Related topics
NICU Family Support®
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121017101950im_/http://www.marchofdimes.com/images/givetogift_gifticon.png)
Donation amount:
You’re in! See your latest actions or visit your profile and dashboard.
Hello! |
||||||||
Personalize your experience, get access to saved pages, donation receipts and more.
Already have an account? Sign in. |
||||||||
|
||||||||
Send me the e-newsletter | ||||||||
Tell us your interests |
||||||||
|
||||||||
Privacy policy ![]() |
Welcome Back! |
|
Use your existing or March for Babies user name and password to sign in. ![]() |
|
|
|
|
|
Iron deficiency
Usually, a woman becomes anemic (has anemia) because her body isn’t getting enough iron. Iron is a mineral that helps to create red blood cells. About half of all pregnant women don’t have enough iron in their body (iron deficiency). In pregnancy, iron deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of preterm birth and low birthweight.
Illness or disease
Some women may have an illness that causes anemia. Diseases such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia affect the quality and number of red blood cells the body produces. If you have a disease that causes anemia, talk with your health provider about how to treat anemia.
Signs of anemia
Anemia takes some time to develop. In the beginning, you may not have any signs or they may be mild. But as it gets worse, you may have these symptoms:
Because your heart has to work harder to pump more oxygen-rich blood through the body, all of these signs and symptoms can occur.
Getting enough iron
Before getting pregnant, women should get about 18 milligrams (mg) of iron per day. During pregnancy, the amount of iron you need jumps to 27 mg per day. Most pregnant women get this amount from eating foods that contain iron and taking prenatal vitamins that contain iron. Some women need to take iron supplements to prevent iron deficiency.
Iron-rich foods
You can help lower your risk of anemia by eating foods that contain iron during your entire pregnancy. These foods include:
Foods containing vitamin C can increase the amount of iron your body absorbs. So it's a good idea to eat foods like orange juice, tomatoes, strawberries and grapefruit every day.
Coffee, tea, egg yolks, milk, fiber and soy protein can block your body from absorbing iron. Try to avoid these when eating iron-rich foods.
Iron supplements
If you are anemic, your health care provider may prescribe an iron supplement. Some iron supplements may cause heartburn, constipation or nausea. Here are some tips to avoid or reduce these problems:
Reduce constipation by drinking more water and by eating more fiber. Fiber is found in whole grain foods, breakfast cereals, fruits and vegetables.
April 2009Donation amount: