The information in this worksheet will help you to resolve iron deficiency before labor and delivery. Studies have shown that treating iron deficiency leads to healthier moms and babies.
The recommended daily oral regimen:
325 mg of ferrous sulfate
250 mg of vitamin C
a standard daily prenatal vitamin
Some women experience gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation, nausea, and diarrhea. If you would consider stopping your iron supplementation because of these side effects, another option is a daily helping of blackstrap molasses, one tablespoon per day.
This regimen should be continued for 2 months after delivery.
Precautions:
DO NOT take your iron at the same time as the following foods, medications, or supplements:
Dairy products
Coffee and tea
Spinach
Soy products
Grains, seeds, legumes like lentils and beans
Calcium and magnesium supplements
Levothyroxine (thyroid medication)
proton pump inhibitors like Protonix and Prilosec
What are the iron-rich foods?
Clams/oysters
Liver, beef, shrimp
Enriched breakfast cereals
Beans and lentils
If these foods are not part of your regular diet, this is not a problem. Taking an iron supplement as mentioned will provide the iron required by the pregnancy.
Foods that increase dietary iron absorption can also help:
Orange juice and grapefruit
Strawberries, broccoli, peppers