Iron, the Essential Mineral for Pregnancy!

Did you know that the iron requirement almost doubles during pregnancy? What makes iron so important in pregnancy and what is its role? Read on to know..

Iron is an important component of hemoglobin that carries oxygen to all the body parts and to the placenta. This enables the formation of red blood cells in both the mother and the fetus. It is very important to maintain good iron stores throughout pregnancy and especially in the second and third trimester as the fetus starts storing the mineral for the first few months after birth.

Iron deficiency causes anemia, which means that red blood cells are unable to carry enough oxygen to all the body parts making the mother feel tired and fatigued. Anemia also reduces the immunity of the mother making her fall prey to common bacterial and viral infections.

The best sources of iron among non-vegetarian sources are fish, meat and chicken. The vegetarian sources include:
• Whole grain breads
• Green leafy vegetables
• Dry fruits and nuts
• Legumes like chick peas, dried beans etc.
• Iron enriched breakfast cereals

You can improve the iron absorption from vegetarian sources by including foods rich in vitamin C like berries, lemon, oranges, capsicum, broccoli, sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and tomatoes.

For an iron rich diet:
• Choose cereals, legumes, and green leafy vegetable preparations regularly.
• Include two servings of any these following foods everyday -fish, chicken, lean meat or nuts.

(Consult with your nutritionist for a more customized diet plan for a healthy pregnancy)

What should be avoided while taking iron supplements?

Beverages like tea and coffee when taken along with meals reduce iron absorption. If you are anemic and taking iron supplements, it is better to drink tea or coffee in between meals rather than along with the meal.

To know more about importance of iron during pregnancy, contact your nutritionist.

WHO recommendation

Daily oral iron and folic acid supplementation with 30 mg to 60 mg of elemental iron and 400 µg (0.4 mg) folic acid is recommended for pregnant women to prevent maternal anemia, puerperal sepsis, low birth weight, and preterm birth.