A pregnant woman needs an adequate quantity of iron for proper development of the fetus. She often needs to take supplements to prevent iron deficiency. ‘Excess of this element’ in the body, can be as bad as the ‘scarcity of this element’. This write-up provides information on its significance and contraindications.
Iron plays an important role in several vital functions of the body, thus, the scarcity of the same can lead to serious health complications, especially in pregnant women. Severe deficiency of this element can cause anemia. Poor diet, strict vegetarian diet, heavy menstruation, and pregnancy are the common causes of the deficiency. During pregnancy, presence of this element in adequate quantities, ensures healthy growth of the fetus. It is an essential element for maintaining the mother’s health as well. It promotes fast recovery post-delivery. The recommended intake of this element for a pregnant woman is 30 mg/day. The intake of supplements during pregnancy, helps avoid premature birth, still birth, and low birth weight.
Symptoms of Deficiency
The expectant mother may not be anemic at the beginning of the pregnancy, however, she may develop anemia as the pregnancy progresses. A blood test helps detect anemia in pregnant women. Most women do not experience any symptoms, in case of mild anemia. The symptoms of this deficiency include:
- Pale lips, fingernails, and undersides of the eyelids
- Increased tiredness, weakness, and dizziness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble concentrating
- Cravings for non-food items such as ice, paper, or clay
The doctors normally prescribe supplements, after examining the symptoms and blood test results.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: These supplements can lead to stomach upset, darker stools, constipation, abdominal discomfort, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.
- Iron Poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and blood in the stool are commonly noticed symptoms of the poisoning. Children whose mothers have had excessive dose of the supplements are likely to be affected by the poisoning.
- Rare Side Effects: Tingling feeling or numbness in hands or feet, and weakness, may be observed in case of overdose. Even though rare once these indications are noticed, precautionary measures should be taken.
- Weight Gain: The relationship between the supplements and the weight gain is yet to be established. However, it is believed that increased inactivity during pregnancy is responsible for weight gain and not the supplements.
- Skin Problems: Consuming these supplements in the liquid form during pregnancy, can result in bluish-colored lips, palms of hands, and fingernails. Also, itching and/or skin rashes or hives all over the body may be experienced. The excessive intake of this element can cause swelling of the mouth or throat and discoloration of the teeth.
Considering the possible contraindications of these supplements, an expectant mother is recommended to start with half the prescribed dose. The dose can be gradually increased, once the body is accustomed to the supplement. The prescribed quantity of this element in the body for an adult should not exceed 45 mg/day. The consumption of vegetables, fruits, water, and other fluids needs to be increased, in order to avoid constipation. Alternatively, the doctor can also prescribe certain stool softeners.
Increasing the intake of foods rich in iron can also prove to be beneficial. It is essential to abstain from the excessive consumption of beverages like tea, coffee, and cold drinks, as they affect the iron absorption process. On the other hand, vitamin C enhances this process, hence, proper intake of foods high in vitamin C is necessary. Following a balanced and healthy diet is the best way of preventing the deficiency.
Disclaimer: This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.