Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency experienced during pregnancy, yet it is frequently underrecognised. Understanding why iron is so important (and what to do if your levels are low) can make a meaningful difference to both your health and your baby’s.
Why Does Pregnancy Increase Iron Demands?
During pregnancy, your blood volume increases significantly to support your growing baby and placenta. This means your body requires considerably more iron than usual — not only to produce additional red blood cells, but also to support your baby’s own iron stores, which are built up in the final trimester and sustain them through the first months of life.
What Are the Symptoms?
Iron deficiency can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may include:
- Persistent fatigue or low energy
- Shortness of breath with minimal exertion
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Pale skin or pale inner eyelids
- Heart palpitations
- Difficulty concentrating
Many women attribute these symptoms to pregnancy itself, which can delay identification and treatment.
How Is It Diagnosed?
A full blood count and iron studies are routinely checked at your antenatal appointments. Your obstetrician will monitor your haemoglobin and ferritin levels throughout pregnancy and recommend treatment if they fall below an appropriate threshold.
How Is It Treated?
Oral iron supplements are the first-line treatment for most women. Taking iron with vitamin C can enhance absorption, while avoiding tea, coffee, and calcium-rich foods close to the time of supplementation helps prevent interference. For women who cannot tolerate oral iron or whose levels are significantly low, intravenous iron infusion is a safe and effective alternative that can be administered during pregnancy.
Left untreated, significant iron deficiency increases the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and postnatal fatigue and is a known risk factor for postpartum haemorrhage.
Speak with your obstetrician at your next appointment if you have concerns about your iron levels.
To discuss your antenatal care with Dr. van der Griend, call (02) 9966 5500 or visit drvandergriend.com.au.
