A national project known as PRAMS (Pregnancy Anaemia Management Scotland) aims to improve anaemia management in pregnancy throughout Scotland. The PRAMS project has shown that taking iron tablets early in pregnancy reduces the chance of becoming anaemic. This is now being offered to all women and birthing people in Scotland (source NHS Lothian).
I asked local Doula Louise Liddell to share the importance of Iron in pregnancy and also tips on how you can support your iron levels during pregnancy. Always discuss any concerns you have about your health and pregnancy with your health care provider.
The human body is an amazing feat of natural engineering. Mother nature created a perfect working machine, all we need to do is tap into the correct resources to keep it well-oiled and running smoothly. One of the most common issues during pregnancy is iron levels.
With increased blood volume during pregnancy there is generally a need for most women, at some point, to boost their iron levels for adequate haemoglobin production.
A mother’s iron stores can also be depleted due to fetal demands during growth and development, and even a good diet could be insufficient during some stages of pregnancy. It’s worth being very aware of the importance correct nutrition plays during pregnancy to keep the body in balance and avoid pregnancy related complications.
Iron deficiency can cause anaemia – decreased red blood cells and decreased haemoglobin – common symptoms are fatigue, weakness, racing heart and shortness of breath. If this state goes untreated it can cause problems for both mum and baby. It can lead to reduced immune function and can lead to developmental delays, preterm birth, and low birth weight.
By being aware of the additional nutritional needs of the body during pregnancy, often these issues can be avoided altogether as well as issues later in pregnancy like pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.
A good consumption of iron rich foods must be consumed with a good clean source of vitamin C – this allows the iron to be absorbed effectively by the body. And animal proteins, eggs and liver or liver capsules, are some essentials to ensure stable blood pressure and liver function.
To boost low haemoglobin and ferritin levels, a combination of dark grape juice and fresh organic raw egg contains resveratrol which boosts blood circulation and heart health, iron levels, folate levels and a good source of vitamin B12.
A good alternative to iron supplements (which can lead to constipation for many women) is Spatone, a natural iron rich water that can be added to fruit juice and Floradix which is a vitamin and iron rich liquid supplement. Both found in high street chemists.
Since my training to be a traditional birth keeper, I have become so fascinated with the benefits of appropriate nutrition and alternative remedies which are available to aid women through their pregnancies, labour, and post-partum. I love sharing what I learn.
Louise Liddell
23.06.24
Thank you Louise. Please connect with Louise and find out more about the services she offers:
Instagram: @the.motherandsoul
Facebook: @motherandsoul
Email: the.motherandsoul@gmail.com
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