Why is iron important to women’s health?
The natural stages of a woman’s life can result in a higher risk of iron deficiency. Blood loss during periods, pregnancy, or post-birth are all times when there is a potential for the development of iron deficiency requiring diagnosis and supplementation of iron. Find out how to manage your iron levels, whatever stage of life you’re in.
Menstruation and iron deficiency
During menstruation you lose blood and it means you also lose iron. Menstruating women are 10 times more likely to be iron deficient or anemic than men1 If you’re struggling with heavy periods, upping your iron intake can help.
Starting a family when you have iron deficiency
Successful pregnancy requires plenty of iron – for the growth of the placenta, the growing fetus and a healthy baby and to protect against blood loss during delivery2.
If you have iron deficiency during the pregnancy, your baby is more likely to have a decreased birth weight3. Iron deficiency anemia present when you become pregnant can increase the chance of giving birth early4. By eight weeks gestation, a baby’s organs are almost developed, and the placenta is already growing5. So, it’s essential you’re following a healthy, nutrient-rich diet as you start trying to get pregnant to keep your iron levels up.
If you think you may be lacking in iron, talk to your doctor. They will investigate your symptoms, then examine your iron levels through a blood test and advise on different treatments.
Be an Iron Mum
Up to 90% of women don’t have the iron they need on their pregnancy journey5. Could you be one of them? Mothers with iron deficiency anemia are at risk of:
- Increased chance of postnatal depression5
- A reduced capacity to fight infections6
- Fatigue8, stress and anxiety7, 8
- Insufficient milk syndrome9/reduced quality of milk10
Discover why iron is essential to keep you healthy during your pregnancy and for the development of a healthy baby.
Childbirth and iron deficiency
For many new mums, iron deficiency after the baby’s arrival is common. Delivery always comes with some blood loss, and 26% of women are iron deficient one week after a traditional deliver11.
If you have a cesarean section, either planned or emergency, blood loss can be significantly higher after the delivery when compared to a vaginal birth12. Known as a postpartum hemorrhage, luckily, serious blood loss is rare, with only 5-6%11 of women affected and it can be safely treated in hospital. But you may be at higher risk of iron deficiency anemia, which can cause fatigue and symptoms of depression.
Symptom checker
Don’t ignore or confuse the warning signs of iron deficiency. Take our quick and easy test to pinpoint any symptoms of iron deficiency.
Talk to a doctor
Are you experiencing symptoms of iron deficiency. Are you worried you may have low iron levels? Get guidance on what to ask your doctor for a checkup or treatment.
- Breymann C. Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy. Expert Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2013;8(6):587-596. doi:10.1586/17474108.2013.842683.
- Ronnenberg AG, Wood RJ, Wang X, et al. Community and International Nutrition Preconception Hemoglobin and Ferritin Concentrations Are Associated with Pregnancy Outcome in a Prospective Cohort of Chinese Women 1. 2004;(August):2586-2591.
- Viteri FE, Berger J. Importance of Pre-Pregnancy and Pregnancy Iron Status : Can Long-Term Weekly Preventive Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation Achieve Desirable and Safe Status ? Nutr Rev. 2005;63(12):S65-S76. doi:10.1301/nr.2005.dec.S65.
- Viteri FE. Iron endowment at birth: maternal iron status and other influences. Nutr Rev. 2011;69 Suppl 1:S3-16. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2011.00449.x.
- Breymann C. Expert Rev Obstet Gynecol 2013;8:587-96.
- Friedrisch JR and Friedrisch BK. Biochem Insights 2017; 10:1-18.
- Alwan NA, et al. Br J Nutr 2015;113:1985–92.
- Lozoff B, et al. Nutr Rev 2006;64:34-91.
- Rao R and Georgieff MK. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2007;12:54-63.
- Villar J, et al. J Nutr 2003;133:1606–25.
- Milman N. Postpartum anemia I: definition, prevalence, causes, and consequences. Ann Hematol. 2011;90(11):1247-53. doi:10.1007/s00277-011-1279-z.
- Briley A, Seed PT, Tydeman G, et al. Reporting errors, incidence and risk factors for postpartum haemorrhage and progression to severe PPH: A prospective observational study. BJOG An Int J Obstet Gynaecol. 2014;121(7):876-888. doi:10.1111/1471-0528.12588.