What happens to pregnant women with iron overload?

The article was written by Master, Doctor Nguyen Nhu Thu Truc - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.

Iron is an important ingredient for pregnant women, iron deficiency will lead to anemia, loss of appetite, increased risk of premature birth... However, excessive iron supplementation leads to excess iron will cause consequences serious for pregnant women and fetuses.

Iron plays a very important role in the body. Iron together with protein forms hemoglobin, transports O2 and CO2, prevents anemia and participates in the composition of redox enzymes. Iron requirement is calculated based on two levels of biological value of iron in the diet, changes in iron requirements in pregnant women and correction for the recommended weight of Vietnamese people. Iron provided by food often does not meet the increased demand during pregnancy and lactation. Therefore, pregnant mothers need to take iron supplements during pregnancy and eat iron-rich foods while breastfeeding.
As recommended by nutritionists, pregnant women should take at least 27mg of iron per day (not to exceed 45mg) and take it throughout pregnancy. The dose of iron needs to be calculated in accordance with each case and prescribed by a specialist.

Pregnant women with excess iron will lead to many serious consequences for both mother and baby. When the amount of iron in the body increases too much, it leads to an increase in the concentration of free iron and the amount of hemoglobin. This can make it difficult to carry blood and oxygen from mother to fetus. The result can lead to low birth weight, premature birth, and even death. In addition, the long-term accumulation of excess iron in the pregnant woman's body will put pressure on the liver and spleen, in the long run leading to spleen failure, liver failure, diabetes due to pancreatic dysfunction. Excess iron also causes cardiovascular diseases, stroke, Parkinson's disease and cancer.

Pregnant women should note the following warning signs of iron overload:
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, discomfort Bleeding, blood in urine, low blood pressure Jaundice, liver failure Shortness of breath , rapid breathing, fast heart rate Drowsiness, confusion

Stop taking iron tablets immediately Eat more fiber, vegetables because the fiber in vegetables helps reduce iron absorption

Use foods with diuretic effect such as coffee, gotu kola, corn vegetable juice, ... to quickly eliminate iron out. If you have more serious symptoms, you need to go to medical facilities immediately to diagnosed and treated. Depending on the level of excess iron in the body, the doctor may prescribe iron chelation tablets, intestinal lavage, ...

What to do:
Iron is better absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, so it is recommended to take the drug 1 hour before eating or 2 hours after eating. Take the medicine with at least half a glass of water. Do not take medicine while lying down. Do not chew the tablet while taking it. Should be taken with vitamin C, eat fruits rich in vitamin C because vitamin C will help convert iron into an easily absorbed form. Currently on the market there are a number of products that combine iron and vitamin C. What not to do:
Avoid taking iron and calcium at the same time. If concurrent use is required, the two drugs should be taken at a distance from each other. For example, if you take calcium after breakfast, you can take iron in the afternoon (2 hours after lunch). Limit iron intake before bedtime because it can cause heat in the body, making it difficult to sleep and insomnia. treatment of gastric ulcers, antibiotics tetracycline, levothyroxine, ciprofloxacin... because they all reduce iron absorption.