Maternity & Midwifery Forum
Avril Flynn
Midwifery Sector News

Why are so many pregnant women iron deficient? And what can we do about it?

Many pregnant women are not getting the right amount of iron.

For mothers, the risks of iron deficiency include poor cognition and low productivity, fatigue, palpitations, depression, low mood and anaemia. For babies: preterm birth, low birth-weight and – at the extreme end – congenital abnormalities, cognitive impairment, and a higher risk of perinatal mortality.

The World Health Organisation recommends a daily iron intake of 30-60mg during pregnancy, but traditional iron supplements can cause constipation and nausea, which results in non-compliance – women stop taking them.

By contrast, Active Iron’s supplements have been designed to be easier to absorb and kinder on the digestive system. Midwife, Childbirth Educator and Hypnobirthing Practitioner Avril Flynn explains.


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