Adequate stores of iron are vital for healthy pregnancy. Iron is needed to assemble proteins to form all aspects of your baby's body; it is required for growth and intelligence. Your body handles iron with great care and caution; indeed, poor quality iron supplementation can cause a lot of problems.

Not all women need supplemental iron prior to getting pregnant -- but many do. Common reasons for a lack of iron are not eating red meat, heavy menstrual cycles, high stress, and excessive exercise (especially long distance running). Common symptoms of a lack of iron are fatigue, hair thinning or falling out, and vertical ridges on your ...