Iron Guidelines for Pregnant Women

Many pregnant women have a hard time getting enough iron. During pregnancy, your body demands more iron because of the growing needs from the fetus, the higher volume of blood, and blood loss during delivery. Not getting enough iron can cause preterm labor and delivering a low-birthweight baby. If you're pregnant, follow these tips:

• Make sure you get 27mg of iron every day. Take an iron supplement (pill). It may be part of your prenatal vitamin. Start taking it at your first prenatal visit.
• Get tested for anemia at your first prenatal visit.