Growing a tiny human is no easy task, especially if you’re already juggling the demands of life and other children. It’s easy to think that feeling exhausted is just part of it but what if low iron levels are contributing to fatigue?
During pregnancy, the requirement for iron doubles to support you and your growing baby. And yet, more than 50% of pregnant women fail to meet the required intake of this vital mineral, with many starting their pregnancies already deficient.
What’s so important about iron?
Iron is truly a building block for life. It’s essential for the production of red blood cells, which transport oxygen from the lungs to every part of your body. Iron is also involved in nearly 200 biochemical reactions that support immune function, metabolism, neurotransmitter production, mood regulation, thyroid function and overall energy levels. According to the World Health Organization, iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency globally.
Recommended daily iron intake while pregnant
Before pregnancy, the recommended daily intake (RDI) of iron for women of reproductive age is 18 mg. During pregnancy, the volume of blood in your body increases, and so does the amount of iron you need. At this time, a minimum iron intake of 27 mg is recommended per day to accommodate the needs of both mother and baby.
Around the 28-week mark, your midwife or obstetrician will likely order blood tests to check your iron levels. This is a critical time because your baby is drawing the most iron from you and, if your iron levels are low, you can feel exhausted and depleted.
This simple blood test can also be done at any time during pregnancy and is a quick and easy way to check if you need to top up your iron levels. This is something your health care provider can organise for you.
Risks of low iron levels during pregnancy
Low iron levels can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, where the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to tissues. This can result in fatigue, weakness, pale skin and shortness of breath for you. For baby, the implications are an increased risk of preterm delivery or low birth weight. So maintaining optimal iron levels is crucial to support both you and your developing baby through a healthy pregnancy.
Iron supplements may help
When iron levels are low, dietary intake alone is not enough to meet the increased demand. You would need to eat more than a kilo of beef per day to get your RDI of 27 mg of iron! This is when supplementation makes sense.
Iron supplements can use different kinds of iron which can impact absorption and have potential side effects. Look for supplements using chelated iron which is highly bioavailable and ones that don’t block you up – constipation is a common side effect of iron supplements.
If you have a sensitive digestive system, avoid ferrous sulphate which has been scientifically researched to irritate the stomach lining, causing cramping, nausea and constipation, and may also contribute to changes in gut flora profile.
