Iron and Pregnancy

Iron is an important nutrient that helps your body make healthy red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen to you and your baby.

Iron deficiency is common during pregnancy. It happens when your body does not have enough iron. If iron levels get too low, it can lead to iron deficiency anemia, a condition that can affect both you and your baby.

Why is iron important during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, your body needs more iron to:

Help your baby grow and develop
Support the placenta
Make extra blood for your changing body

Signs of low iron

Low iron can cause:

Feeling very tired
Weakness
Dizziness
Headaches
Trouble concentrating

How can low iron affect pregnancy?

If low iron is not treated, it may increase the risk of:

Early (preterm) birth
Cesarean (C-section) birth
Heavy bleeding after birth
Depression after birth

For babies, low iron during pregnancy may increase the risk of:

Low birth weight
Being smaller than expected at birth
Problems with healthy brain development

Can iron deficiency be prevented or treated?

Yes. Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia can often be prevented or treated with iron supplements.

Your healthcare provider may recommend:

Iron pills (oral iron) to help build and maintain healthy iron levels before and during pregnancy
Intravenous (IV) iron, which is iron given through a vein, if:
- Iron levels are very low
- Iron pills cannot be tolerated
- Iron levels need to increase quickly

Important

Taking iron can help when your body needs it, but too much iron can be harmful. Only take iron supplements as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Learn More

Please see the resources and links below.

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