Iron in Pregnancy – Why It’s Essential for You and Your Baby Iron is important to make HEMOGLOBIN, which carries OXYGEN in your BLOOD to YOU and your BABY. During pregnancy, your body needs MORE IRON because your BLOOD VOLUME increases, your BABY is growing rapidly, and not enough iron can cause ANEMIA — leading to TIREDNESS, WEAKNESS, and increased RISKS for both you and your BABY. Most guidelines suggest about 27 MG of IRON daily during pregnancy. This is often included in PRENATAL VITAMINS, and if you are ANEMIC, your DOCTOR may prescribe a HIGHER DOSE. If you are VEGETARIAN, choose GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES like SPINACH, FENUGREEK, and AMARANTH; PULSES and LEGUMES like MOONG DAL, MASOOR DAL, RAJMA, CHANA, and CHICKPEAS; NUTS and SEEDS like ALMONDS, CASHEWS, SESAME, PUMPKIN, and SUNFLOWER SEEDS; GRAINS like BAJRA, RAGI, and QUINOA; DRY FRUITS like RAISINS, DATES, and FIGS; and FORTIFIED FOODS such as IRON-ENRICHED BREAKFAST CEREALS. To IMPROVE ABSORPTION, have IRON-RICH FOODS with VITAMIN C SOURCES like AMLA, LEMON, ORANGE, GUAVA, and TOMATO. Avoid TEA, COFFEE, and MILK for at least 1 HOUR before and after taking iron. Iron can be taken as a PREVENTIVE DOSE even if you are not anemic, or in a HIGHER DOSE if anemia is present. If TABLETS cause STOMACH UPSET, your DOCTOR may suggest ALTERNATE-DAY dosing or IV IRON. For best results, take it on an EMPTY STOMACH with WATER or JUICE. Possible side effects include BLACK STOOLS, NAUSEA, or CONSTIPATION. Drink more WATER, eat FIBER-RICH FOODS, and talk to your DOCTOR if discomfort continues. It’s important to GET HEMOGLOBIN and FERRITIN tested early in pregnancy, EAT iron-rich vegetarian foods daily with vitamin C sources, TAKE supplements exactly as prescribed, and AVOID tea or coffee around the time of iron intake. Tell your DOCTOR if you have unusual TIREDNESS, PALENESS, or SHORTNESS OF BREATH.