Iron Deficiency During Pregnancy: Expert Shares Tips to Boost Haemoglobin Levels

Iron deficiency affects over 80 per cent of pregnant women by their third trimester, leading to anaemia and posing risks for both mother and baby. We got in touch with a health expert who shares incorporating iron-rich foods, vitamin C, and folate into the diet, along with regular check-ups and supplements, to maintain healthy haemoglobin levels and ensure a safe pregnancy.
Iron Deficiency During Pregnancy: Expert Shares Tips to Boost Haemoglobin Levels

Iron Deficiency During Pregnancy: Expert Shares Tips to Boost Haemoglobin Levels (Image Credits: iStock)

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes many changes, and one of the most critical is the increased need for iron. The demand for iron during pregnancy increases nearly tenfold to support the growing fetus and meet the mother's own rising iron needs. However, many women start pregnancy with low iron stores, making it challenging to meet these higher requirements. As per experts, more than 80 per cent of pregnant women experience iron deficiency by their third trimester, which can lead to iron deficiency anaemia.
Anaemia during pregnancy poses risks for both the mother and the baby. We got in touch with Dr Astha Dayal, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, to understand the impact of iron deficiency and how women can improve their haemoglobin levels for a healthier pregnancy and delivery.
Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. During pregnancy, the blood volume in a woman's body increases significantly to nourish and support the developing fetus. This increased blood volume raises the demand for iron, which is essential for producing haemoglobin.
If a pregnant woman’s iron levels are insufficient, her body cannot produce enough haemoglobin, leading to anaemia. Iron deficiency anaemia can result in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and an increased risk of infections. More severe cases can cause complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and even maternal mortality.

Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency During Pregnancy

It’s important to identify iron deficiency early to avoid complications. Common symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia during pregnancy include:
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Pale skin and brittle nails
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing.

Dietary Recommendations to Increase Haemoglobin Levels

Dr Dayal shares one of the most effective ways to combat iron deficiency during pregnancy is by adopting a well-balanced diet that supports haemoglobin production. Below are some key dietary tips:
- Consume Iron-Rich Foods: Incorporate a variety of iron-rich foods into your diet. These include lean meats like beef, chicken, and turkey, as well as seafood, beans, lentils, spinach, and iron-fortified cereals. Animal-based iron (heme iron) is absorbed more efficiently than plant-based iron (non-heme iron), but both are essential for increasing iron levels.
- Pair Iron with Vitamin C: Vitamin C enhances the absorption of non-heme iron from plant sources. To improve iron uptake, pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges, lemons, bell peppers, tomatoes, and strawberries.
- Include Folate-Rich Foods: Folate (vitamin B9) is crucial for red blood cell production. Foods rich in folate, such as leafy green vegetables, beans, peas, and nuts, should also be included in the diet to support overall blood health.
- Avoid Iron Absorption Inhibitors: Certain foods and beverages can hinder iron absorption. Limit your intake of coffee, tea, and calcium-rich foods when eating meals that contain iron. Consuming these items separately can help maximize iron absorption from your meals.

The Role of Supplements and Medical Guidance

In many cases, dietary changes alone may not be enough to meet the high iron demands during pregnancy, especially for women who enter pregnancy with low iron stores. In such cases, iron supplements are often recommended.
Most prenatal vitamins contain some iron, but depending on the severity of the deficiency, additional iron supplements may be necessary. However, it’s important to take iron supplements only under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as excessive iron intake can lead to side effects such as constipation, nausea, and in rare cases, toxicity.
Dr. Dayal emphasizes, "While a good diet is essential, supplements are often required to ensure the body gets enough iron, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. Regular check-ups and monitoring haemoglobin levels can help determine the need for additional supplementation."

Lifestyle Tips to Manage Iron Levels During Pregnancy

In addition to dietary changes and supplements, there are some lifestyle adjustments that can help maintain healthy iron levels during pregnancy:
- Regular Check-ups: Routine blood tests are crucial during pregnancy. These tests help monitor haemoglobin levels and assess whether dietary changes and supplements are effectively managing the deficiency. Based on the results, your healthcare provider may adjust your treatment plan.
- Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration helps support overall health and ensures that essential nutrients like iron are transported efficiently throughout the body. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Moderate Exercise: Engaging in light to moderate physical activity can help improve circulation and overall well-being. However, avoid excessive or strenuous exercise, which may exacerbate fatigue and iron deficiency.
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.
Pallavi Mehra author

Pallavi Mehra is a Copy Editor at Times Now and covers Health beat extensively. In her leisure time she likes to read, travel, explore cafes and binge...View More

End of Article
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news
news