The Best Iron Supplements for Pregnant Women’s & Baby Health
Even women who aren’t pregnant often need to supplement their dietary iron intake. When you’re expecting a baby, that need increases significantly. Prenatal vitamins typically contain iron, but the amount of iron in prenatal supplements is not enough for most women expecting a baby.
Iron supplements for pregnancy provide an effective, affordable way to support your overall health and well-being, along with that of your baby.
Iron Deficiency in Pregnancy
Pregnant women face an increased risk of iron deficiency anemia or IDA. Developing IDA places your unborn baby at an increased risk for low birth weight and impaired development. It also increases the risk of premature birth.
According to the Mayo Clinic, may prevent your body from producing an adequate supply of red blood cells necessary for supplying oxygen to your growing baby. Pregnant women suffering from IDA also face an increased risk of postpartum depression.
Low iron in pregnancy symptoms include fatigue, yellowish or pale skin, cold hands and feet, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, and chest pain.
Do You Need Pregnancy Iron Supplements?
According to the National Institutes for Health (NIH), taking iron supplements for pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of anemia. Supplementation also decreases the risk of low birth weight.
Talking to your OB/GYN and potentially being screened for anemia risk is the best way to determine whether you should take an iron supplement. Your medical practitioner can also provide guidelines about the appropriate dosage to avoid low iron in pregnancy.
The need for supplementation may increase if your diet does not provide sufficient iron. NIH reports that pregnant women need, on average, 27 milligrams of iron per day – as compared to the 15 to 18 milligrams per day required by women who are not pregnant or nursing.
Some additional factors that may indicate you need supplementation include having morning sickness with vomiting, having a history of anemia, being pregnant with multiple babies, and having closely spaced pregnancies.
Low Iron During Pregnancy: Effects on Mom & Baby
Iron deficiency during pregnancy can significantly affect you and your developing baby. As a mother-to-be, if you have insufficient iron levels, you might be unable to provide adequate oxygen, which is crucial for your baby's organ and brain development.
The effects of low iron during pregnancy on the baby can be severe. Risks include a heightened chance of neural tube defects in the fetus and possible cognitive delays. Moreover, insufficient iron can weaken your baby's immune system, making them more vulnerable to infections and illnesses early in life.
Iron-Rich Foods and Supplement Balance
Pharmics iron supplements are a fantastic way to avoid iron deficiency in pregnancy. Integrating iron-rich foods into your daily diet can further support your iron levels. Consider adding leafy greens, lean meats, beans, and fortified cereals. Additionally, consuming vitamin C-rich foods can enhance iron absorption.
However, striking a balance is vital. By combining a natural dietary intake of iron with the support of Pharmics supplements, mothers-to-be can ensure optimal iron levels for your health and that of your baby.
What Is the Best Iron Supplement for Pregnancy?
Your OB/GYN can help you determine the type of supplementation and dosage that you need to maintain optimal health for you and your baby. But, when it comes to choosing a supplement, how do you know when one is right?
Pharmics specializes in high-quality pre-natal supplements, including liquid and chewable iron tablets.
Our pregnancy supplements are non-constipating and gluten-free. Ferretts IPS liquid iron supplements are well-tolerated and easy to digest, free of dyes and soy. We also have chewable iron tablets as well as regular iron tablet supplements for pregnancy.
Since 1970, Pharmics has provided our customers with the best quality supplements at the lowest possible price. Contact us today to learn more orto place your order for prenatal iron supplements for pregnant women.
Statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.