It can cause anemia in pregnant women:
Post-pregnancy: postpartum depression.
In the pregnant baby:
It consists of a balanced and healthy diet that provides the necessary amount of iron to reverse the deficit.
But if the deficit is severe and large amounts of iron are required by the pregnancy, the doctor may recommend a supplement.
First, keep this difference in mind if you're pregnant or preparing to become pregnant:
Prior to pregnancy, women require between 300 and 400 mg of iron in their reserves.
However, very few have this amount of iron. Therefore, it is very likely that they will start the pregnancy with a deficit.
Fact: 23% of pregnant women are iron deficient.
On the other hand, pregnant women require 27 mg of iron (daily) during pregnancy.
In other words, they need almost 50% more than when they are not pregnant.
So, Should pregnant women take iron?
It seems logical that the answer is yes, but this should be determined by a doctor through exams.
The natural source of iron for pregnant women (and for all people) is a balanced and healthy diet.
But if pregnant women have a previous deficit, it is difficult for food to make up for it.
In pregnant women, iron deficiency can cause anemia. The symptoms of this disease are:
However, keep in mind that some symptoms may be caused by pregnancy and not anemia. Always check with your doctor.
In addition, if iron deficiency lasts until after pregnancy, it can lead to postpartum depression.
Approximately 1/3 of the total iron in pregnant women is used for the formation and growth of the placenta and fetus.
Therefore, iron deficiency can affect the growth of both.
For example, this can have consequences for the development of the bone and immune systems.
In addition, in the most serious cases, it can cause low fetal weight at birth. It can also cause premature birth.
The most serious consequence is risk of death before or after birth.
In general, treatment for iron deficiency and anemia consists of a balanced and healthy diet that provides the necessary amount of this mineral to reverse the situation.
But, as we saw, if the deficit is severe and large amounts of iron are required by pregnancy, the doctor may recommend a supplement.
Eating dietary supplements without medical supervision can put your health at risk.