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If you have struggled Iron deficiency during pregnancy, you’re not alone – and there’s a biological reason behind it. Despite eating well or taking supplements, your body actively limits iron absorption for a significant portion of pregnancy, making it nearly impossible to increase your levels after conception. That is why it is very important to determine iron stores before pregnancy.
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Monica Anna, a clinical nutritionist specializing in gut and thyroid health, women’s hormonal issues, Preconception and fertility support explain why so many women experience iron deficiency during pregnancy. In an Instagram video posted on Nov. 19, the nutritionist highlights the importance of addressing iron levels and optimizing key nutrients before pregnancy to prevent complications and support a healthy postpartum recovery.
Iron deficiency during pregnancy
According to Monica, it is almost impossible to increase iron levels during pregnancy. She explains, “Iron is one of the most common deficiencies that I see in all my female clients and it gets exposed during their pregnancy. And when it’s low, it’s one of the biggest factors in postpartum deficiency.”
Nutritionist says most people don’t realize that the body naturally blocks Iron absorption lasts for about half of your pregnancy. She elaborates, “This is because of a gatekeeper called hepcidin. Now, the role of this hormone is to keep absorption low to protect against oxidative stress when the demands of your baby are still quite low. So even if you’re eating really well and you’re taking your supplements, very little of it is going to be absorbed.”
Why pay attention to iron before pregnancy?
Monica emphasizes the importance of starting pregnancy with healthy ferritin stores, as starting low can lead to significant iron deficiency as pregnancy progresses. She explains, “If you enter pregnancy already low in ferritin, you’re starting out with a deficiency and that’s the biggest reason why many women experience deficiency later postpartum.,
Nutritionists say that even after hepcidin levels drop, the mother herself absorbs very little iron, as most of it is directed toward the baby. She explains, “Now after 24 weeks, your body opens the floodgates and the hepcidin drops. But here’s a problem. Almost all the newly absorbed iron goes straight to your baby through the placenta and bypasses you completely.”
How to prevent iron deficiency during pregnancy?
Nutritionists emphasize that it is important to optimize your iron levels before conception as well as to prevent pregnancy. Postpartum complications. According to Monica, “It is very important to optimize your iron levels and all of your nutrient status before conception. This is one of the best ways we can protect your energy, your nervous system, and your recovery so you can stay healthy postpartum.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
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