The Essence of Iron During Pregnancy: Benefits, Effects, and Supplements

The essence of Iron during Pregnancy 1
ESSENCE OF IRON DURING PREGNANCY
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The essence of Iron during Pregnancy 2
The essence of Iron during Pregnancy
Introduction
Recent research has shown that 80% of pregnant women are suffering from iron
deficiency. Iron is a critical nutritional requirement that assists pregnant women in so many
ways. The formation of the red pigment of blood solely depends on the existence of ferritin in the
bloodstream. Furthermore, Iron is necessary for the development of the placenta. Sufficient
levels of Iron increases the weight of expectant women. The born children, on the other hand,
enjoy good health and minimal chances of iron-related complications. Iron deficiency causes
anemia. Pregnant women should take supplements in little amounts. Iron supplements should be
prescribed for all pregnant females to curb any shortcoming.
Benefits of Iron
Iron is a necessary nutrient for any expectant woman. The mineral nutrient forms a vital
component of the red blood cells pigment known as hemoglobin. The dye is responsible for the
transport of oxygen gas, which cells need to carry out their functions (Siu 2015). The levels of
plasma components increase during the first trimester of pregnancy. The increase causes a rapid
reduction in the number of heme molecules; consequently, decreasing the hemoglobin contents
(Rawal, Hinke, Bao & Zhu et al. 2016). Thus, a pregnant woman needs to consume more iron-
rich food to normalize the iron content in the blood.
The various food sources that supply iron include rice, wheat, flour and flake Oats, Bran,
Carob, millet, and Soy (Fisher & Nemeth 2017). However, the meat sources include chicken,
beef, Ham, and Pork (Rawal et al. 2016). The fetus also requires iron for the development of
hemoglobin and eventually red blood cells. The amount of iron uptake by expectant women
should be enough to suffice for the fetus (Venti, Decaillet, Kleynen & Grabczan, et al. 2016).

The essence of Iron during Pregnancy 3
Apart from the food sources of iron, the mother can use the supplements that the doctor has
prescribed.
Iron is necessary for the subsequent trimesters after the first trimester. The mother
requires iron to boost the mass of the RBC (Titaley & Dibley 2015). The metal that the woman
takes enhances the growth of the fetus in the womb (Lopez, Cacoub, Macdougall & Peyrin-
Biroulet 2016). Furthermore, the body requires iron to develop the placenta. Whenever a mother
observes a diet rich in iron during pregnancy; she gives birth to a healthy baby. Furthermore, the
child is unlikely to complain about iron-related ailments in the future.
Effects of Iron Deficiency
Pregnant women should observe a diet rich in Iron to eliminate chances of a deficiency.
Recent research by a reputable research firm in Australia indicates that the lack of enough iron in
the blood of expectant women affects 80% of those mothers (Khambalia, Aimone, Nagubaid &
Roberts, et al. 2016). However, the situation is rampant at the onset of the second and third
trimesters. The deficiency leads to Anemia, reduction in the weight of the delivering woman, the
importance of the born child also reduces. Moreover, there are chances that the fetus can die
immediately after delivery (Gebremedhin, Samuel, Mamo & Moges et al. 2014). The onset of
deficiency manifests due to the following ways. More iron should be present during pregnancy
than before; the mother consumes foods with little or no iron sources. The diet lacks the efficient
source of iron, or the cause of iron present, yield low-quality mineral.
Side effects of low iron levels include anemia, sources of iron in the body depleting, and
formation of hemoglobin components having defective structures. Whenever the levels of iron in
the bloodstream go lower than the equilibrium, the levels of iron in the serum also decreases.
Anemia sets in when hemoglobin levels drop to more than two units of measurements below the