Iron plays a crucial role in various bodily functions and its need increases significantly during pregnancy, as it affects both the mother and the healthy development of the baby.
The ideal during pregnancy is to cover the iron requirement above all mediante la alimentación, pero no es raro que las embarazadas necesiten suplementación para alcanzar los niveles óptimos. En función de tu caso, tu médico te recomendará tomarla, así como su posología. Haz caso siempre a su criterio.
During pregnancy, iron is important for the following reasons:
• Hemoglobin production
It is an essential component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. During pregnancy, the mother needs to produce more red blood cells to meet the oxygen demands of the growing baby.
• Prevention of anemia
Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells.Anemia during pregnancy is associated with risksfor both the baby and the mother.
• Baby’s brain development
It is essential for the proper development of your baby’s brain and nervous system. An iron deficiency could negatively affect your baby’s cognitive and neurological development.
• Prevention of pregnancy complications
Iron deficiency has been associated with increased risk of complications, such as preeclampsia(presión arterial alta durante el embarazo), parto prematuro y bajo peso al nacer.
• Iron reserve for childbirth and breastfeeding
During childbirth and breastfeeding, iron requirements remain high. An adequate supply during pregnancy helps to build up reserves that can be used during these critical periods.
• Reduction of fatigue and exhaustion
Iron deficiency can lead to fatigue and exhaustion, symptoms that are already common during pregnancy. Taking an iron supplement helps maintain adequate levels and reduce the chance of extreme fatigue.
• Improved exercise tolerance
Maintaining optimal iron levels is important for improving exercise tolerance during pregnancy, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
• Optimizing baby growth
Adequate iron availability ensures a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to the baby, promoting healthy growth and development.
• Nutrient absorption
Iron also plays a crucial role in the absorption of other nutrients, such as vitamin B12 and folic acid, which are essential for health during pregnancy.
• Replenishment of maternal reserves
Pregnancy can deplete a mother’s iron stores, especially if she already had low iron stores before pregnancy. Taking supplements helps replenish them.