pregnancy helps you stay alert and healthy.

Who is at Risk of Low Iron During Pregnancy?

Anyone can develop iron deficiency, but it’s more common in:

Women carrying twins or more
Women with closely spaced pregnancies
Teen moms
Women who follow vegetarian or vegan diets
Women with digestive issues like IBS or celiac disease
Women who don’t eat iron-rich foods regularly

Best Food Sources of Iron

Eating the right foods can help meet your iron requirement in pregnancy per day. Here are some good sources:

1. Heme Iron (Animal-based)

Beef
Chicken
Turkey
Liver
Fish (tuna, salmon, sardines)

2. Non-Heme Iron (Plant-based)

Lentils
Tofu
Chickpeas
Spinach
Pumpkin seeds
Fortified cereals
Whole grains

3. Vitamin C-Rich Foods to Boost Iron Absorption

Oranges
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Bell peppers
Broccoli

Tip: Avoid drinking tea or coffee with meals, they can block iron absorption.

4. Iron Supplements during Pregnancy

Sometimes, food alone isn’t enough to meet your iron needs. That’s when iron supplements help. If your doctor finds that your iron is low, they may recommend:

Iron Tablets: Like Nature Made Iron 65 mg or HealthKart Iron + Folic Acid
Slow-release Iron: Like Ferro-Sequels, which is gentle on the stomach
Natural Iron: Like MegaFood Blood Builder or Garden of Life Raw Iron

Take your supplement with orange juice or another source of vitamin C to help your body absorb it better.

Safety Tips for taking Iron Supplements

Do Not Overdose: Too much iron can harm your liver and other organs.
Watch for Side Effects: Some people feel nauseous or get constipated.
Take With Food: This helps avoid stomach upset.
Avoid Calcium at the Same Time: Don’t take iron with milk or calcium tablets—it blocks absorption.
Keep Away from Kids: Iron supplements can be dangerous for children if taken by accident.

Pros and Cons of Iron Supplements

Now it’s time to discuss the typical pros and cons of iron supplements.

Pros:

Prevents tiredness and anemia
Supports baby’s brain and body growth
Boosts your immune system
Keeps oxygen flowing to your organs

Cons:

May cause digestive issues
Can cause nausea if taken on an empty stomach
Risk of toxicity if taken in too much

Always follow your doctor’s instructions to get the best benefits of iron during pregnancy.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, the role of iron in pregnancy is essential for both you and your baby’s health.

It helps with oxygen transport, energy production, fetal development, and preventing complications like anemia and low birth weight.

The role of iron in pregnancy cannot be ignored. Whether through food or supplements, make sure you meet the iron requirement in pregnancy per day.

You now understand why iron is good for pregnancy and how to get enough of it.

Stay healthy, eat well, and always talk to your doctor before making changes to your diet or taking supplements. Your baby is counting on you, and you’ve got this!

Related Queries