Is is easy to become low in iron during pregnancy. Our iron requirements in pregnancy are quite high, a key reason prenatal vitamins typically have extra iron. On one hand, our menstruation ceases for a year or more during pregnancy but on the other, we have quite a bit of blood loss with the birth. Nutritionists estimate that we need an additional 1 to 2.5 milligrams of iron per day (and more if we hemorrhage in delivery). The additional iron is primarily to make up for the iron given to the growing baby in utero and the iron we produce in our milk during lactation.
Like many of the nutrients in pregnancy, the largest requirement for iron comes in the third trimester of pregnancy where the fast-growing baby requires on the order of 3 to 4 milligrams of iron each day.
If you are low in iron in pregnancy, I strongly recommend an iron supplement. Floradix may be the best iron supplement widely available.
Work to improve your diet as well. Check out the Iron Rich Foods, based on data maintained by the USDA. If your diet contains little or no meat, read the information on this site about increasing your absorption of iron (and other minerals) through kitchen preparation techniques. Read more about grains and phytates and phytic acid in beans.
Source: Virgil F. Fairbanks, 1994. “Iron in Medicine and Nutrition” in Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease Lea & Febiger: Philadelphia, p 185-213.
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A woman’s diet does factor into the process of getting pregnant. There are many foods that are essential for their diets. Folic acid, for example, is one of the necessary components for women in this category. It is important to consume at least 0.4 mg of folic acid daily. When you consider the process of getting pregnant a balanced diet is essential. This includes foods rich in starch and fiber. Women should also increase their intake of vitamin C and vitamin A. Some women use supplements for this intake. Good dietary choices, however, are better options for consuming these nutritional components.