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Are you pregnant with low iron?

anemia low iron preconception pregnancy

Low iron during pregnancy is very common. Why?
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Before figuring out the true cause, we must first acknowledge the difference between natural and unnatural causes.
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A few natural reasons.
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〰️Hemoglobin production stays the same while blood volume rises. The space between these two grows naturally during pregnancy.
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〰️Estrogen continually rises and peaks in the third trimester, which can naturally cause lower hemoglobin. “Estrogen (even in animals that don't menstruate) causes dilution of the blood, so that it is normal for females to have lower hemoglobin than males.” — Dr. Ray Peat
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〰️The download of iron and copper from mama to baby takes place in the third trimester. Both are also needed for hemoglobin.
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Now for other possible causes that need attention.
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〰️Supplementation of iron, hormone-D, ascorbic acid, calcium, zinc, etc. all deplete the body of copper. Copper is critical to new blood production, blood homeostasis, microcirculation function, vascular structural integrity and wound healing. Low levels of copper in the liver have been associated with more and longer hemorrhaging.
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〰️About ⅓ of women go into pregnancy Vitamin A-deficient. And no, I’m not talking about beta carotene. Real Vitamin A aka Retinol is a critical partner to copper and allows it to function properly.
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Conventional approaches to anemia during pregnancy involve iron supplementation or infusion, both of which can be harmful to mama and baby. It’s important to remember that pregnant women absorb iron 9X better than men. If it was really only about iron, we wouldn’t have any anemia issues during pregnancy.
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All of this said, mother nature is wiser than we give credit. I hope this post has provided you a different perspective and something new to explore if this is you.
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NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY CHANGES TO YOUR HEALTHCARE ROUTINE.

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This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before pursuing any changes to your personal healthcare regime.

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References

Burton, G.J. (2011). Oxidative Stress. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3101336/.

Cao, C. Fleming, M.D. (2016). The placenta: the forgotten essential organ of iron transport. Retrieved from: http://europepmc.org/article/PMC/5059819#nuw009-B78.

Cartner, A.M. (2012). EVOLUTION OF PLACENTAL FUNCTION IN MAMMALS: THE MOLECULAR BASIS OF GAS AND NUTRIENT TRANSFER, HORMONE SECRETION, AND IMMUNE RESPONSES. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anthony_Carter2/publication/232278000_Evolution_of_Placental_Function_in_Mammals_The_Molecular_Basis_of_Gas_and_Nutrient_Transfer_Hormone_Secretion_and_Immune_Responses/links/0046352780784b5ed8000000/Evolution-of-Placental-Function-in-Mammals-The-Molecular-Basis-of-Gas-and-Nutrient-Transfer-Hormone-Secretion-and-Immune-Responses.pdf?origin=figuresDialog.

Cartwright, G.E. Krammer, A. Wintrobe, M.M. (1954). The Anemia of Infection : XIX. Studies on Free Erythrocyte Coproporphyrin and Protoporphyrin. Retrieved from: https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/9/2/183/45598/The-Anemia-of-Infection-XIX-Studies-on-Free.

Chen, H. Attieh, Z.K. Syed, B.A. Kuo, Y.M. Stevens, V. Fuqua, B.K. Andersen, H.S. Naylor, C.E. Evans, R.W. Gambling, L. Danzeisen, R. Bacouri-Haidar, M. Usta, J. Vulpe, C.D. McArdle, H.J. (2010). Identification of Zyklopen, a New Member of the Vertebrate Multicopper Ferroxidase Family, and Characterization in Rodents and Human Cells. Retrieved from: https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/140/10/1728/4689064.

Frass, K.A. (2015). Postpartum hemorrhage is related to the hemoglobin levels at labor: Observational study. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2090506814001158.

McArdle, H.J. (2008). Copper and Iron Transport Across the Placenta: Regulation and Interactions. Retrieved from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1365-2826.2008.01658.x.

McArdle, H.J. (2011). Role of the placenta in regulation of fetal iron status. Retrieved from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2011.00428.x.

Nichols, L. (2018). Real Food for Pregnancy. United States.

Peat, R. (2006). Iron’s Dangers. Retrieved from: https://raypeat.com/articles/articles/iron-dangers.shtml.

Santos, M.T. Eiroa, A.M. Aznar, J. (1991). Enhancement of platelet reactivity and modulation of eicosanoid production by intact erythrocytes. A new approach to platelet activation and recruitment. Retrieved from:  https://www.jci.org/articles/view/115032/pdf.

Schuschke, D.A. (1997). Dietary Copper in the Physiology of the Microcirculation. Retrieved from: https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/127/12/2274/4728677.

Steer, P. Alam, M.A. Wadsworth, J. Welch, A. (1995). Relation between maternal haemoglobin concentration and birth weight in different ethnic groups. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2548871/.

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Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here. While the owner of this website tries to keep the information up to date, there may be things that are out-of-date and out of their control.