Iron is one of the most important minerals a woman can get, especially when she is pregnant. Iron prevents anemia, and plays an important role in oxygenating the blood for both mom and baby. Even women who take prenatal vitamins may be at risk for anemia. Knowing which iron supplement to take, or not to take, can be confusing without some nutritional guidance.
Iron and Pregnancy
Iron is considered one of the more important dietary supplements during pregnancy. Early in pregnancy, a woman's blood supply increases to support both her own bodily changes and to create a blood supply for her developing baby. These red blood cells need iron to carry oxygen to the major organs, and more blood equals a greater need for iron. If you do not get enough iron during your pregnancy, you run the risk of developing pregnancy anemia.
How Much is Enough?
Most women need around 18 mg of iron every day, according to the National Institutes of Health; however, this figure jumps to 27 mg daily once you become pregnant. That's about a third more than your usual needs. Fortunately, you can get most of this amount from your prenatal vitamin. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, most prenatal supplement formulas contain your iron RDA, or recommended daily allowance. However, your iron needs may increase as your pregnancy progresses. "What to Expect" reports that around the 20th week of pregnancy, you may need an extra 30 mg to 50 mg every day, even if you are already taking a prenatal vitamin.
Avoiding Anemia
An unfortunate statistic from the National Institutes of Health: About half of all pregnant women do not get adequate iron in their diets. This statistic includes women worldwide, though many of those women are from low-income areas where diet may not be as nutritionally sound. To keep yourself from becoming a part of this statistic, you should track your daily iron intake, including what you get from your prenatal vitamin. In addition to your diet, your prenatal vitamin is the best source of iron, as it also contains many of the other nutrients that are vital throughout pregnancy. Because it supplies your RDA, it is often the only supplement you need, unless you develop anemia later in your pregnancy.
Do I Need Another Supplement?
If your iron stores were low prior to pregnancy, or if your needs increase beyond your dietary capabilities, you may need another iron supplement. ACOG reports that some women did not get enough iron before their pregnancy, making them even more prone to developing anemia. In addition, some women's iron needs may simply be higher than others. While a prenatal containing iron is recommended from the start, the National Institutes of Health also recommends regular hemoglobin and hematocrit screenings throughout pregnancy to monitor your anemia risk. If your levels are running low, it is best to add another supplement to the diet. However, do not add any extra supplements to your prenatal, even iron, without first consulting your doctor.
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