Did you know that women are most susceptible to iron deficiencies? Slight deficiencies are quite common, especially in people of middle to high income levels. Iron is vital to the body, especially during pregnancy, because it helps carry oxygen to various parts of the body from the lungs.
Fifty percent of all pregnant women experience some form of iron deficiencies. Thus it is important that they keep check of their iron levels. Many pregnant women develop anemia at some point during their pregnancy because the baby is using part of their iron supply.
It is an excellent idea to double your iron intake during pregnancy in order to avoid deficiencies. Although supplements can increase your iron levels, foods that are high in iron are far more beneficial.
Anemia
Anemia is a serious condition and even more so if you are pregnant. So it is important that it be taken seriously. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue and dizziness. If you experience any of these conditions, you need to ask your doctor to check your blood’s iron levels to determine whether you might be anemic.
If you do have anemia, your doctor may prescribe liquid iron or strong iron supplements, along with prenatal vitamins, in an attempt to raise your iron levels to an acceptable level. If this does not work, you may have to go to the hospital to receive iron intravenously.
Helpful advice on how to increase your iron intake during pregnancy
Here are some helpful bits of advice for you in regards to getting enough iron during your pregnancy. Iron rich foods include poultry, seafood, liver, green vegetables, and lean meats. You should take vitamin C supplements immediately after eating to aid in iron absorption. Vitamin C rich foods include citrus fruits, tomatoes, and broccoli.
Combining foods rich in iron with foods rich in vitamin C, all in the same meal, is beneficial to your health because the foods rich in vitamin C will help the body absorb the iron from foods more effectively. Try to avoid tea, coffee, and bran because they inhibit iron absorption.
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