As the pregnancy advances, the mother's body and the developing infant require so much more, and proper care for her health and that of the baby becomes extremely essential. Of all the nutrients required during this stage of life, iron is essential; a rise in the need for iron will be required to meet the increased consumption requirements. Pregnant women often consume pregnancy supplements to fulfill this increased requirement. This blog will speak to shedding light on the importance of iron vitamins during pregnancy, its effects both on the mother and the child, and practical advice in choosing and using a good iron supplement during pregnancy.
Iron Deficiency During Pregnancy
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide, but it takes on greater importance during pregnancy. The body needs excess iron to manufacture extra blood for the mother and the growing fetus. Deficiency of iron may interfere with the availability of acceptable hemoglobin thereby causing anemia.
Anemia can bring in many symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, breathing problems, and dizziness. To pregnant women, anemia poses significant risks of premature delivery, low birth weight, and post-partum depression. Taking an iron vitamin for pregnancy can prevent such complications in the body because the body is assured of maintaining adequate iron supplies.
Benefits of Iron Supplements During Pregnancy for Mother
Taking iron supplements during pregnancy comes with a host of health benefits for expectant mothers. It helps prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia and derives enough energy to support the demands of pregnancy.
A good iron supplement for pregnancy can also enhance the immune system of the mother so that there is less chance of infection during this vulnerable period. Maintaining adequate levels of iron can improve cognitive functions and ward off the risk of developing postpartum depression.
Iron supplementation is mainly for mothers carrying multiples or for those with a history of anemia since their requirements during such pregnancies are much higher. Also, with proper aid from effective iron supplements during pregnancy, problems regarding a preterm birth can be reduced and the gestation period for the mother can be made less problematic as well.
Benefits of Iron Supplements During Pregnancy for Baby
Pregnancy "Iron vitamins" iron is essential for the growth and development of the baby, it helps grow healthy red blood cells and aids a developing brain.
A good supplement of iron during pregnancy ensures that enough oxygen is provided to the baby, which is very important for growth and development.
These help develop the right immune response in a baby, reducing chances of infection after birth. More importantly, studies show that infants whose mothers are kept with sufficient iron levels have higher birth weights and are likely to be born at term. Therefore, iron supplementation in pregnancy means that all the necessary nutrients will have reached the fetus for proper growth and development.
At What Time Should a Pregnant Woman Start Taking Iron Supplements?
One of the leading decisions involves knowing at what time a woman should start taking an iron vitamin for pregnancy. Doctors usually recommend that a woman starts taking her iron supplements at the 12th week of pregnancy in the second trimester when the baby starts growing, and their iron needs rise. However, a pregnant woman with iron deficiency anemia may be prescribed a proper iron supplement earlier, sometimes even during the first trimester. You must then follow your doctor's prescription for when to begin your pregnancy iron supplement and ensure you are not exposed to over-supplementation risks, thus losing this strong reason for being maintained at high iron levels.
In Which Trimester Is Iron Most Important?
Iron is required at every stage of pregnancy but is most crucial during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. In the second trimester, the fetus develops significantly while on the mother's side, her blood volume increases rapidly to accommodate this growth. Hence, demand for iron will be at a high, and this is the time when the most vital absorption of iron must take place through some good pregnancy iron supplement.
In the third trimester, iron is still required because the baby's brain is growing at that stage, and the mother must prepare her body for delivery. Adequate levels of iron in that period can decrease the risk of severe bleeding during delivery and work towards providing the best outcome both for the mother and the baby.
Intake of Iron Supplements during Pregnancy
If you are prescribed an iron supplement during pregnancy, always follow the given dosage advised by your doctor. Take iron on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after a meal, to maximize absorption. If you become nauseated or experience stomach upset, take the iron with as little food as possible. Do not take iron supplements concurrently with your consumption of foods or dietary supplements that contain calcium, since this will lead to reduced iron absorption. Combine your iron vitamin while pregnant with another substance that contains vitamin C, like orange juice, to help maximize its absorption.
Can iron supplements cause bloating or gas during pregnancy?
Sometimes, iron supplements can cause bloating or gas during pregnancy because of the heaviness of the mineral. While your body is digesting an iron pregnancy supplement, sometimes it may slow down your digestive tract, causing discomfort in the form of bloating or gas, relatively common and depends on the type of iron vitamin for pregnancy. To minimize these side effects, it is advisable to settle on a good supplement for iron for pregnant women that is not harsh on the stomach or is taken with food, as this might reduce the occurrence of gastrointestinal problems.
Trimacare: Best iron pregnancy supplement for pregnancy
Trimacare Prenatal tablets are designed so that every need at every stage of the pregnancy is supplied to the mother and baby, thereby aligning with the requirements of expectant Indian mothers rather than just importing another country's generic formulation. This allows the Indian woman to get more than 20 very important nutrients necessary for pregnancy with one single Trimacare prenatal pill.
It is the ideal option for Indian vegetarian ladies or those sensitive to Omega-3 fatty acids, Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), or Fish Oil commonly present in other prenatal vitamins as it is the first 100% vegetarian Prenatal Vitamin. What's more, Trimacare 3 prenatal vitamin has Time-Release Iron, which decreases the incidences of gastrointestinal discomfort associated with iron supplements in pregnancy and therefore prevents bloating. Besides, unlike other most prenatal multivitamins, Trimacare does not result in stool discoloration. Lastly, Trimacare 3 prenatal tablet contains a bowel regulator that will ensure relief for women suffering from constipation as it is caused by pregnancy; hence, digestion comfort is improved during pregnancy.
Conclusion
Maternal and fetal health require pregnancy supplements of iron, which plays an essential role in the prevention of anemia apart from ensuring that the baby grows correctly. For this reason, you shall be required to adhere to the prescription provided by your doctor to avoid risks. The right iron supplement will make all the difference in the baby's growth for most pregnant women, though balance is required since insufficient or excessive levels of iron cause problems. By providing the intake for the prescribed amount, pregnant women can, therefore, contribute to a healthy pregnancy and a perfect success in it.
