Who needs Iron?

Pregnant Women and Iron

Do my iron needs increase when I am pregnant?

Pregnant women need 2 to 3 times more iron than normal. Additional iron supply is required for the growing foetus and placenta and to increase the maternal total red cell mass (of the blood). This leads to a marked increase in demand for iron, particularly in the third trimester,

To partially compensate for this, the body conserves iron even more than usual with iron absorption increasing by up to three times. There is also a reduction in iron losses due to the cease of menstruation during pregnancy.

What happens if I don't get enough iron while I'm pregnant?

Poor iron intake during pregnancy will impact on the mother’s iron status more than on the developing infant. The iron needs of the developing infant will be met at the expense of the mother.

What is the recommended daily iron intake for pregnant women?
The recommended daily iron for pregnant women is 27 mg.

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