Anemia

The laboratory studies that will be drawn at your 28th week of gestation include a Hemoglobin and Hematocrit, to test for anemia. The most common cause of anemia in pregnancy is called iron-deficiency anemia. Iron supplementation is recommended for all pregnant women because their diet may not meet the normal requirements for iron. Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach and without other minerals ingested at the same time. The presence of minerals in the prenatal vitamin may significantly impair iron absorption; therefore, supplemental iron should be taken alone and at a different time than when you take your prenatal vitamin. If not tolerated without food, iron is best taken with meat, fish, poultry, or vitamin C-rich foods such as orange juice, cantaloupe, mango, greens, bok choy, spinach, broccoli and strawberries.

There are many over-the-counter iron supplements that may be used safely during your pregnancy. Following are some of the more common:

We encourage you to eat foods that are rich in iron such as: Red meat, liver, deep green leafy vegetables, fruits, iron-fortified cereals, dried peas/beans, seeds and nuts. Fluids and foods that may interfere with iron absorption are milk, tea and fiber foods.

The side effects of taking iron supplements can be nausea, constipation, diarrhea, black or tarry stools and skin rash. Remember to always keep iron supplements out of reach of children. If you are having trouble tolerating iron supplements you may take it after a meal, crush the tablet and add to food or a tasty drink, use a time release capsule, spread iron out over the course of the day (if you are taking two or more per day), or your Health Care Provider may change the form of iron. A stool softener may be necessary if you experience severe constipation.