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10 Best Iron Supplements for Pregnancy Reviewed in 2024

last updated Aug 27, 2019

Your pregnancy as a whole is a time when you need to increase all of your vitamin and mineral intakes, but many people don’t realize that it’s important after you give birth as well. That’s why half of this list contains iron supplements that are great for average daily doses as well (18-26 mg) since you’ll need it while you’re breastfeeding and, overall, recovering from your pregnancy. We created this list to be as comprehensive as possible when it comes to knowing exactly what you need, what works, and what doesn’t. As always, you should consult a doctor before you start any type of permanent iron supplement routine, but all the options that made our list have been certified, tested, and have a reputation for effectiveness.

In a Hurry? The test winner after 29 hrs of research

icon
 MegaFood Blood Builder
98.7/100 our score
Effectiveness
99
Ingredients
98
Safety
99
MegaFood Blood Builder
Why is it better?

Formulated with real fruits and veggies

Aids in absorption

Designed to be one daily pill

Has vitamin C, vitamin B12, and folate as well

It has a natural look to it

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
 MegaFood Blood Builder
Test Winner: MegaFood Blood Builder
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Researched Sources
24
Researched Sources
Hours Researching
29
Hours Researching
Products Evaluated
20
Products Evaluated
Last Updated:
By Jessica Mentzer:

Iron supplements when you are pregnant are often recommended for most women. Taking them can seem like a chore, but we searched for the best on the market to make it seem easier. The list contains current products on the market. The list was recently updated with five criteria section updates and one new product.

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Name
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#1
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
98.7
Effectiveness
99 %
Ingredients
98 %
Safety
99 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$15.99
#2
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
97.3
Effectiveness
98 %
Ingredients
97 %
Safety
97 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$35.30
#3
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
96.3
Effectiveness
96 %
Ingredients
97 %
Safety
96 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$16.55
#4
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.3
Effectiveness
96 %
Ingredients
95 %
Safety
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$16.22
#5
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94.3
Effectiveness
94 %
Ingredients
95 %
Safety
94 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$19.99
#6
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
93.7
Effectiveness
94 %
Ingredients
93 %
Safety
94 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$20.99
#7
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.3
Effectiveness
93 %
Ingredients
92 %
Safety
92 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$17.17
#8
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.7
Effectiveness
92 %
Ingredients
90 %
Safety
90 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$24.97
#9
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
89
Effectiveness
89 %
Ingredients
90 %
Safety
88 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$14.00
#10
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
85.7
Effectiveness
88 %
Ingredients
85 %
Safety
84 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$14.90

10 Best Iron Supplements for Pregnancy

1. MegaFood Blood Builder

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
98.7
 MegaFood Blood Builder
Amazon Link
Effectiveness
99
Ingredients
98
Safety
99
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$15.99

Formulated with real fruits and veggies

Aids in absorption

Designed to be one daily pill

Has vitamin C, vitamin B12, and folate as well

It has a natural look to it

The pill might leave a strange taste

When you are pregnant, making sure that you have the right amount of Iron is critical to the development of the baby and your overall health. Iron is able to naturally help you fight that tired feeling and keep you going throughout the day. These are the perfect capsule to be able to take any time during the day with even without anything in the belly. They are the perfect blend of nourishment for your growing baby body.

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Effectiveness

These pills contain 26 mg of daily iron which is just under the recommended dose for women while they’re pregnant, and since it does contain other vitamins, this is a great daily pill to take. This pill could also be taken continuously after you give birth and especially while you’re still bleeding postpartum because it’ll keep your natural iron levels up and steady throughout. The Blood Builder pill makes good use of beets, oranges, and broccoli in order to provide one full dose per day which makes it a great natural option as well.

Ingredients

The oranges and beets used in this formula help to aid in iron absorption which is key while you’re pregnant. It’s gentle, effective, and safe for women, teens, and anyone who’s vegetarian or vegan.

Safety

The look of this pill is less clinical and more all-natural and user-friendly. It looks like something that’s derived from all the fruits and veggies that are in it which is very reassuring to someone who has never taken iron supplements before.

2. Solgar 180 Vegetable Capsules

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
97.3
 Solgar 180 Vegetable Capsules
Amazon Link
Effectiveness
98
Ingredients
97
Safety
97
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$35.30

You get 180 pills in on a jar

Vegetable-based

Gentle on your stomach

Great price

Won’t cause constipation

It’s less than the recommended daily dose

As your progress in your pregnancy, the requirement for your body to have more Iron is so important. The body requires the mineral for brain health and so much more. These capsules have been designed to give your body the cleanest form of mineral and are also vegan and vegetarian friendly. Plus they are also free of GMOs and strive to keep that a focus of their company.

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Effectiveness

However, it does have a bunch of other benefits including the fact that there are 180 pills in one jar which, for the price, is a ridiculously great deal. That allows you to continue taking these pills after pregnancy and eliminates the need for you to constantly refill your medicine cabinet. Solgar iron is also extremely gentle on your stomach because, as you can probably imagine, taking iron supplements can sometimes cause discomfort. These pills have been designed to be gentle and won’t upset your stomach… A definite plus if you’re taking them while you’re pregnant!

Ingredients

The iron in these pills is derived directly from vegetables so it’s safe for use if you don’t eat meat. As an added bonus, it won’t cause an upset stomach, which can help tremendously if you’re struggling with morning sickness.

Safety

The amount in direct relation to the price you pay is totally something we can get behind. Sometimes the cost does make a difference, and when you’re pregnant it’s just one less thing to stress over. But that doesn't mean you're sacrificing any health benefits. This vitamin is safe and good for your developing body.

3. Vitron-C High Potency

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
96.3
 Vitron-C High Potency
Amazon Link
Effectiveness
96
Ingredients
97
Safety
96
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$16.55

Contains vitamin C

Provides a nice energy boost

Great for women who are deficient in iron

Gentle on your stomach

Pills are coated to prevent any bad taste

Women looking for a normal dose won’t be able to take this

Looking for that one a day tablet that will give you all the Iron that you need? This is that supplement that has been uniquely designed to give you just the right amount of vitamin C that allows your body to be able to best absorb the iron. It is easy on the stomach and bowel making it a pregnancy friendly supplement.

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Effectiveness

The daily dose for this iron pill is 65 mg which is roughly three times the recommended amount for women who aren’t pregnant, and two and a half times the amount for women who are. The Vitron-C supplements also include an extra dose of vitamin C which will work hand in hand with iron to aid in absorption and keep your immune system strong. This is the perfect pill for those who need a higher than average dose of iron and want to ensure that they have a strong immune system throughout their pregnancy as well.

Ingredients

These pills are easy on your stomach which is a great plus, but they also help to give you a much-needed boost of energy while you’re pregnant. Energy can often be in short supply when you’re feeling off, but the powerful combination of iron and vitamin C can be extremely helpful to ward that off.

Safety

We love that this pill was tailor-made for iron-deficient women. Not only did Vitron create a gentle iron pill, but the addition of vitamin C really helps to knock it out of the park and rid you of extra fatigue.

4. Zahlers with Ferrochel

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.3
 Zahlers with Ferrochel
Amazon Link
Effectiveness
96
Ingredients
95
Safety
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$16.22

Contains folic acid which is a necessity

Also includes vitamins B12 and C

Super affordable

Contains the appropriate daily dose of each

Gentle on your stomach and won’t cause constipation

Some still experience gas from taking the pills every day

When you are pregnant you have to add iron to the supplement list that your body needs. It provides your body with minerals that you may lack when you are growing a human. This is a perfectly blended capsule that provides you with iron, while also being gentle on your stomach. It has been created with an optimal formula that features the right amount of iron but it still easy on the stomach along with being very easy to swallow.

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Effectiveness

In addition, this pill contains vitamins B12 and C as well, rounding it out to be a great daily pill. It’s formulated to have the highest absorption rate possible and is also super gentle on your stomach, which we know is music to the ears of pregnant women everywhere. These iron pills also won’t make you constipated which is another common grip with iron supplements, and due to the extra-added vitamins, you’ll feel much more energized.

Ingredients

Did we mention these pills are certified kosher? When we say we’ve done our research to find the best, we meant it! If you keep a kosher diet, these pills are perfectly fine for you to take.

Safety

These supplements have a relatively high dose of vitamin C and folic acid which make them a really great option to take while pregnant. For women who are deficient in iron, you might notice a significant difference when all these vitamins are working together.

5. Garden of Life 30 Capsules

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94.3
 Garden of Life 30 Capsules
Amazon Link
Effectiveness
94
Ingredients
95
Safety
94
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$19.99

All-natural formula

Contains added probiotics and enzymes

Easy on your stomach and helps digestion

Contains additional vitamins and folate

Increased iron absorption

Your doctor might not recommend it depending on your medical history

It only contains 25 mg of iron

Every supplement has to have something added to it, right? This iron supplement is formulated with folate, vitamin C and vitamin B12 (we’re noticing a common trend here) to increase absorption, but it has a lot more than that. Garden of Life uses a vegan formula that makes these supplements “raw”.

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Effectiveness

In short, that means nothing has been altered before going into the pills and they also contain live probiotics and enzymes that can help your overall digestive health. Before consuming anything raw you should always consult your physician first, but these pills are super gentle on your stomach due to those probiotics and may even help temper some of those sick days.

Ingredients

These pills are all-natural and contain probiotics that are similar to what you’d find in yogurt and other dairy products. This keeps your stomach and digestive tract happy and healthy!

Safety

On the back of each of these pill bottles is the comprehensive list of each fruit and veggie that has been processed to provide you with the raw benefits of each one. We love the transparency with this brand and the fact that you know exactly what you’re ingesting.

6. EZ Melts Sublingual Vitamins

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
93.7
 EZ Melts Sublingual Vitamins
Amazon Link
Effectiveness
94
Ingredients
93
Safety
94
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$20.99

No swallowing or chewing required

Orange flavor makes them bearable

You can take more than one (as directed)

They dissolve quickly

Formulated with vitamin C to aid in absorption

Each tablet only contains 18 mg of iron so you’ll go through them quickly

Swallowing supplements aren’t everyone’s thing and we totally get that. Thankfully, there are iron supplements out there that don’t require you to force something down that feels uncomfortable and they even come in a nice orange flavor -- Like these from EZ Melts.

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Effectiveness

These tables are designed to melt as quickly as possible, leaving you with no weird flavor or taste in your mouth. They also contain vitamin C to help aid in absorption and are certified gluten-free and non-GMO. For those who look for all-natural supplements from a brand that you can trust, EZ Melts is definitely a great option. You can take them on the go or after a meal easily and won’t have to worry about having water on hand or dry swallowing an awkward pill.

Ingredients

Included in this gentle supplement of Iron in a fast melting tablet is a blend of Vitamin C and Iron. Each tablet contains 30 mg of Vitamin C and 18 mg of Iron. This is the daily dose of Iron that is recommended and 50 % of the daily dose of Vitamin C that is recommended. The Vitamin C is blended with the Iron to allow your body to best absorbs the Iron. The blend together creates a tablet that formulated to get you the most out of every tablet that is taken.

Safety

Taking iron doesn’t get any simpler than this and you can take more than one (as directed by a professional) if you are deficient or pregnant and in need of twice the daily dose. They’re great to have on hand and a good way to get your iron if you’re just not about that supplement life.

7. Iron Gummies with Vitamin C, 60 Grape Flavored Gummy

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.3
 Iron Gummies with Vitamin C, 60 Grape Flavored Gummy
Amazon Link
Effectiveness
93
Ingredients
92
Safety
92
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$17.17

Iron supplement designed in gummy form

Features wonderful blend of vitamin C and A along with Biotin, Zinc, Vitamin B complex, and Folic Acid

Delicious grape flavored easy to crew gummy

Includes essential supplements for fighting off anemia, fatigue, improve hemoglobin

Helps to improve hemoglobin, and boosts concentration, immunity, and allow you to sleep better

Can have a strong metallic taste to some

Gummies are not always the purple color shown

When you are pregnant taking another capsule or tablet may seem like that last thing that you want to do with your stomach already doing cartwheels each time you smell something around you. These vitamins have been created to make taking your supplements easy and fun. The grape flavor is delightful and delicious. They will make you look forward to taking your Iron each day.

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Effectiveness

The elemental iron that is included in this blend of supplements that have been put together in each gummy is essential for fighting off anemia, fatigue, improve hemoglobin, and boosts concentration, immunity, and allow you to sleep better. In the making of the gummy, there are no animal products or gelatin used. The company believes that all supplements should be free of any ‘junk’ products.

Ingredients

These sweet grape gummies are packed full of everything that your body needs. They feature a wonderful blend of vitamin C and A along with Biotin, Zinc, Vitamin B complex, and Folic Acid. Each of these minerals is wonderful supplements that benefit mommy and baby throughout the pregnancy.

Safety

Taking these supplements with you anywhere you go it easy. They do not require any refrigeration and can be taken anywhere. They also do not contain any gluten, peanuts, wheat, eggs, fish, or soy. Plus they have been created with no GMO substances. Each gummy has been created and made in the USA plus they are FDA approved.

8. Pure Micronutrients 120 Count

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.7
 Pure Micronutrients 120 Count
Amazon Link
Effectiveness
92
Ingredients
90
Safety
90
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$24.97

Specifically made for use during pregnancy and menstruation

Good for a daily dose

Contains vitamin B6

Has high amounts of B12 and folic acid

Can be taken postpartum as well

They are a bit pricey

Surprise! Not only does this supplement contain iron, folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin B12, but it also has vitamin B6 as well. Vitamin B6 is another B-complex vitamin that can very easily go missed under the radar while you’re pregnant, so the fact that these supplements contain it put it pretty high on our “to recommend” list for pregnancy.

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Effectiveness

These pills are super easy on your stomach and won’t cause constipation or stomach aches. They come in a capsule form which makes them much easier to take for those who can’t stand the idea of swallowing regular coated pills. These capsules slide right down and before you know it, you’ve provided your body and your baby will some very necessary vitamins. It’s perfect for getting your daily iron dose during pregnancy with high levels of both B12 and folic acid, two things you need constantly.

Ingredients

You can purchase these pills in bulk which is a great option to have once you find out that you’re pregnant. Since they only contain 25 mg of iron, they’re perfectly safe to continue taking after pregnancy if you’re not anemic and don’t have an iron deficiency.

Safety

The easy to swallow design of these pills might not seem like a big deal, but it really is for people who have trouble with it. It’s a small thing but we love that Pure Micronutrients thought of it.

9. Thorne Research NSF Certified

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
89
 Thorne Research NSF Certified
Amazon Link
Effectiveness
89
Ingredients
90
Safety
88
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$14.00

Thoroughly tested in the lab

Gentle on your stomach

No extra additives

Can be taken daily

Designed to be absorbed quickly

They’re pricey for only 60 doses

There are some big words being thrown around here but don’t worry, it’s our job to understand what they mean and explain it to you in a non-stressful way. Thorne Research has designed these supplements to be incredibly gentle on your stomach and gastrointestinal tract, which is essentially what all of those words mean.

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Effectiveness

The use of ferrous iron helps to prevent an upset stomach while still containing all the necessary iron that you need in one daily dose. Every single supplement they put out is tested in the laboratory and certified by their own high standards before making its way to the shelves, so you can rest easy that it’s been tried and truly tested before completion. They use high-quality ingredients to bring you only the best of iron supplements.

Ingredients

There are no unnecessary additives or added colorings that go into these supplements. When Thorne Research says their supplements are all-natural and the highest-quality, they mean it.

Safety

These supplements are tested before they’re even finished which really makes a difference as far as quality. They conduct midway batch tests to ensure that the quality they’re seeing halfway through the process is the same that you’re getting when it reaches your door.

10. Nature Made 365 Tablets

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
85.7
 Nature Made 365 Tablets
Amazon Link
Effectiveness
88
Ingredients
85
Safety
84
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$14.90

They have a good reputation

Great for traveling with

Helpful for those suffering from anemia or an iron deficiency

Doesn’t contain anything extra

Small pill sizes

Might cause stomach upset

This is a brand that we’re sure you’ve heard of before because you’ve probably seen it in your local pharmacy. If you have, and you’re wondering if it’s really that good, we’ve got great news for you -- It is! If you haven’t tried Nature Made for your all-natural supplements yet, then it’s worth a shot to give them a try during your pregnancy.

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Effectiveness

These contain 65 mg of iron and are designed for women who are anemic or deficient during pregnancy, which often happens because you’re sharing a vitamin and nutrient supply with the baby growing inside of you. The nice thing about going with Nature Made supplements is that the bottles and pills are always tiny and easily traveled with or put into a pocketbook so that you’ll never forget to take them. They’re just a good, basic supplement that will do the job in increasing your iron intake if your levels are lower than average.

Ingredients

Nature Made has a long-standing reputation for providing excellent quality supplements and vitamins at a super affordable price. These are perfect to get for travel or to keep on you in case you miss a dose one morning.

Safety

We love that this is a brand that has been around for some time now. They’re trusted and well-known, which is sometimes all you need when you’re looking for a supplement brand that you’re comfortable buying from.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Effectiveness

We can’t stress how important it is that you’re in tune with your body and what it truly needs while you’re pregnant. Something as simple as a daily iron supplement could mean the difference between a healthy and happy pregnancy, or one that requires a little extra work and won’t have you feeling your absolute best. The CDC recommends taking iron by the time of your first prenatal appointment, at least the lowest dose you can to start--this is roughly 30 mg. Throughout your pregnancy, you need at least 27 mg every single day in order to keep your iron levels up to a sufficient amount for you and your baby. This is why iron supplements are such a great investment because they’ll last the entirety of your pregnancy and for some time after, which we’ll get to in just a minute.

Ingredients

We have gathered a selection of iron supplement options from across the internet. While similar or identical in quality level, each option on our list has been chosen to represent a variety of dosage options. Some also include other vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C which is also important during pregnancy. We recommend consulting with your doctor prior to purchasing any of these supplements to determine the best dosage levels for you and to avoid accidentally taking too much. We hope that one of our 10 Best Iron Supplement options will keep you and your little one in peak health until their very first "birth" day!

Safety

We can’t stress how important it is that you’re in tune with your body and what it truly needs while you’re pregnant. Something as simple as a daily iron supplement could mean the difference between a healthy and happy pregnancy, or one that requires a little extra work and won’t have you feeling your absolute best. The CDC recommends taking iron by the time of your first prenatal appointment, at least the lowest dose you can to start--this is roughly 30 mg. Throughout your pregnancy, you need at least 27 mg every single day in order to keep your iron levels up to a sufficient amount for you and your baby. This is why iron supplements are such a great investment because they’ll last the entirety of your pregnancy and for some time after, which we’ll get to in just a minute.

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Expecting Mothers, Did you Know?

It’s never a good idea to take more supplements than what’s considered to be “average” unless otherwise directed by your doctor. In some cases, he or she might go ahead and give you the green light to increase your dosage based on your eating habits and current or future iron levels. On the other hand, you might be perfectly fine as far as existing levels go and might just need that extra supplement. Either way, talking to your doctor is always your best bet as far as how much to take and when. Many of the supplements on here are sufficient for women who are anemic as well as suffering from an iron deficiency while pregnant; we’d say roughly half our list is dedicated to those in those circumstances. This simply means that different pills have various levels of iron in them and you’ll just need to speak to your doctor to figure out the appropriate daily dose for you depending on your iron levels.

Expecting Mothers, Did you Know?

Your diet and eating habits while pregnant are extremely important when it comes to vitamin levels. Women are mostly deficient in iron and magnesium because they’re just not something many of us get regularly. While you’re pregnant, you’re in need of these even more, which can lead to deficiencies. It’s a scary word but can be fixed relatively easily with the addition of supplements to your diet. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you might notice that you need a bit more iron simply because you don’t eat iron-rich meats. This is perfectly fine, though…that’s why these iron pills exist! Some of the supplements on our list even contain additional vitamins that can be helpful in the way of immune support, which is a great addition to your daily prenatal regimen.

Expecting Mothers, Did you Know?

While some women may not even realize that their iron levels are low, others can sense it almost immediately. The depletion of iron can leave you feeling extremely tired and fatigued, which can sometimes be challenging to differentiate when it comes to common pregnancy symptoms, especially in the first trimester. In addition to fatigue, you might get random dizzy spells and feel faint, which is a definite sign that something isn’t right. Pregnancy might drain you a bit and leave you feeling much more tired than usual, but if you ever feel on the verge of passing out, contact your doctor ASAP. Another symptom of an iron deficiency or anemia can include insomnia which is sudden in onset, which you should also consult your doctor about. Iron deficiencies are simple to fix and your doctor will be able to prescribe you a recommended dosage, which can then be used when finding one from our list.

Expecting Mothers, Did you Know?

This is a big one, and it’s also very important to make note of and be aware. Similar to eating or drinking anything after taking any type of zinc supplements, iron supplements need to be spaced out in your diet. It’s recommended to not take anything within two hours or so of taking iron supplements due to their absorption and the way they’re processed in your body. So while it’s a good idea to take them in the morning so you don’t forget accidentally, you could also take them at night before you go to sleep if your space your meal out appropriately. The tricky thing about iron is that it can sometimes cause an upset stomach as well. This is obviously not something that you want to deal with while pregnant and already possibly dealing with morning sickness, so for the sake of that, we’ve included as many supplements as we could that prevent that “sick” feeling from taking them. It can be extremely helpful to take these supplements as well after you eat since you’ll have something in your stomach to aid with absorption and help pad the incoming iron a bit but, of course, you should always consult your doctor for additional information.

Expecting Mothers, Did you Know?

Any mom-to-be can suffer from an iron deficiency, it’s just all dependent on her diet and natural iron levels. However, you might be at much greater risk if you are carrying twins or multiples, as this will take much more away from your natural vitamin intake. While you might feel the effects of too little iron, it’s very possible for your baby to as well. Iron is essential and crucial to their development due to the fact that it’s responsible for producing hemoglobin, encouraging healthy blood cells, and it’s highly beneficial to overall immune health. For nine months, you and your baby are essentially one person which is why it’s so important to ensure that you’re both getting exactly what you need.

Yes, it’s important to continue keeping your iron levels up after you give birth. This is important for a multitude of reasons, the first being how much blood is lost during pregnancy. It’s perfectly normal for you to feel faint and lightheaded right after, but your iron levels need to stay up in order for you to recover quickly. Once you’re home and in full recovery and mom mode, iron still serves a purpose: breastfeeding. The CDC recommends a constant level of at least 18 mg/day while you’re breastfeeding because not only will you need it, but your baby is still getting their nutrients from you. It might seem like a lot, but in the end, it’s all worth it in order for you and your baby to be super-healthy.

Other Factors to Consider

Approved by Gynecologists

Congratulations! You are pregnant! Your body is starting to prepare to be the host for an entirely new human being that will slowly grow and change over the next nine months. This can be a beautiful and heartwarming experience but it also fraught with health changes. From the moment your pregnancy is confirmed, the doctor’s recommend that you start taking iron supplements. These pills can help stave off anemia but can also make you sick. When you are already struggling with the morning sickness that often accompanies the first trimester, many women are left wondering if iron supplements are really all that important.

The short answer to that question is definitely yes! Over the next 40 weeks, your body will need to produce more than double the amount of blood that it currently possesses. All of these extra blood cells require iron to form. Iron is also an essential part of transporting oxygen from your lungs to your baby. Iron continues to play an important role even after your little one’s birth, transferring to them during breastfeeding, helping you and your newborn stave off anemia. What exactly is anemia? Anemia is a condition that occurs when your body cannot form enough red blood cells. This can occur for a number of reasons but is most often related to a lack of iron, especially during pregnancy. Anemic women can experience excessive tiredness, leg cramps, and insomnia. In infants, anemia can cause low birth weight and even pre-term labor.

Iron supplements can have several unpleasant side effects such as nausea and stomach cramps. One way to assuage these effects is to take your supplements with a small amount of food. Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach so taking them 1-2 hours before or after a meal can help your body get the most out of each pill. It is also important to avoid drinking milk or coffee with your iron pills as they can prevent your body from properly digesting the iron.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: Is it possible to take too much iron?

a:

Yes, it is absolutely possible to increase your intake by too much. While you do need a high dose while pregnant, always check with your doctor before upping your daily intake on your own.

q: Can these be taken in addition to prenatal vitamins?

a:

That’s another thing you’ll want to check with your doctor on. Many prenatal vitamins will already have a certain amount of iron in them, however, if you are deficient, additional supplements will most likely be required.

q: Is it safe to take these before I have my prenatal appointment?

a:

If your pregnancy has been confirmed, then yes--the CDC recommends that every woman should be taking iron by her first official prenatal appointment. When you get there, discuss a future course of action for supplements.

q: Do I need to take vitamins that have extras such as vitamin C in them?

a:

While this is not necessary, it can really be helpful to keep both yours and your baby’s immune system healthy and working well. Vitamin C is one of the essential vitamins needed during pregnancy, so it can’t hurt any.

q: What is the best time to take iron supplements?

a:

Whether you choose to take iron supplements in the morning or at night is up to you, however, making yourself a schedule can help prevent you from accidentally skipping a dose. Despite past recommendations to take iron pills with food, recent studies suggest that several types of foods such as coffee and milk can actually interfere with your bodies ability to absorb iron. For this reason, doctors now recommend taking iron pills on an empty stomach with water, usually an hour or so before or after a meal.

q: Is any one of these better than the other in terms of quality?

a:

No. Each one of these iron supplements has been chosen because of dosage (we’ve tried to have varying levels for different situations), additional added vitamins, and how helpful it is throughout pregnancy.

q: Will iron supplements make me sick?

a:

The short answer is, maybe. Iron supplements are well-known for their uncomfortable side effects such as nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. While iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, you may need to accompany your dosage with a small amount of food if you are affected by any of these issues. Consult your doctor if these side effects continue or worsen as you may need to have your specific iron dosages adjusted.

Sources

  1. Admin, Are You Getting Enough Iron?, Medical Article
  2. Admin, How To Treat Iron Deficiency Naturally During Pregnancy, Pregnancy Wellness Article
  3. Noran M. Abu-Ouf MBChB, MSc & Mohammed M. Jan MBChB, FRCPC, The impact of maternal iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia on child’s health, Medical Research
  4. Admin, Iron in your pregnancy diet, Online Article