Adequate iron intake during pregnancy is essential for supporting healthy fetal blood cell development, yet many women do not consume enough of the mineral across the nine months of gestation. Good dietary sources include lean red meat, oily fish, dark poultry meat, eggs, lentils, peas, dried fruit, and green vegetables, as well as iron-fortified breakfast cereals. Citrus fruits and fruit juices consumed at mealtimes can further boost iron absorption from food. Pregnant women who are unsure whether their diet meets their iron needs should speak with a midwife or GP for personalised guidance.
- Iron is essential during the 9 months of pregnancy to ensure a baby develops healthy blood cells.
- Lean red meat is identified as an important dietary source of iron during pregnancy.
- Oily fish, turkey, and chicken — particularly the dark meat — are recommended iron sources for pregnant women.
- Dried fruit, peas, lentils, green vegetables, eggs, and certain breakfast cereals are listed as good plant-based and non-meat sources of iron in pregnancy.
- Citrus fruits, salads, and juice are noted as foods that can help boost iron absorption at mealtimes during pregnancy.
- Merrion Fetal Health offers a Nuchal Translucency scan between 12 and 14 weeks of pregnancy.
- The Anatomy Survey scan at Merrion Fetal Health is performed between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy.
Iron in pregnancy
To ensure that your baby will have healthy blood cells during those important nine months, iron in pregnancy is essential. However, you may be one of the many women who don’t even realise that they simply aren’t getting enough iron.
Sources of iron in pregnancy
Lean red meat is an important source of iron, but not the only one. While pregnant, try to eat oily fish, and turkey and chicken, especially the dark meat.
Dried fruit, peas, lentils, green vegetables, eggs and certain breakfast cereals are also a good source of iron in pregnancy. Citrus fruits, a delicious salad or a glass or two of juice will also help to give you some extra iron at mealtimes.
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All articles on the blog and website are intended as information only. Please do not consider any of the information provided here as a substitute for medical advice. At all times seek medical advice directly with your own doctor and medical team.
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Why is iron important during pregnancy?
Iron in pregnancy is essential to ensure that a baby will have healthy blood cells during the nine months of gestation. Many women do not realise they are not getting enough iron while pregnant.
What are good sources of iron during pregnancy?
Good sources of iron in pregnancy include lean red meat, oily fish, turkey, chicken (especially dark meat), dried fruit, peas, lentils, green vegetables, eggs, and certain breakfast cereals. Citrus fruits, salads, and fruit juice can also help boost iron intake at mealtimes.
Is red meat the only source of iron in pregnancy?
Lean red meat is an important source of iron during pregnancy but it is not the only one. Plant-based options such as lentils, peas, dried fruit, and green vegetables are also valuable sources of iron for pregnant women.
What drinks or foods help increase iron absorption during pregnancy?
Citrus fruits, salads, and glasses of juice can help provide extra iron at mealtimes during pregnancy. These foods are recommended alongside other iron-rich foods to support adequate intake.
Can pregnant women get enough iron from poultry?
Yes, turkey and chicken are listed as iron sources suitable during pregnancy, with dark meat being particularly noted as a good option. Poultry can be eaten alongside other iron-rich foods as part of a balanced pregnancy diet.
Which vegetables are good sources of iron in pregnancy?
Green vegetables are highlighted as a good source of iron during pregnancy. They can be combined with citrus fruits or juice at mealtimes to help boost overall iron intake.