By mass iron is the most common element on earth.  We wouldn’t be alive without iron, which is why it is called an essential mineral.  Iron is essential for anyone, but it is really critical during pregnancy.  Iron is a component of hemoglobin, which is a substance in your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs throughout your body.  During pregnancy your blood volume increases by 50%, which requires a lot of iron.  When you are not replacing iron as quickly as your body is using it you end up with a deficiency.  If you are deficient in iron during pregnancy it can cause premature labor or your baby to have a low birth weight,and impaired cognitive and behavioral development.  You can expect to have blood tests done that look at your complete blood count, which can tell you if your iron levels are low, or if you are potentially anemic.  If you are not getting enough iron from your diet your doctor or midwife may recommend an iron supplement.  Deciding what form or iron is the right one to take to maximize your iron levels and minimize unpleasant side effects can be a challenge.  This episode breaks down the evidence on iron during pregnancy, and the different sources of iron so you can make sure you and your baby have optimal iron levels.

Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode132/

Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitaminthat has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA.  This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend.  Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy.  They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots.  You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.