{"id":10076,"date":"2017-04-27T06:43:37","date_gmt":"2017-04-27T10:43:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.oviahealth.com\/guide\/10076\/iron-during-pregnancy\/"},"modified":"2025-02-21T12:10:39","modified_gmt":"2025-02-21T17:10:39","slug":"iron-during-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/10076\/iron-during-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"Iron: making blood that’s tough as… iron"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Although many don\u2019t even realize it, the element iron is incredibly important in everyday bodily functioning, from producing red blood cells and muscle cells, to ridding the body of carbon dioxide. The American College\u00a0of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends a daily intake of 27 mg\/day for pregnant women.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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How does iron help during pregnancy?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Iron\u2019s primary function is to help build healthy red blood cells in order to transport oxygen around the body. Baby<\/span> is also dependent on your nutrients (and your iron) for quite a time, meaning they will<\/span> need to borrow\u00a0your iron to construct their<\/span> own red blood cells. Iron also helps build myoglobin, the protein that delivers oxygen to the muscles, allowing Baby<\/span> to grow big and strong. Iron deficiency during pregnancy is related to low birth weight, premature birth, and heart problems, so the importance of consuming enough cannot be overstated.<\/p>\n

Because your blood volume increases so much during pregnancy, it\u2019s very common to experience anemia, which is usually caused by a lower-than-desired amount of iron in the body. Blood counts and ferritin levels at various points in pregnancy check your iron levels, and low levels can be treated with diet changes, supplements, and IV infusions when necessary. <\/span><\/p>\n

What are some good sources of iron?<\/strong><\/h4>\n