When you are pregnant, one of the most important things to consider is your iron intake. Your recommended daily amount of iron is almost double the amount it was before. This is because your body will use iron to make blood for your little one.
Unfortunately, around 50% of pregnant women do not get enough iron in their diet. Not everyone is aware of the necessary nutrients they need for a healthy body, much less the amount necessary. With that said, let’s take a closer look at how much iron pregnant women need and if they will need to supplement from brands like Vital Nutrients at Supplement First.
How Much Iron Do Pregnant Women Need?
The average pregnant woman needs around 30mg of iron daily to meet their body’s needs. This is because of the extra blood volume, goring fetus, and developing placenta happening throughout pregnancy! Many combination prenatal vitamins from brands like Thorne Research already contain this amount.
That said, some pregnant women may require more than 30mg a day when:
- They are diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia before or at the start of pregnancy
- They are carrying twins or triplets
- They take iron sporadically during the early stages of pregnancy
- They began taking iron only late in pregnancy
Why do pregnant women need more than double the amount of iron? Because about half of their iron intake will go into the development of the placenta and fetus. The other half is used by your body to increase the circulatory system’s blood volume. This is essential for protecting you come childbirth, as you will lose blood during delivery.
Tips for Proper Iron Supplementation
Now that you know how much iron pregnant women need and the importance of this nutrient, the next step is learning how to properly supplement. Here are a few tips to follow:
- Consult your doctor
Before you hop into taking 30mg iron supplements, speak with your doctor! You may need more iron than what’s recommended here.
This will not only mean heading to your doctor for a consultation, but for appropriate blood tests to determine your hematocrit and hemoglobin levels. That way, the doctor can determine whether you are deficient in iron or other nutrients. They will prescribe you certain supplements to meet your and your baby’s needs.
- Have a better diet
Other than taking iron supplements, you must add iron-rich foods with fiber into your diet, like spinach, beans, and fortified whole-grain cereals. Make sure you have a healthy diet accompanied by the appropriate supplements to get enough nutrients! Your doctor will be able to create a nutrition plan for you to maintain good health.
- Find a suitable formula
Having a difficult time swallowing pills? You can always get another form of supplement, like chewable or liquid versions. Just make sure your doctor prescribes the appropriate supplement and that you read the labels to know you’re getting enough iron daily.
Wrapping It Up
Before taking iron supplements, make sure you know how much you should be taken as per your doctor.