Iron Facts

• Many women have an inadequate level of iron in their system to begin with, and the lack becomes more pronounced during pregnancy
• Iron is very vital for the fetus; it is the only nutrient which the fetus depends totally on the mother for the supply.
• Iron is needed for the formation of red blood cells; sufficient stores of iron from the start of the pregnancy to the end is vital.
• The average woman cannot depend on diet alone. The demand doubles during pregnancy and so iron supplements are added to compensate for the insufficiency.
• There are two types of iron, heme and nonheme iron, categorized this way because the former is derived from meat and the other from non-meat sources. Heme iron is more readily absorbed than nonheme iron.
• Vegetarians have to be careful in planning their menu to make sure they get a sufficient dose of this mineral.

Iron Deficit

• Insufficient store of this mineral is the likely cause of incessant fatigue; it also increases the incidence of illnesses and fainting spells
• Lack of iron will put a strain on the maternal heart
• Lack of iron will also endanger the mother should she face excessive bleeding during delivery
• On the other hand an iron overdose can be disadvantageous as well.

Supplement fundamentals

• Iron supplements are useful; they help to manufacture hemoglobin, which will in turn help you to maintain the energy required during pregnancy.
• Iron tablets come in several forms and under various trade names: ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate and ferrous fumarate
• Absorption of iron is enhanced by vitamin C. Ideally supplements should be taken with fruit juices
• Certain foods and medications including high calcium foods, caffeinated drinks and antacids inhibit iron absorption. Avoid taking your supplements with these items at the same sitting.
• In the later months of pregnancy, when the blood volume has expanded, women may have to take additional supplements apart from their prenatal vitamins as the iron dose won't suffice then.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose of this mineral unless advised by your doctor - iron can suppress zinc levels.

On the Flipside

• Iron in excess can cause dry stools leading to constipation. The reverse happens with some women; they get diarrhea
• Diarrhea or constipation, it makes sense to change the form: you can switch from tablet to liquid as liquid is known to be easier on the tummy
• You may also try switching to either one of the three compounds (e.g. ferrous fumarate to ferrous gluconate) and see if it works for you
• The strength of the dose counts. Sometimes the strength may need reducing. If that is decided then make sure you compensate by increasing your intake of iron-rich foods everyday. Small amounts of iron are found in most fruits, vegetables, grains and meat that you consume daily. Work on increasing this mineral by eating iron-rich foods along with your supplement.

About the Author:

Jyoti Primalani, a homemaker and a mother, officially writes for http://www.welcomebabyhome.com , a pregnancy and parenting site. Articles are simple-to-read, relevant and concise for today's busy parents and parents-to-be.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Importance of Iron During Pregnancy