How can I raise my iron levels quickly while pregnant?
William Smith
Updated on March 30, 2026
Eat foods high in folic acid, such as dried beans, dark green leafy vegetables, wheat germ and orange juice. Eat foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and fresh, raw vegetables. Cooking with cast iron pots can add up to 80 percent more iron to your food.
What happens if you don’t take iron pills while pregnant?
During pregnancy, you need double the amount of iron that nonpregnant women need. Your body needs this iron to make more blood to supply oxygen to your baby. If you don’t have enough iron stores or get enough iron during pregnancy, you could develop iron deficiency anemia.
Which iron supplement is best in pregnancy?
Daily oral iron and folic acid supplementation with 30 mg to 60 mg of elemental irona and 400 µg (0.4 mg) folic acidb is recommended for pregnant women to prevent maternal anaemia, puerperal sepsis, low birth weight, and preterm birth.
What is the best time to take iron tablets during pregnancy?
Try to take the pills on an empty stomach about 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. But you may need to take iron with food to avoid an upset stomach. Do not take antacids or drink milk or caffeine drinks (such as coffee, tea, or cola) at the same time or within 2 hours of the time that you take your iron.
What should I eat if I have low iron during pregnancy?
Aim for at least three servings a day of iron-rich foods, such as:
- lean red meat, poultry, and fish.
- leafy, dark green vegetables (such as spinach, broccoli, and kale)
- iron-enriched cereals and grains.
- beans, lentils, and tofu.
- nuts and seeds.
- eggs.
When should a pregnant woman take iron supplements?
When Should I Start Taking Iron? According to the CDC, you should start taking a low-dose iron supplement (30 mg a day) when you have your first prenatal appointment. In most cases, you will get this amount of iron in your prenatal vitamin.
What supplements are safe during pregnancy?
– Dandelion – Rich in Vitamin A, calcium, and iron; dandelion root and leaf can also help relieve mild edema and nourish the liver – Chamomile (German) – High in calcium and magnesium; also helps with sleeplessness and inflammation of joints – Nettles (Stinging Nettles) – High in vitamins A, C, K, calcium, potassium, and iron.
How much iron should be taken during pregnancy?
You may be more likely to need iron supplements if you have a poor iron diet or vomit frequently during pregnancy. The Office of Dietary Supplements states that you need 27 milligrams of iron a day during pregnancy. The highest amount that you can safely take is 45 milligrams a day from all iron sources.
Is it safe to take iron during pregnancy?
Women do need increased iron during pregnancy, but in the UK, should be able to get all the iron they need in their diet (such as from leafy vegetables). Currently, iron supplements are recommended if pregnancy blood tests show that the mother is anaemic. They are not routinely offered to all pregnant women due to the potential for side effects.
Is it safe to take iron supplements while pregnant?
FRIDAY, June 21 (HealthDay News) — Taking iron supplements during pregnancy reduces women’s risk of anemia and is linked with an increase in birth weight and a reduced risk of low birth weight, a new analysis finds.