Pregnancy: Iron

Women lose iron due to tissue growth during pregnancy, and blood loss at delivery and postpartum.

Iron deficiency, especially during the first and second trimesters, can add to the risk of a preterm delivery or low-birthweight baby.

However, during the second trimester a small drop in hemoglobin happens naturally. By the third trimester hemoglobin levels should be back to normal.

Pregnant women are encouraged to eat a good diet and pay attention to the amount of iron they are getting. Also, it is a good idea to begin taking a 30mg iron supplement everyday between meals.

Try not to take your supplement with either coffee or tea because this will limit the amount of iron your body will absorb.