I am 26 weeks pregnant and just began taking a supplement for low iron. I have been experiencing tiredness and dizziness for almost a week now. She has assisted at over 1,000 births and is currently teaching in the nurse-midwifery program at the University of Minnesota. Don't worry about your baby and maternal iron deficiency in an otherwise normal pregnancy.
Babies are very efficient iron absorbers.
They take all they need from the mother, sometimes leaving her depleted. Normal blood levels range from 12 to 14, but during pregnancy, we often see them in the 10 to 11 range. There is some debate among providers about whether women actually need iron supplements for simple iron deficiency. The lowest levels are seen at the peak of the greatest blood volume increase, which occurs at 26 to 32 weeks. The levels tend to rise again toward term.