Why Test Iron Levels In Pregnancy?

What Is Iron?

Iron is required by our bodies to make haemoglobin, also known as red blood cells. It is the red blood cells’
job to carry oxygen from our lungs to the rest of our body and then collect carbon dioxide so it can be transported
to our lungs where it is released.
 
In pregnancy we need more iron for the growth and development of the baby, placenta, and uterus and to support
the increased amount of blood we have during pregnancy. The amount of blood increases rapidly and reaches a peak
of up to 50% of the original volume by 28 weeks. The liquid portion of blood volume increases before the haemoglobin
(or red blood cell portion) increases. This causes a drop in the concentration of haemoglobin.
 
It is common in pregnancy for individuals to have low levels of iron. It is recommended to test haemoglobin at the
beginning of the pregnancy and again around 28-32 weeks or as symptoms arise. A simple blood draw will check the
haemoglobin concentration in the blood.
 

How Does Low Iron Make Me Feel?
Iron deficiency may cause the following symptoms:

      ● Tiredness (beyond what is expected in pregnancy)
      ● Dizziness
      ● Heart palpitations
      ● Shortness of breath with minimal activity (ie climbing stairs)
      ● Nausea
      ● Loss of appetite
      ● Constipation
      ● General weakness
      ● A desire to eat non-foods (pica), such as ice, clay, dirt etc.

As with other nutrients, the growing fetus will take the iron it requires for development, particularly in the last
trimester, so monitoring iron levels throughout pregnancy is important.
 

How Does Low Iron Affect My Delivery and Recovery?
Low haemoglobin levels in pregnancy can influence the delivery and postpartum transition. Being low in iron does
not cause a postpartum hemorrhage, but it can worsen its impact. This means you can feel weaker even if you lose
a normal amount of blood at delivery. It can also take longer to recover in the postpartum if there was any tissue damage.
If you plan to breast/chest feed it can take longer for milk production to start.
 

How can I Fix Low Iron Levels?
Eating a diet rich in iron can help prevent low iron levels in the first place. Refer to this area on our website for examples.
 
If your blood test results indicate you have low haemoglobin there are numerous iron supplement options. Iron
supplements are available in pharmacies and natural food stores. Often iron supplements are kept behind the
counter at pharmacies, but you do not need a prescription to purchase them.
 
Iron poisoning is a leading cause of accidental death in children, so it is important to store your supplement safely.
 
There are many supplements available in both pill and liquid form. Iron can contribute to nausea and constipation.
When iron is taken with meals it can help decrease the side effects.
 
Calcium and caffeine (tea, coffee, or a caffeinated cola) should not be taken with iron supplements or iron rich foods
because they can block absorption of iron. Vitamin C can help your body absorb the supplement.