Medical Advice


   

Welcome Guest

Medical Advice » Women-health » Importance of Iron Rich Diet for Pregnant Lady

Importance of Iron Rich Diet for Pregnant Lady

By: Tsou Jinyeu

Total Views: 262, Word Count: 533,

 Importance of iron rich diet for pregnant lady has to be considered as it is vital for both the mother and the child. The family members should ensure a balanced iron rich diet for pregnant lady, as it provides nourishment to the pre-natal baby as well as to the mother.

 

It is known that the nutrition and diet of a pregnant lady is different as compared to a normal person. Hence, it is very important to consider the factors that contribute to the growth and development of the baby and the mother.

 

A well-balanced diet rich in desired nutrients is apt during pregnancy. It helps the pregnant woman to have a smooth delivery and reduces the chances of complications. An expectant mother can consult a dietician to get advice on healthy and balanced diet rich in nutrients. For example, proteins, vitamin C rich foods, vitamin B like folate and ample iron intake.

 

What is the Importance of Iron Rich Diet for Pregnant Lady?

 

Out of the other nutrients, iron plays a very important role in the overall growth of the pre-natal baby. It even acts as a nourishing agent to the mother as it ensures a healthy pregnancy.

Iron is an important element in hemoglobin that performs the task of supplying oxygen to the other parts of the body. The absence or low percentage of iron in the pregnant mother may lead to anemic condition which is not good for the health of the baby as well as of the mother. During pregnancy, the volume of blood in a pregnant mother increases. Therefore, more iron is needed to make hemoglobin and to increase the number of red blood cells. Apart from this, iron performs a number of functions necessary for the normal growth of the baby and placenta. Consistency in iron intake also improves resistance to strain and other infections.

What does Iron Deficiency cause in a Pregnant Lady?

 

1.       Iron deficiency is not a good thing as it leads to anemic condition. During pregnancy, it may lead to exhaustion, premature birth and may cause fetal death.

 

2.       Many cases of iron deficiency in the past have reported the birth of babies with low birth weight.

 

3.       A pregnant mother should take proper care and take all the measures to avoid the anemic condition. During the later stages of his/her infancy, the chances of becoming anemic increases with the baby.

 

4.       In many cases, iron deficiency gives rise to nervous tension to the mother and her heart. Sometimes, it even leads to serious bleeding at the time of delivery.

How to Increase the Intake of Iron Deficiency for a Pregnant Lady?

 

Importance of iron rich diet for pregnant lady increases gradually. They can increase their iron intake by having a daily healthy and a balanced diet, comprising of all the desired nutrients. For example, consumption of iron rich foodstuff like: fish and poultry products.

 

Those who do not prefer animal products can depend upon legumes, lentils and whole grains. Besides, expectant mothers can have green leafy vegetables, peaches, raisins, potatoes and peas in the prescribed amount every day. 

About the Author

 Dr Tsou Jinyeu is a well known gynecologist and has been in this field since 1995. His special interests are – genetic and birth defects, high risk obstetrics, lupus in pregnancy, premature labour, premature delivery, triplets and ultrasound diagnosis. He is graduated from the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine. Nowdays he is working as a medical doctor at Elmhurst Loyola Center for Health.


Advice Rating: Not yet rated
Login to vote

Comments

No comments posted.

Add Comment


Enter the code shown

Visual CAPTCHA