Pumping up your iron

In the weeks leading to birth one thing you want to pay attention to is your iron. It is needed for red blood cell production and to prevent anemia. Not only are iron demands increased in pregnancy, but it is also protective against the effects of postpartum blood loss. When we foster a solid iron base in the pregnancy, you in turn set yourself up for fewer complications after baby is born. Your care provider will probably check your iron levels around the 28 week mark. It is completely normal for you to be a little anemic at this time due to something called "hemodilution," which is literally the dilution of your blood. This is caused by the doubling of your blood volume at this point and a drop in your hemoglobin signals that the expansion is underway. Ask your care provider to check your iron again a little closer to birth so that if it’s still low you have time to bring that up some. Most providers look to keep your iron above 10.

Some things you can do to ensure healthy iron levels:

• Eating iron rich foods - Some examples would be beef, eggs, nuts, dark leafy greens (spinach, collards, kale), beets, beans (garbanzo, kidney, black, lentils), artichokes, black-strap molasses, raisins,  and dates.
• Eat iron with food rich in Vitamin C.
• Eat B vitamin rich foods or use a supplement.  Some anemias are caused by B Vitamin Deficiency.
• Eat vitamin E containing foods ( nuts, seeds, eggs, dairy, whole grains, high quality oils, avocados, soy, sea vegetables). to help prevent the destruction of red blood cells.
• Avoid Calcium ingestion with iron (milk antacid, prenatal supplements.) as it blocks iron absorption.
• A GOOD Iron supplement - This is something I have touched on before. There are certain types of Iron supplements that are going to be hard on your body. They will aggravate that morning sickness and may even give you some constipation. So look at the back of that bottle!

1. Ferrous sulfate-Bad (yuck! Put that bottle down and move on)
2. Ferrous fumarate- Okay
3. Ferrous gluconate- good  (More absorbent and easier on your gut)

• A good option would be Floradix. The absorption rate of Floradix (liquid iron gluconate) is 25% compared solid iron tablets that have an absorption rate of 2 to 10%. Check this stuff out. Its good for you and it tastes pretty good too!

• Liquid Chlorophyll - Also called green blood or plant blood, is similar to the hemoglobin in human blood and carries oxygen to the cells. The difference is hemoglobin surrounds an iron atom and chlorophyll surrounds a magnesium atom. Its first use was to treat anemia. Now it is known to combat bacterial invaders and even stabilize blood sugar. The Magnesium acts as iron that attracts oxygen, helping to oxygenate your cells. It is high in iron, magnesium, and copper. Made from alfalfa, liquid chlorophyll is also high in vitamin K, which will assist in clotting and can help prevent hemorrhage after your baby is born. Some studies suggest that increasing maternal vitamin K intake may help support the baby's vitamin K levels after birth. World Organic Liquid Chlorophyll recommends taking 1 tbs daily. A down-side of this that it can cause the skin to become extra-sensitive to the sun and it could interact with medications.
  
• Nettles- An excellent nutritive tonic that has long been used in pregnancy.  Nettles is high in iron and many, many other nutrients.  Nettles boosts energy, improves the function of the kidneys and liver and is beneficial for the blood pressure, skin and urinary tract and may reduce swelling.  You will find this any many pregnancy teas.  I LOVE Euphoric Herbals! She has some wonderful blends, not just for pregnancy but for woman in all stages of their mothering journey.

I would encourage eating all those yummy iron rich foods but talk to your care provider before you start a supplement. They will be able to help you decide what option works best for you!