My healthy pregnancy

Iron

Found in red blood cells, iron is oxygen’s private chauffer; it captures oxygen in the lungs and helps to transport it to the placenta and everywhere else in the body. Since women’s blood volume increases during pregnancy (by up to 40% in the third trimester) to cover the additional need for oxygen, the need for iron also increases. It also helps in the formation of healthy bones and teeth.

Foods rich in iron

Animal sources:

Red meat
Poultry
Fish and seafood (always make sure that fish is properly cooked)

Vegetable sources:

Lentils
White beans
Sunflower seeds

Iron absorption can become difficult, especially during the third trimester when your baby is storing enough iron to cover what they will need during the first six months of life. Here are some tips to help the iron make its way to your red blood cells:

Consume vitamin C (oranges, tomatoes, sweet peppers, broccolis, etc.) at the same time as iron from food sources.
Avoid caffeine directly before or after a meal.

Nevertheless, it is still possible to suffer from anemia (lack of iron) during your pregnancy. If you have one of these symptoms, talk to your doctor:

Fatigue
Pronounced shortness of breath
Dizziness
Accelerated heart rate

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice and Accès pharma affiliated pharmacist-owners cannot be held responsible for this information. The information was true and accurate at the time of publication, but it is subject to change.