Your Care Instructions

Iron deficiency anemia means that you don't have enough iron in your blood. You need even more iron when you are pregnant.

Without enough iron, you may feel weak and sick. Your skin may look pale. Low iron can cause problems when you give birth. And your risk for problems after you have the baby may rise. Severe anemia is rare. But if you get it, you may be more likely to have your baby early (preterm birth). Or your baby may have a low birth weight.

The food you eat may not give you as much iron as you need. Iron pills can help. Your doctor or midwife may advise you to take them.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• If your doctor or midwife recommends a multivitamin or iron supplement, take them as directed. Call your doctor, midwife, or nurse advice line if you think you are having a problem with your supplements.
• If your doctor or midwife tells you to take iron pills:
  • 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. They can keep your body from absorbing the iron well.
  • Vitamin C (from food or supplements) helps your body absorb iron. Try taking iron pills with a glass of orange juice or some other food high in vitamin C.
  • Iron pills may cause stomach problems, such as heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and cramps. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids. And include fruits, vegetables, and fibre in your diet each day.
  • Do not stop taking iron pills without talking to your doctor or midwife first. Even after you start to feel better, it will take several months for your body to build up a store of iron. Call your doctor, midwife, or nurse advice line if you think you are having a problem with your iron pills.
  • If you miss a pill, do not take a double dose of iron.
  • Keep iron pills out of the reach of small children. An overdose of iron can be very dangerous.
• Eat foods rich in iron. These include red meat, shellfish, poultry, eggs, beans, raisins, whole-grain bread, and leafy green vegetables.
• Talk to your doctor or midwife about any cravings for non-food items such as dirt, ashes, clay, or chalk. These cravings can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia.