Iron Intake During Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, it is important to keep in mind that your child’s system is growing and changing inside you. Your child grows, and with him/her, so does your body. Your child thus needs more iron to keep up with his growing blood supply. There are several simple ways of increasing your iron intake. You can either regulate or plan your meals such that you are able to eat at least some quantity of iron rich food with every meal. Alternatively, you can take iron supplements with every meal to balance your body’s iron needs when you are pregnant. Ensure that you take the supplement tablet with either tomato or orange juice because the vitamin C in these drinks will make your body absorb iron faster. Iron is an important mineral for the body as it is an essential component of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin helps to carry oxygen to the various parts of the body to whom blood is supplied.

Iron ensures the smooth functioning of muscles by supplying them with oxygen. Iron helps build your immunity, an essential factor for both you and your unborn child. Iron is absorbed by the body most efficiently when you are pregnant. This can lead to a lack of oxygen supply to the mother and child. It is therefore essential to increase your iron intake during pregnancy. Enhancing your iron intake during pregnancy will ensure that you don’t experience weakness, irritability, tiredness or depression. The prescribed intake of iron for pregnant women is 30 mg per day. In addition to eating iron rich foods, you should speak with your doctor about the feasibility of iron supplements.

There are several foods that are rich sources of iron. For instance meat and seafood like, Clams, Chicken, Egg yolk, Lean Beef, Fish and Oysters are all excellent sources of iron. Turkey, Liver, Pork, Shrimp, Veal and Sardines are all very good sources of iron as well. Fruits like Apricots, Grapefruit, Berries, Prune juice, Oranges, Watermelon and plums are very rich sources of iron. Lentils, peas and Soybeans will help you build your natural iron reserves. Pretzels, Whole grain and cereals will give you adequate nutrition when you’re pregnant. In addition, these foods enhance your supply of iron. Increase your intake of iron-rich vegetables like Broccoli, Sweet Potatoes, Black-eyed peas, Lima beans, Spinach and Brussels sprouts.

Cut down your consumption of caffeine as it slows down the body’s iron absorption rate.