When do pregnant women need iron supplements?
Pregnant women are advised to take one 60 mg iron tablet combined with 400 mcg of folic acid daily.
I've heard that during pregnancy, the body needs a large amount of iron for the fetus to develop. Even before I was pregnant, I often suffered from iron deficiency, which manifested as occasional fainting spells. So, I'd like to ask at what month of pregnancy I need to supplement with iron. I'm currently in my third month of pregnancy. Thank you very much, doctor.
You need to know that iron is a crucial component of red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Even without pregnancy, women of childbearing age are at risk of iron deficiency due to monthly menstruation. Therefore, in this case...iron deficiencyYour condition before pregnancy is not unusual. During pregnancy, the mother's body needs to produce almost twice the normal amount of blood to nourish both mother and child. Therefore, the need for iron also doubles.
It is worth noting that anemia and iron deficiency increase risks for both mother and child. For the mother, iron deficiency increases the risk of infection, postpartum hemorrhage, etc., while for the fetus, iron-deficiency anemia is a risk factor for fetal malnutrition, premature birth, low birth weight, and affects the child's physical and intellectual development later in life.
However, daily diets often don't meet iron requirements during pregnancy, so iron supplementation is crucial. Pregnant women are required to take one 60mg iron tablet combined with 400mcg folic acid daily from the time they know they are pregnant until one month after giving birth. Therefore, what you need to do now is see your doctor, tell them about your anemia, and get a prescription for iron supplements immediately.
One thing to keep in mind is that iron is a nutrient that is difficult for the body to absorb. Therefore, to enhance iron absorption, you should take iron supplements on an empty stomach and with drinks rich in vitamin C, such as orange juice or lemon juice.
According to Discovery - NT
