How to Increase Hemoglobin in Pregnancy? Top 5 Iron Supplements During Pregnancy
“Because every strong baby begins with a strong mother.”
Isn’t it right? We Indians have always believed that when a woman is healthy, her entire family flourishes. That is why our daadis and naanis scolded us for eating healthy and made meals in iron utensils, as they help alleviate anemia.
Iron in pregnancy also plays a crucial role in the overall development of your baby and your health. During pregnancy, your blood volume increases to provide oxygen to your growing baby. Its deficiency can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, or pale skin. That is why doctors recommend iron tablets during pregnancy to avoid any such complications.
Now you must be wondering how to increase your hemoglobin in pregnancy to avoid anemia. This is where we come in. This blog will help you decode all the tricks of increasing hemoglobin in your pregnancy. We will also mention a 2025 guide of the top 5 iron pregnancy supplements for you to consider.
- 1. Why Is Hemoglobin Important During Pregnancy?
- 2. How Much Iron Do You Need During Your Pregnancy?
- 3. What Is the Normal Hemoglobin Range in Each Trimester?
- 4. Risk Of Low Hemoglobin in Pregnancy
- 5. Tips To Increase Hemoglobin
- 6. Top 5 Iron Tablets for Your Pregnancy
- 7. Trimacare, The Best Iron Supplements for Pregnancy
- 8. Final Words
Why Is Hemoglobin Important During Pregnancy?
Hemoglobin is a protein found in your red blood cells that carries oxygen. During pregnancy, your baby receives oxygen and nutrients from your blood. If you have iron deficiency anemia, then it may lead to:
- Weaknesses
- Fatigue
- Risk of preterm birth
- Low birth weight
- Delays in the baby's development
Hence, healthcare providers recommend taking iron tablets during pregnancy as early as the second trimester of the pregnancy.
How Much Iron Do You Need During Your Pregnancy?
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued a guideline that you should consume around 30 mg of iron daily. However, if you are anemic, consult your doctor, and they might increase the dosage a bit.
What Is the Normal Hemoglobin Range in Each Trimester?
First Trimester: 11.6 – 13.9 g/dL
Second Trimester: 10.5 – 13.0 g/dL
Third Trimester: 11.0 – 12.8 g/dL
Risk Of Low Hemoglobin in Pregnancy
Less Oxygen Delivery: With low hemoglobin, your body might not receive enough oxygen to work properly. When the body doesn’t get proper oxygen, some parts might not get the energy they need.
Premature Birth: Pregnant women with low hemoglobin are at a higher risk of having premature delivery because a lack of iron can make it difficult for the baby to develop properly.
Low Birth Weight: Anemic pregnant women are at a higher risk of having a low-birth-weight baby, leading to complications like infections, respiratory distress, and developmental delays.
Pale Skin: Low hemoglobin leads to pale skin or blue lips because of less oxygen in the blood.
Preeclampsia: Low hemoglobin levels lead to a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia, dangerous for both the mother and the baby.
Fatigue and Weakness: Anemia can lead to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Cold Hands and Feet: Low hemoglobin levels may cause very cold hands and feet because they are not getting enough warm and oxygen-rich blood.
Tips To Increase Hemoglobin
Balanced Diet: Eating a nutritionally rich, balanced diet is the most crucial thing to increase your hemoglobin during pregnancy. Never forget to add iron, vitamin C, and folic acid to your meals.
Iron Vitamins for Pregnancy: In addition to a nutritious and balanced diet, consuming iron pregnancy supplements is essential to maintain your hemoglobin levels. Always consult your healthcare provider before choosing any iron tablet during pregnancy.
Avoid Certain Food Items: Some food items, like tea, coffee, calcium-rich items, and high-fiber foods, interfere with iron absorption.
Exercise: Exercising regularly is vital during pregnancy to maintain hemoglobin levels. It helps improve your blood circulation and transports blood in your body. However, always consult a healthcare professional before starting any exercise regimen.
Enough Rest: Get enough rest during your pregnancy because fatigue and lack of sleep lead to a drop in hemoglobin levels.
Top 5 Iron Tablets for Your Pregnancy
1. Trimacare 2 & 3
Pros:
- Trimester-specific formula
- 100% RDA iron
- Gentle on the stomach formulation
- Include folate and DHA along with 20+ other essential nutrients
- Specifically made for Indian pregnant women
Cons:
- Slightly pricy
2. Livogen
Pros:
- Ferrous fumarate + folic acid
Cons:
- May cause constipation
- Not trimester-specific
3. Autrin
Pros:
- Contains iron, folic acid, and B12
Cons:
- May cause constipation
- Not trimester-specific
4. Orofer XT
Pros:
- Added Vitamin C
- Ferrous ascorbate
Cons:
- May still cause nausea
- Not trimester-specific
5. Hemofer
Pros:
- Ferric ammonium citrate
- Moderate absorption
Cons:
- Not widely prescribed
- Not trimester-specific
Trimacare, The Best Iron Supplements for Pregnancy
Trimacare is a clinically formulated trimester-specific nutraceutical. This iron vitamin for pregnancy contains 20+ essential nutrients, such as L-methyl folate, iron, calcium, DHA, vitamin B-complex, vitamin D, zinc, and more for optimal health. Additionally, Trimacare iron tablets during pregnancy help maintain your hemoglobin and protect you from anemia. Formulated after following the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), this best iron supplement for pregnancy outshines every other iron tablet for pregnancy in India.
Final Words
Maintaining adequate iron levels during pregnancy is crucial for both maternal and fetal health. While there are many iron tablets available during pregnancy in the market, choosing the right one can make all the difference in your pregnancy journey.
Choose Trimacare 2 & 3 and say yes to a healthier pregnancy. Buy Now!
Frequently Asked Questions
As per experts, you should ideally start an iron supplement pregnancy by your second trimester. The reason is that from the second trimester, your body’s iron requirements increase as your baby’s development is in process.
2. What is the RDA of iron during pregnancy?
Regulatory bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) say that a pregnant woman needs around 27 mg of iron daily and a non-pregnant woman needs around 18 mg of iron. The increased amount of iron supports the increased blood volumes and your baby’s development.
3. Should I take iron vitamins for pregnancy with other pregnancy vitamins?
Yes, you can take it with other nutrients except for calcium. It is recommended to take iron with vitamin C as it increases the absorption.
4. Should I worry about any side effects of iron supplements during pregnancy?
Common side effects of iron include nausea, constipation, digestive issues, and dark stool. Therefore, to avoid these, choose a prenatal vitamin that contains time-release iron, such as Trimacare 2 and 3.
5. Can food alone provide me with enough iron?
Certain food items are enriched with iron, but our Indian staple diet is rich in carbs and lacks nutrients. Thus, healthcare providers recommend taking iron pregnancy supplements with 27 mg of iron daily to avoid iron deficiency.
6. What if I do not take adequate iron supplements during pregnancy?
Iron deficiency leads to anemia, which will cause fatigue, increase your infection risk, preterm birth, low birth weight, and postpartum depression.
Pallavi Aggarwal
A Certified Nutritionist with a rich healthcare background in health journalism, the author has immense experience in curating reader-friendly, engaging, and informative healthcare blogs to empower readers to make informed pregnancy-related decisions.
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