30/03/2026
๐ฉธ ๐๐จ๐ฉ๐ข๐ ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ค: ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ซ๐๐ ๐ง๐๐ง๐๐ฒ ๐ฉธ
Iron is essential in pregnancy, helping your body make extra blood for you and your growing baby, and supporting your babyโs brain development.
๐๐ก๐๐ง ๐ข๐ญโ๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ค๐๐
Your iron levels are routinely tested at around 8โ10 weeks and again at 28 weeks during antenatal appointments. Additional tests can be done if you notice symptoms like tiredness, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
๐๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐๐๐ฅ ๐ฐ๐๐ฒ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ข๐ซ๐จ๐ง
โข Red meat, poultry, and fish โ rich and easily absorbed
โข Plant-based sources โ lentils, beans, chickpeas, tofu, dark leafy greens
โข Fortified cereals โ check labels for iron content
โข Pair plant iron with vitamin C โ e.g., beans with tomatoes, or spinach with citrus
โข Cook in cast iron pans โ can add extra iron to your food
โข Snack smart โ dried fruit, pumpkin seeds, and nuts
๐๐ฑ๐ญ๐ซ๐ ๐ญ๐ข๐ฉ๐ฌ
โข Avoid drinking tea or coffee with meals, as this can reduce iron absorption
โข If your levels are low, your midwife may recommend an iron supplement
โข Managing iron helps you stay energised and supports your babyโs healthy development
Focusing on simple food choices can make a big difference โ small changes every day go a long way ๐ฟ
