Acupuncture, Pregnancy and Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Iron deficiency anaemia is common during pregnancy. Iron is required to produce haemoglobin, which allows red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body. When iron levels are low, symptoms may include fatigue, breathlessness, dizziness, and reduced energy.

During pregnancy, blood volume increases by up to 50%, which significantly raises iron requirements. Demand is highest in the third trimester, when the baby builds iron stores for the first months of life. After birth, iron levels may drop further due to blood loss, making postnatal recovery and energy levels an ongoing consideration.

Iron requirements during pregnancy

• Non-pregnant women require around 18 mg of iron per day

• Pregnant women require around 27 mg of iron per day

Always follow blood testing and guidance from your GP or midwife.

Dietary iron and food sources

There are two main forms of dietary iron:

• Haem iron, found in animal foods and more readily absorbed

• Non-haem iron, found in plant foods, with absorption influenced by other nutrients

Foods naturally rich in iron include:

• Red meat and darker cuts of poultry

• Eggs, seeds (chia, sesame, pumpkin) and tahini

• Nuts such as cashews and almonds

• Legumes, beans, sprouts, quinoa, tofu and tempeh

• Dark leafy greens, seaweed and spirulina

• Dried apricots (sulphur-free) and cherries

• Blackstrap molasses

• Berries such as goji berries, blackberries and dark grapes

Supporting iron absorption

• Vitamin C may help improve absorption of non-haem (plant-based) iron

• Tea and coffee can reduce iron absorption when consumed with meals

• Calcium may inhibit iron absorption, so dairy foods are best eaten away from iron-rich meals

• Antacids often contain calcium; if required, consider spacing them at least two hours away from iron supplements or iron-rich meals

• Warm, cooked foods are generally easier to digest and may better support nutrient absorption than cold or raw foods

• Gentle warming spices such as ginger, garlic, cumin, fennel and cardamom may support digestion

Acupuncture and pregnancy care

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are often used alongside conventional care during pregnancy to support digestion, energy levels, and overall wellbeing. Any treatment during pregnancy should be individualised and used in conjunction with advice from your GP or midwife.

If you would like to learn more about pregnancy-safe acupuncture and how I work with pregnant patients in Sydney’s Inner West, you can read more on my pregnancy acupuncture page or get in touch to discuss whether support may be appropriate for you.

Pregnancy acupuncture in Sydney’s Inner West

I offer pregnancy-safe acupuncture at my clinics in Leichhardt and Marrickville. You’re welcome to book online or contact me if you’d like to explore supportive care during pregnancy.