Iron deficiency in pregnancy
Discovering that you are pregnant is a rollercoaster of excitement and worry. All of a sudden, your mind races through the last few weeks – I had a glass of wine, was that OK? What you put into your body suddenly has greater significance – and for good reason. Your doctor will let you know if you need to increase your intake of certain nutrients, like iron, to keep you and your baby healthy.
Why do I need more iron now?
Iron is needed for your body to work properly every day. Now it is important, not just for you, but also for a healthy pregnancy and developing baby. To support the growth of a baby your body goes through lots of changes. Alongside the nausea and stretch marks you may also start to get that pregnancy glow and wonderfully thick hair – all side effects of the amazing changes going on inside.
Understanding iron deficiency.
Iron deficiency occurs when the amount of iron absorbed by the body is insufficient. This can be caused by a lack of iron being absorbed from food. Iron deficiency can also be caused by a number of different disease conditions – these can lead to increased iron loss or inadequate use of iron.
Did you know, across the globe, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency?
How will I know if I’m low in iron?
Signs that you may have low iron levels and/or iron deficiency include feeling listless or washed out, looking pale, or feeling breathless. Cravings are often joked about during pregnancy – dashing out for ice-cream in the middle of the night or a never-ending desire for pickles. But having iron deficiency can also cause you to crave strange things, including ice, or even dirt.
If you feel your cravings are becoming unusual, or if you are worried that you may have iron deficiency, don’t be afraid to schedule an extra visit to see your doctor. They will be able to check your iron levels and give you advice. Remember that the amount of iron you need changes with each trimester so make sure your doctor keeps an eye on it throughout your pregnancy.
Does your iron cause constipation?
For some of us, the path to tackling iron deficiency through iron supplementation can be marred with an unintended challenge – constipation.
If your iron causes constipation, move to Maltofer®, Australia’s no.1 selling oral iron.^
Maltofer is an oral iron therapy for the treatment of iron deficiency in adults and adolescents where the use of ferrous iron supplements is not tolerated or is otherwise inappropriate. Maltofer is clinically proven to correct iron levels. Maltofer has fewer gastrointestinal side effects and is less likely to cause constipation compared to ferrous iron supplements. This means less constipation, less nausea, and an effective dose of iron. It’s the kind of iron deficiency treatment many have been looking for.
Discover The Maltofer® Range
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.
Maltofer is for the treatment of iron deficiency in adults and adolescents where the use of ferrous iron supplements is not tolerated, or otherwise inappropriate. For the prevention of iron deficiency in adults and adolescents determined by a medical practitioner to be at high‐risk, where the use of ferrous iron supplements is not tolerated, or otherwise inappropriate. If you have iron deficiency,
your doctor will advise you whether an oral iron treatment is required.
^IQVIA sales data MAT June 2023.
Maltofer® is a registered trademark of Vifor (International) Inc used under licence by Aspen Pharmacare Australia Pty Ltd. 34‐36 Chandos St, St Leonards, NSW 2065. ABN 51 096 236 985. For more information, please contact Aspen Pharmacare Customer Service Tel: 1300 659 646 or visit www.maltofer.com.au MALTOFER‐AU‐07687‐0825.