Iron deficiency in pregnancy
In pregnancy, the demands of a woman's body are on the intake of certain substances such as iron, calcium, zinc or magnesium. Iron deficiency in pregnancy causes anemia that can cause some health risks. How to add this mineral to keep it in the body? Best with the right diet. There are many foods that contain plenty of iron and often we omit them.
For iron, iron is indispensable. Adult people have about 3-4 g of iron in the body. Most of this is contained in hemoglobin, which forms red blood cells. They have the task of transferring oxygen from the lungs to other tissues in the body. Like most other minerals, iron is obtained from food. It is absorbed in the duodenum. However, it is very poorly absorbed, but only about 10% and even less of the total intake. Therefore, its recommended daily dose is much greater than the daily loss. For women, the income should be even higher, as there are more losses with menstrual bleeding.
What risks can iron deficiency cause during pregnancy?
A relatively large percentage of pregnant women 20-60% has a lack of iron problems. Anemia will occur when the hemoglobin level falls below 110 g / l in the first trimester and 105 g / l in the second and third trimesters. Such findings already increase the risk of premature labor, low birth weight and greater complications in the puerperium.
Why can you have little iron in your body?
Women with a lower iron level are at higher risk for anemia at the beginning of pregnancy or even those who have a long-term problem with this phenomenon. Risk groups include mainly vegetarians, malnourished women or those with low caloric intake and adolescents. Claims on the amount of iron also increase in multiple pregnancies. Iron deficiency may have other causes, such as bleeding (postpartum, menstruation, injuries), insufficient iron intake, small bowel damage (celiac disease, Crohn's disease, surgery, etc.).
How does iron deficiency occur during pregnancy?
The most common symptoms of iron deficiency and subsequent anemia include:
- fatigue, weakness, feeling faint, shortness of breath,
- dizziness and disturbance of concentration,
- weight loss and anorexia,
- pale skin and mucous membranes.
What to eat to have enough iron in pregnancy?
Of course, you can go to the pharmacy and refill the iron with tablets. Whoever wants to do this in a more natural way should concentrate on eating foods that contain more iron. During pregnancy, the daily dose should be up to 27 mg. The large iron content is in spinach, beef or chicken. For those who do not eat meat, there are dark leafy vegetables, lentils, white beans, chickpeas, sesame and sunflower seeds, tofu, sprouts, nuts, molasses, and seaweed.
As well as insufficient amounts or excess of iron is not suitable. In the long run, this condition could cause damage to the cells of the liver, the heart, and even a longer-lasting condition could even be the cause of death. Serious poisoning usually does not result from inappropriate diet, but rather the ingestion of more iron in the tablets. Therefore, talk to your doctor about the tablets or take them only when your deficiency is confirmed.