Low Iron Post-Pregnancy

Pregnancy makes great demands of your body. Growing, developing and birthing a child are hard work and can put stress on your body. Your nutrition can influence how your body performs and recovers from the stress of pregnancy, especially your intake of iron. Low iron after pregnancy is common due to the increased need for iron during pregnancy as well as the effects of birth. Low iron can lead to anemia, which can make it even harder to recover from birthing your child.

Causes

Low iron during pregnancy as well as the effects of birth can lead to postpartum anemia. During pregnancy, your blood volume drastically increases because of the demand for oxygen and other nutrients for your fetus and placenta and changes to your own physiology. If you do not adequately meet this need of 30 mg of iron during pregnancy, you may find yourself with low iron after pregnancy as well. Another factor that can influence iron content is blood loss. During and after birth, you lose a significant amount of blood because of the normal physiological process of birth and recovery. Suffering from a hemorrhage after birth can reduce your iron content even more.

Significance

The iron inside of your blood aids in the production of red blood cells, which carry and deliver oxygen. Low iron means less red blood cells are produced and less oxygen is carried in the bloodstream. Inadequate oxygen to the body can result in negative symptoms and health problems. Low iron can cause an illness known as anemia. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, headaches, dizziness, hand and feet numbness, shortness of breath, pale skin, arrythmias, low body temperature, chest pain and mood changes. These effects can wreak havoc on a woman also trying to recover from labor and birth.

Treatment

According to a meta-analysis published by the Cochrane database, there are three courses of action for the post-pregnancy anemic woman. Iron supplements may be effective for some, while others may need a blood transfusion. Another option is the hormone erythropoeitin, which the body naturally makes. However, supplementation of this hormone can trigger the body's production of red blood cells. Your doctor will determine the best course of action for your situation.

Prevention

Prevention may be as simple as getting the iron you need during pregnancy. Supplementation with iron during pregnancy can increase the body's hemoglobin for two months after pregnancy, according to a report by Stacelynn Caughlan Cl.M, CH. Hemoglobin is the molecule that allows the red blood cells to carry oxygen. Iron needs during pregnancy are high and it is close to impossible for the diet to provide the iron you need, states Roger W. Harms, M.D. in his book "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy." Harms suggests taking an iron supplement during pregnancy as well as increasing your consumption of iron-rich foods. Speak with your doctor before including an iron supplement during pregnancy.