Iron requirement during pregnancy
It is very important for women to pay attention to their health during pregnancy. It is important to note that iron is required in each trimester of pregnancy. Iron is an essential nutrient needed by pregnant women to increase blood volume by 50 percent, deliver oxygen to the fetus and placenta, and avoid anemia. Apart from this, adequate amount of iron is also required for the development of the brain of the baby in the womb. If a pregnant woman is iron deficient, it can increase the risk of pre-term birth, low birth weight of the baby, and postpartum fatigue. In this context, it is important to know at which stage of pregnancy women need the most iron.
In which trimester is iron required more?
Iron is required in every trimester during pregnancy, but its demand is highest in the third trimester. According to experts, at this time women require about 50% more iron than normal (about 27 mg per day), so that the child can develop properly and the increasing blood in the body can be replenished. Taking extra iron is more beneficial especially in the last weeks.
Benefits of iron in the last quarter
– Reduction in the risk of anemia- The last trimester of pregnancy means delivery can occur at any time. If a woman has excessive bleeding during delivery or is iron deficient during pregnancy, it can increase the risk of anemia.
-Preparation for delivery- Adequate iron intake in the last trimester prepares the body for delivery. Be it normal delivery or cesarean, in both the situations blood flows from the woman’s body. Therefore, intake of iron increases blood volume, which later helps in recovery.
-Effect on baby’s weight- Consuming appropriate amount of iron in the last trimester of pregnancy improves the mental development of the child. Along with this, the weight of the child at the time of birth also remains correct. Even the risk of pre-term delivery is reduced.
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