Why iron is important in pregnancy
Learn more about the role of iron during pregnancy and common myths about iron supplements.
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When you are pregnant you need ten times more iron to keep healthy.
Iron is important in pregnancy because it helps create red blood cells which carry food and oxygen to the baby as well as the pregnant woman.
Not having enough iron causes anaemia. This can lead to pregnant women being more tired and breathless, and sometimes complications for the baby and woman during pregnancy.
What happens if you don't have enough iron during pregnancy?
Listen to Research Midwife, Ellmina, explain the importance of getting enough iron in pregnancy and what can happen if you become anaemic during pregnancy.
Iron supplements and pregnancy
Iron supplements have been given to pregnant women for decades and we know they are safe for women to take.
Taking iron supplements is the easiest way to safely boost iron levels and prevent anaemia.
Whilst iron supplements are completely safe for pregnant women and their babies, they can sometimes cause minor side effects.
These side effects can be unpleasant and may stop women from taking iron supplements.
The PANDA trial is trying to work out how much iron is best to give women during pregnancy.
It will look at the benefits of taking supplements to prevent anaemia whilst minimising side effects.
What we do and don't know about supplements during pregnancy
Hear Professor Churchill, Consultant Obstetrician, tell us more about what we do and don't know about iron supplements during pregnancy and what we are hoping to find out.
Myths about iron and pregnancy
While we can get iron from food, women need much more iron during pregnancy - approximately ten times more - to help the baby grow and to stay healthy.
Although most women get the iron they need from the food they eat, it can be difficult to get the extra iron needed in pregnancy from food alone.
Iron supplements are probably the best way for women to safely get the extra iron they need.
In order to get the right amount of iron from food alone, you would need to eat one of the following every day:
3 large bags of spinach
8 boiled eggs
2.6 tins of sardines
The facts about iron during pregnancy
Listen to Research Midwife, Ellmina, talk about the common myths about iron and taking iron supplements in pregnancy.
