Iron supplementation during pregnancy: How to avoid constipation?

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Pham Thi Yen - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital. Doctor has more than 10 years of experience in examination and treatment in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

A very common side effect of taking iron is constipation. Because of this side effect, many pregnant women have to give up iron supplements, leading to anemia.

Iron plays an important role in the functioning of organs in the body from the cardiovascular system, nervous system, immune system to the development of cognitive organs. Besides, iron is also an indispensable factor in cell growth and division.
A normal person needs an iron intake of 15mg/day, but for pregnant women this doubles that ie 30mg/day. Anemia in pregnant women increases the risk of miscarriage and premature birth.

One of the most common side effects of iron pills for women who are pregnant or even in those who are not pregnant is constipation. There are 2 main causes of constipation when using iron pills.

Not getting enough water can make it impossible to absorb the minerals in some types of iron. Because the composition of minerals in iron cannot be absorbed by the body, the entire amount of that mineral is excreted in the feces or urine and inadvertently becomes a burden on the digestive system, increasing risk of constipation. Constipation is also a common symptom in pregnancy due to the change of hormones in the body and the day-by-day development of the fetus in the abdomen. These factors seriously affect the intestinal tract, hindering the excretion of waste products through the anus, leading to easy constipation. In addition, the composition of the drug as well as the manufacturing process applied to make the pill can be the cause of constipation. Pregnant women should choose a reputable oral iron solution that does not affect the digestive system.

Many pregnant women often do not continue to take iron supplements because they are afraid of constipation, but this will put pregnant women at high risk of iron deficiency, affecting the development of the fetus in the abdomen. The best way that mothers need to do is to choose a good iron that does not cause side effects.
Normally, iron preparations currently have 2 types: inorganic iron and organic iron

Inorganic iron will massively release iron ions because the high amount of iron ions outside the intestinal cells will be passively absorbed through the intercellular space into the blood, causing the amount of iron ions in the blood to increase, causing iron deposition. Iron ions released a lot in the stomach, the intestines are not fully absorbed, they will also attach abnormally to food, deposit in the stomach and intestines, causing damage to the digestive tract and causing side effects. Organic iron is absorbed through active and controlled control according to the body's needs into the blood, bringing iron to target organs such as bone marrow for red blood cell production or storage in the liver, without causing deposition. iron in endocrine organs, heart, liver. When sufficiently absorbed, the excess iron complex will be eliminated through the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, pregnant women should choose iron-containing drugs in the form of organic iron such as Ferrovit, Tophem, ....
Besides, implementing a scientific diet also reduces the risk of constipation when using the drug. iron such as drinking enough water, eating healthy, actively eating green vegetables, fruits and foods that provide fiber for the body and at the same time using foods that support digestion such as sweet potatoes, bananas, carrots, ...
Pregnancy management is necessary and important. During pregnancy, mothers need to go to the doctor according to the schedule that the doctor has built. Through these visits, the doctor will determine the development status of the fetus as well as the mother's condition is responding well to the pregnancy or not. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a pregnancy management address that is a reputable medical facility, visit with a specialist and experienced doctor. In case the mother's body lacks iron or reacts to the type of iron being supplemented, the doctor will change the drug to provide another iron.

At Vinmec International General Hospital, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is one of the leading specialties. With a system of modern equipment and machinery, spacious and clean rooms, a team of doctors and nurses not only have high professional experience but also have understanding and close attention to the psychology and state of each patient. The mother will participate in the diagnosis, giving the most optimal method depending on the mother's condition. Thanks to that, it gives women absolute peace of mind, comfort, no worries for mother and baby.