The truth about iron deficiency in pregnancy
Maternal iron deficiency (MID) and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) can be harmful
to both mothers and children. Iron is critical for the growth and development of babies and is crucial for cognitive and behavioural development. Post-partum ID is common after giving birth due to blood loss, and may be associated with post-partum depression, fatigue and
insufficient milk syndrome.
ARE YOU AT RISK?
Pregnant women have higher requirements for iron, and therefore have a higher risk of developing iron deficiency. Iron-deficient mothers are more likely to have premature births or babies with low birth weight. Infants born to iron-deficient mothers are at greater risk of developing ID or IDA later in life, and this may have a negative effect, in the long term, on brain development and behaviour.
HOW ID/IDA AFFECTS YOUR CHILD:
• Impaired immune function
• Growth retardation
• Impaired cognitive development
• Poorer motor function
• Lower socio-emotional development • Impaired school performance
• Decreased energy and physical endurance • Increased childhood morbidity When these impairments occur at an early age, they may be irreversible. Young children and adolescents (aged 0-15 years) experience rapid growth that can consume iron stores which, in turn, leads to an absolute deficiency. Poor dietary and health factors can also increase the risk of ID/IDA in all paediatric populations.
TREATING IRON DEFICIENCY:
Suitable treatment methods can be discussed once a doctor has tested and confirmed whether you’re iron deficient. Options include adjusting your diet to include more iron-rich foods or taking an appropriate iron treatment such as Ferrimed. ID and IDA occur in stages, so your doctor will have to examine you for both iron deficiency and anaemia.
THE BENEFITS OF FERRIMED:
Ferrimed has been clinically proven to be effective in correcting iron levels, with less gastrointestinal side effects than other iron supplements that contain ferrous salts. The most common side effects are nausea, constipation, vomiting and diarrhoea. Ferrimed is absorbed by the body in a controlled manner, can be taken with or without food and doesn’t interact with other commonly used medications. For more info, visit ferrimed.co.za.