Birth Dynamics Nutrition Article Archive

Prenatal Anemia and Iron Information

Many pregnant women develop mild anemia which is a deficiency of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency anemia is caused by inadequate iron stores in the blood. Hemoglobin is vital in the transport of oxygen to the body tissues. Iron is needed for the production of hemoglobin. When iron becomes deficient in the body, you may experience fatigue, feeling weak, dizzy, feeling faint, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, pallor. It is vital that pregnant women feed their body iron rich foods.

Women who are at high risk for anemia:
*Pregnant with multiples such as twins
*Close pregnancies... pregnancies spaced less than two years apart.
*Poor nutrition
*Unable to eat properly due to nausea and/or vomiting

Low iron (anemia) can make you more susceptible to illness and infection, and cause other possible pregnancy and birth complications.

To prevent pregnancy related anemia, a diet of iron rich foods is necessary although it is very normal for iron levels to drop mid-pregnancy. It is important, however, that levels be lifted and stable at the time of birth.

Iron Rich Foods

kidney beans, lentils, spinach, greens, kale, bok choy, prune juice, lamb, beef, chicken or liver, and blackstrap molasses, raisin bran cereal, brown rice, whole wheat bread, wheat germ, english muffin, oatmeal, broccoli, green beans, peas, lima beans, sunflower seeds, malt-o-meal, cream of wheat, dried fruit, apricots

Vitamin C-rich foods and juice increase the absorption of iron. Tea and coffee (Caffeine) can inhibit the absorption of iron. Do not take calcium with iron; it will decrease absorption.

 

Amazing Results with Juicing

The absolute best solution to iron anemia in pregnancy is fresh vegetable juice. Juicing will give you amazingly fast results! I have struggled with being anemic during pregnancy and have tried all sorts of supplements but nothing works better than pure, natural, fresh juice.

If you are juicing to raise iron levels you should consume fresh juice daily or at least every other day. I consume 8 to 12 ounces of juice almost daily while trying to build hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. For maintaining levels, consume lots of green foods and juice about 3 times a week or more. Juicing is excellent for pregnant and nursing mothers!

Juice Recipe:

 

Iron Supplements

If you are in need of iron supplementation, research your supplement and make sure it is a all natural formula. Regular iron supplements cause constipation and other side effects.

"The National Academy of Science recommends pregnant women take a supplement containing 30 mg. of iron a day during the 2nd and 3rd trimester." This section is designed to give you information on specific natural iron products. Iron supplementation can cause constipation so it is important to use a natural form of iron if you choose to supplement.

TwinLab Iron, Natural Chelated Iron -- 50% off retail...only $2.75

Solgar Gentle Iron Kosher -- Natural and Non-Constipating

Chlorofresh Liquid Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is often used in the treatment of anemia because it builds red blood cells. It helps the body utilize iron. Chlorophyll normalizes production of digestive fluids and relieves constipation. Chlorophyll "promotes the growth of healthy intestinal flora, eliminates water retention, aids lactation and stimulates the production of vitamins A, E and K".

FloraDix Iron and Herbs - Floravital Iron + Herbs provides a very highly absorbable form of iron and combines it with B-Vitamins, Vitamin C, digestive herbs and rosehip extract. Floravital is specially formulated without yeast or gluten and is safe for people with yeast or gluten allergies. Vegetarian liquid formula that is easily absorbed. It is rich in vitamins and is non-constipating.

Tri-Iron (nettle leaf, yellow dock, red raspberry, dandelion, anise) increases iron absorption in the body without causing constipation.

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