Signs Of Low Iron In Pregnancy
Before you become pregnant (or as soon as you find out), you start taking a prenatal vitamin to make sure you're getting enough nutrients to support the growth of your baby. However, even with daily vitamins, some women still become anemic as pregnancy progresses. If you have a tendency toward anemia even when you're not expecting, you may suffer from iron deficiency as your pregnancy progresses.
Symptoms
It's easy for pregnant women to dismiss the symptoms of low iron in pregnancy because the discomforts of normal pregnancy can mask the problem. But you might not realize that you can actually feel energized and reasonably healthy during pregnancy, especially after the first trimester has passed. Typical signs of low iron can include:
- intense fatigue. It's normal for women to get more tired when they are pregnant, but you should not be so exhausted that you are not functional. If you feel constantly compelled to rest or if simple things like household chores are too tiring, it's a sign your iron is low.
- difficulty concentrating. You might have enjoyed reading or doing a crossword puzzle in your downtime, but lately you feel like you cannot stay focused enough.
- feeling lightheaded, especially after exertion. For example, if you feel like you are dizzy after going up the stairs, you might be anemic.
- cravings for non-food items like ice or soil. This condition means your iron deficiency is extremely pronounced and may require substantial intervention, such as replacement through an IV.
Other symptoms of iron deficiency in pregnancy that you might not recognize include increased muscle cramps, especially in the legs. Your skin might be paler than usual, or you might feel breathless at times. If you do think low iron might be one of the reasons you're not feeling well, talk to your OBGYN about getting a hemoglobin test to check.
Remedy
For slight or moderate deficiencies, your doctor will tell you to take iron supplements with your prenatal vitamin. You might also change your diet to help prevent iron loss. For example, tea and coffee can make anemia worse. Instead, you might focus on red meats, leafy green, and fortified cereals that are good sources of dietary iron. Drinking orange juice with your iron can help your body absorb it more effectively. Usually, supplements can make the difference, and you'll be more energized soon.
For more severe anemia, you may need to see a specialist or get hospital treatment to monitor your iron levels. Talk to a professional like those at Lifecycles OB/GYN, PC for more information.