But iron-deficiency anemia is common, particularly after week 20 of pregnancy, and some moms-to-be do need a daily iron supplement in addition to their prenatal.Ī blood test can check your iron levels and determine if you might need to take iron tablets during pregnancy that go beyond what’s supplied in your prenatal.Īnyone can develop anemia, but vegans and vegetarians have a higher risk, as do women carrying multiples, or those who have had back-to-back pregnancies or severe morning sickness. Should you take iron supplements during pregnancy?Īn iron-containing prenatal vitamin in combination with sufficient dietary sources of iron throughout the day can provide many pregnant women with adequate amounts of the mineral. Tomatoes: 2 mg per ½ cup canned and stewed.Fortified breakfast cereals: 18 mg per serving.
If you're vegan or vegetarian - or just trying to eat more plant-based foods - these options will get more iron on your plate: If you're looking to pump up the iron in your diet (and you're not vegetarian or vegan), try adding these iron-filled foods to the menu: Non-animal (non-heme) sources are still beneficial, however, and you can enhance their uptake by consuming them alongside vitamin C-rich foods. The most easily absorbed sources of dietary iron (heme iron) include lean meat, poultry and fish. Luckily, it's easy to prevent by filling your plate with plenty of iron-rich foods and, if your practitioner recommends one, with the help of a daily iron supplement.ġ9 Best Foods to Eat During Pregnancy Best iron-rich foods for pregnant women Most prenatal vitamins include enough iron to cover that increase, but iron-deficiency anemia is common in pregnancy due to the increased demand for blood production. Pregnant women need 27 milligrams of iron per day (compared to 18 milligrams for adult women 19 to 50 years old who are not expecting). Having low iron levels can put you at risk for anemia, especially during the second half of your pregnancy.
Iron is also important in fetal brain development.
It might seem counterintuitive that you need more iron during pregnancy considering 70 percent of iron is found in red blood cells - and you’re no longer losing blood each month during your menstrual cycle.īut your iron needs actually jump during pregnancy because your body produces more blood - to deliver oxygen to your growing baby and because you’re growing, too.
#High iron danger pregnancy how to#
With that in mind, is it necessary to take iron supplements when you're pregnant? Here's everything moms-to-be need to know about iron during pregnancy, including how to fill up on iron-rich food sources and how to know if supplementary iron is something you need.
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