Ever get a craving for red meat? Sometimes that’s your body telling you it needs more iron – and that need becomes a requirement for pregnant women.
Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, a condition that can cause dizziness, fatigue and pregnancy complications. Think that seems unlikely? It’s not: About 10% of pregnant women develop anemia, according to a WiserPregnancy survey.
That’s because when you’re pregnant, your body can deplete its normal iron supply. Your body makes more blood during pregnancy; it uses iron to make the red blood cells that carry oxygen to your cells and to the placenta. Your baby needs iron to build healthy red blood cells, blood vessels and muscles.
When anemia is severe, your baby may not get enough oxygen or could have complications such as preterm birth or low birth weight.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy builds a good foundation for keeping you and your baby healthy, but food alone doesn’t give you – or your baby – the nutrients you both need. Many women – including 85% of women diagnosed with anemia – take iron supplements to boost their iron levels.
