Iron in Pregnancy: Why Your Needs Change and How to Choose a Supplement

Pregnancy changes almost every system in the body, and iron is one of the nutrients most directly affected. Blood volume increases substantially over the course of a pregnancy to support both the growing baby and the placenta — and iron is the raw material the body uses to build the haemoglobin that carries oxygen through that expanded blood supply.

This is why iron requirements typically increase during pregnancy compared to before it, and why it's one of the nutrients most commonly discussed between expectant parents and their healthcare providers.

What iron actually does in the body

Iron isn't a single-purpose nutrient. Within the EU's official nutrition framework, iron is recognised as contributing to:

• Normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin
• Normal oxygen transport in the body
• Normal energy-yielding metabolism
• The reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• Normal cognitive function
• The normal function of the immune system

That combination — oxygen transport, energy metabolism, and immune support — is part of why iron gets so much attention specifically during pregnancy, when the body is managing all three simultaneously under increased demand.

Signs iron levels may need attention

Persistent tiredness is one of the more commonly reported experiences during pregnancy generally, which is exactly why it's difficult to self-diagnose iron status from symptoms alone — fatigue during pregnancy has many possible causes. Standard prenatal care typically includes blood tests that check iron and haemoglobin levels directly, which is the reliable way to know where you actually stand. If you have any concerns about your iron levels, your midwife or doctor is the right person to interpret them and advise on next steps.

Not all iron supplements are the same

If a supplement is recommended, the form of iron matters, not just the dose. Traditional iron salts (like ferrous sulfate) are inexpensive and effective, but a significant number of people find them hard on digestion — constipation and stomach discomfort are common complaints.

Iron bisglycinate is a chelated form of iron, meaning the iron is bound to the amino acid glycine before it reaches the digestive system. This binding is generally associated with:

• Better absorption relative to the amount consumed
• Gentler digestive tolerance for many people compared to standard iron salts

This is why bisglycinate has become a popular choice among people who've found other iron supplements difficult to tolerate long-term — and pregnancy, where a supplement may need to be taken daily for months, is exactly the kind of situation where tolerability matters as much as the number on the label.

A practical note on dosing

One detail worth knowing: taking multiple iron-containing supplements at once isn't recommended, since it's easy to unintentionally exceed a sensible daily intake. If you're taking a prenatal multivitamin that already contains iron, check its label before adding a separate iron supplement on top of it.

Where this fits into a broader routine

Iron is one piece of a larger nutritional picture during pregnancy — it works alongside adequate vitamin C intake (which supports iron absorption), general dietary balance, and the other nutrients your healthcare provider may recommend based on your specific bloodwork.

Our Iron Bisglycinate 25mg delivers a high 178% NRV dose per tablet, in the gentler bisglycinate form, as part of our Pregnancy Support range.

This article is for general educational purposes and isn't a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always speak with your doctor or midwife about your individual iron needs during pregnancy.