Many women discover that they are anemic during their pregnancy. Despite the availability of food and the prevalence of prenatal vitamins, iron deficiency still seems to be a problem for many women in pregnancy. There are a few reasons why this might be the case. There are also ways to determine for yourself whether you have low iron levels and also ways that you can help to treat yourself at home.
Iron is necessary for carrying oxygen to your baby. If your blood iron levels are low, your baby may not be getting enough oxygen which can cause problems during pregnancy and birth for both the mother and the baby.
There are many reasons why a mother might become anemic. A natural lowering of iron levels during pregnancy is normal, especially during the third trimester. This is because a pregnant mother’s blood volume increases. This increase in blood lowers the iron saturation which can make a mother feel faint or dizzy. This natural lowering of iron levels is harmless, but it should be watched to make sure it does not get dangerously low.
One thing that has always bothered me about doctors is that when a woman becomes anemic, they do not ask the cause of these low iron levels. Instead of addressing what could be the problem, they simply prescribe unusually high levels of iron supplements. These high levels of iron often make mothers feel sick or nauseous and the problem which is the actual cause of the anemia is never addressed.
One cause could be that the mother is not getting enough vitamin C. Vitamin C is necessary for the body to process iron. If a woman is anemic, all of the iron supplements in the world will not help her much if her body is deficient in vitamin C. Every pregnant woman needs to be sure that she is getting plenty of this essential nutrient. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, pineapple, orange juice, and some other fruits.
Excess calcium can also deplete the body of iron. Foods that are high in calcium should not be consumed with iron supplements or iron-rich foods. Spinach is high in calcium, but it is also high in iron. Milk and cheese should be eaten in moderation or substituted with other high-protein foods. Do not cut calcium completely out of your diet. You still need plenty in order to keep your baby healthy and growing.
There are many foods that you can eat that are high in iron. Fortified cereals, broccoli, meats (especially red meats), molasses, raisins, and dark leafy green vegetables are all high in iron. Your body will process iron much more readily from foods than from supplements.
You can check your iron levels at home without any special equipment. Pay close attention to how you feel. If you often feel weak, lightheaded, and extremely short of breath, these may be warning signs. To check your eyes, look in a mirror and pull down your lower eyelid. The inside of your eyelid should be red or dark pink. A light pink or pale color indicates an iron deficiency.
Remember to eat a proper diet during your pregnancy. Get plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, rest, and pay attention to your body. You can prevent and even cure anemia with just a little careful eating and plenty of sunshine and exercise.
