All You Need To Know About Hemoglobin Level During Pregnancy
Effective Ways To Take Iron Supplements:
To get a better absorption of iron from the above supplements, it is recommended that you take them on an empty stomach with water of juices containing vitamin C.
- Taking iron along with vitamin C helps in faster and efficient absorption.
- It is recommended NOT to take iron supplements with milk, as calcium interferes and affects the iron absorption. Taking iron supplements with coffee or tea are also not recommended.
[ Read: Vitamin C In Pregnancy ]
Side Effects Of Taking Iron Supplements:
Consuming iron supplements has few side effects whether or not you are anemic during pregnancy. Following are some of the common side effects due to the iron intake:
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Abdominal discomfort
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
[ Read: Diarrhea During Early Pregnancy ]
To minimize the side effects, it is important that you stay hydrated and drink juices. Prune juice is said to be an excellent option while taking iron supplements to reduce the discomfort. In case your body is not coping very well with supplements, report the same to your doctor who may change the level of dose till your body adapts to the same.
Measures To Prevent Anemia Or Hemoglobin Deficiency During Pregnancy:
Having a healthy diet and lifestyle works wonders with your health as well as that of your growing child’s. Ensuring the below will prevent the possibility of iron deficiency:
1. Consuming Iron Rich Foods:
It is not sufficient that you thrive on prescribed iron supplements. It is your personal responsibility to consume a healthy diet with iron rich foods and vitamin C.
Some of the iron rich food sources are:
- Red Meat
- Poultry
- Shellfish
- Beans
- Lentils
- Raisins
- Tofu
- Prunes
- Dates
- Figs
- Apricots
- Broccoli
- Beets
- Leafy green vegetables
- Whole grain breads
- Nuts
- Oats
- Iron fortified cereals
If you are a non-vegetarian, meat is an excellent option to restore and improve the iron content in your body.
[ Read: Iron Rich Foods During Pregnancy ]
2. Staying Away From Nutrients That Hinder Iron Absorption:
It is not enough that you eat iron rich foods. Staying away from nutrients and foods that block active iron absorption becomes very crucial. Do not take iron supplements along with the following as they contain calcium and polyphenols nutrients that hinder iron absorption.
- Milk (contains Calcium)
- Tea (contains polyphenols)
- Coffee (contains polyphenols)
[ Read: Is Coffee Good During Pregnancy ]
3. Include Foods That Improve Iron Absorption:
Vitamin C is a must have while taking iron supplements or iron rich foods. Sea foods and meat like beef also improve iron absorption by taking in more iron from the vegetables they are cooked with.
Making sure that you take adequate amount of iron in your daily diet which helps to get rid of anemia or iron deficiency. Tuning your body smartly while pregnant can help you in a long way to have a healthy pregnancy and motherhood. As always before adding anything in your diet during pregnancy, consulting your doctor is a must.
Do share your tips to increase hemoglobin level during pregnancy with other readers in the comment section below:
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