Pregnant Rochelle Humes suffering from 'really low' iron levels: How does this impact mums and babies?
Rochelle Humes, 31, has revealed that she’s suffering from low iron levels during her pregnancy with her third child.
The TV presenter told her followers on Instagram Stories that her doctor had said her iron levels were “really low”, explaining that they’re “they're supposed to be 110 or anything above 110 but mine were at 80”.
Humes said that she has suffered low iron levels in her previous pregnancies with Alaia-Mai, seven and Valentina Rose, three.
Despite these previous diagnoses, former The Saturdays singer Rochelle said that 80g/l was “particularly low” for her.
Humes, who is 33 weeks pregnant, has said she is trying to rest during this time as well as eating iron-rich foods.
“I’m just trying to rest really. My blood pressure is low as well... it doesn't affect the baby and there's no alarming signs, it would be worse if you had high blood pressure, but I think it just makes you feel a lot worse,” she said.
“I’m taking my supplements and all the things I've been told to take and trying to eat so much spinach. So just trying to rest up and take it easy.”
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Symptoms of low iron levels during pregnancy, which is often described as iron-deficiency anaemia, include tiredness and lack of energy, shortness of breath and a fluttering heart or heart palpitations.
Low iron levels are routinely found during blood tests throughout pregnancy.
It can happen when you’re not eating enough iron-rich foods, according to Tommy’s, but there are other risk factors too. These include;
being a vegetarian or vegan
having had anaemia before
having a history of heavy periods
carrying more than one baby
were younger than 20 when you got pregnant
you are pregnant again after having a baby within the last year
Most people with anaemia during pregnancy go on to have healthy babies and increase their iron levels by taking supplements, tablets and/or increase the iron levels in their diets.
In rare cases, there can be risk factors such as premature birth, low birth weight and placental abruption.
“It can be difficult to read these but try not to worry too much as the risk is low. If you are diagnosed with anaemia and it is treated properly, it is very likely you will still have a healthy pregnancy and baby,” Tommy’s explains.
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If your doctor suggests your iron levels are beginning to teeter on the edge of being low, there are a number of foods that can be eaten to boost your levels.
Meat, pulses, green leafy vegetables, seeds (sunflower and sesame are best), dried fruit, tuna (no more than four medium sized cans a week during pregnancy), wholegrains and nuts are all great sources of iron.
It’s advisable to stop drinking tea and coffee - even decaffeinated versions - while trying to increase iron levels. Adding kiwi, orange, potato, cauliflower and parsley into your diet will also help to absorb the iron you do get.
