Many struggle with a shortage of this mineral
The American Society for Nutrition recently shared a study revealing that iron deficiency during pregnancy is much more common than previously thought—even among those taking prenatal vitamins, reports Well & Good. This observational study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, analyzed blood samples from 641 generally healthy pregnant women in Ireland at 15, 20, and 33 weeks of pregnancy.
Researchers gathered info about the pregnancies, births, and babies at 72 hours postpartum, uncovering some eye-opening results. While none of the women were anemic in the first trimester, over 80% were iron deficient by the third trimester—even though three-quarters had taken iron supplements before or early in pregnancy.
The authors noted that iron supplements seemed to help improve iron levels somewhat during pregnancy. Still, most moms-to-be had low levels by the third trimester.
These findings suggest that pregnant women’s iron needs remain very high and often unmet—even with supplementation—which can lead to health issues for both moms and babies.
Why this problem is so common
Ob-gyn Dr. Sherry Ross told Well & Good that “about 20-30% of women are anemic in the third trimester.” This happens because, according to the The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study, iron needs increase tenfold during pregnancy. Meeting this rising demand—especially if iron levels were low before pregnancy—can be tough.
“Blood volume increases significantly during pregnancy to support the growing baby and placenta,” Dr. Ross explained. She added that iron helps red blood cells produce hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the baby. Without enough hemoglobin, anemia can develop.
How to spot iron deficiency
According to the Mayo Clinic, common anemia symptoms include extreme fatigue, weakness, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and cold extremities. These can be especially tough during pregnancy. Experts warn anemia raises the risk of complications like postpartum depression, excessive bleeding after birth, preterm delivery, low birth weight, and small babies for their gestational age.
What you can do about it
If you notice any signs of iron deficiency—like persistent, overwhelming tiredness and weakness—it’s smart to get a thorough checkup. If needed, follow your doctor’s advice to restore your iron levels safely.
And if you’re expecting, this research is a clear reminder to ask your ob-gyn to monitor your iron regularly. If you’re iron deficient, discuss the best supplement options—especially if you were anemic before pregnancy.
