Iron is a naturally occurring mineral found in a variety of foods, but it can also be taken as a supplement. It is a crucial component of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells. Together, iron and red blood cells play a vital role in carrying oxygen throughout the body.

Iron is essential for everyone, but the need for it increases significantly during pregnancy for several reasons. The first is that the amount of blood in your body increases by 50% when you're expecting, so there are more red blood cells that need iron.

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It is also needed to produce certain enzymes that increase in number during pregnancy, and it is essential for the baby's development. The baby will store enough iron to last for the first six months of life, according to nutritionist Jo Travers, quoted in a statement from Intimina.

The need for iron increases exponentially during pregnancy, peaking in the third trimester, when the amount of iron available from food is no longer sufficient. This is normal and natural, and the iron stored in previous months is used during this time. The first trimester is the time when the need for iron is lower than when not pregnant, since there is no longer menstruation. This is when the body stores iron for later.

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Babies receive enough iron through breast milk for the first six months of their lives, and their iron needs are then met through food. This means that there is no loss of iron for the mother during this breastfeeding period. "Although breastfeeding does not require extra iron, studies show that women who took iron supplements during breastfeeding had higher iron levels, i.e., a lower risk of developing iron deficiency and anemia. This is perhaps because the supplements help restore iron levels after high demand during pregnancy," explains Jo Travers.

Consequences of iron deficiency

Since the need for iron is greater during pregnancy, there is a good chance that you will not be able to get it all from food alone. If this happens, you may experience malaise, fatigue, moodiness, and drowsiness.

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It also increases the risk of developing a serious iron deficiency and anemia. This can translate into low energy levels in the postpartum period, which is likely to be a problem, as there will be a baby and, consequently, an adjustment by the mother to sleep habits, feeding, among others. 

Considering that the focus will be on the baby, there may not be as much time for the mother to devote to the extra feeding and rest needed to combat this iron deficiency. Especially because, with this condition, the need for rest becomes greater.

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There is also the possibility of blood loss during childbirth, resulting in low iron levels, in addition to menstruation, which can return during the first few months of the baby's life. This means that there is also a need to take iron supplements during breastfeeding.

What to do

The most important thing is to have a balanced diet that will result in stable iron levels in the body before, during, and after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Paying special attention to the symptoms of low iron levels - fatigue, malaise, moodiness, irritability, paleness, etc. - also contributes to this result. It is also important to take care of your body and ensure rest whenever possible. If this is not enough, it is important to contact a gynecologist. 

Your gynecologist will most likely do some blood tests during your pregnancy to check your hemoglobin level. Taking iron supplements as a preventive measure is recommended, as it can reduce future complications, since the need will become greater and the iron in food will not be enough. Therefore, it is essential that the mother start by taking care of her health.

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