How much iron do you need during pregnancy?

The recommended daily iron intake during pregnancy is 27 mg, nearly 50 percent more than the 18 mg recommended for most non-pregnant women. Your body needs this extra iron to support increased blood volume and deliver oxygen to a growing baby, and most pregnant women don't get enough from diet alone.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy.

Why iron needs increase so much during pregnancy

According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, the recommended daily amount of iron for pregnant women is 27 mg, compared with 18 mg for most adult women. Blood volume expands significantly during pregnancy, and iron is essential for making the hemoglobin that carries oxygen to both you and your baby.

"One of the challenges in pregnancy is building that trust... and feeling heard."

— Dr. Tosin Odunsi, MD, MPH, FACOG, Obstetrics and Gynecology Physician

What happens if iron intake falls short

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, ACOG recommends universal iron supplementation during pregnancy except in certain specific circumstances, alongside screening for iron deficiency anemia at the first prenatal visit and again later in pregnancy. A review of iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy published in the peer-reviewed literature notes that most anemia during pregnancy is iron deficiency related, and that ACOG recommends confirming and addressing it as part of routine prenatal care.

Getting enough iron

• Lean red meat, poultry, and seafood provide heme iron, which the body absorbs efficiently
• Beans, lentils, and leafy greens provide non-heme iron, absorbed better when paired with vitamin C
• Our clean-label prenatal with 5-MTHF and iron bisglycinate, formulated with iron bisglycinate chelate, a gentler form of iron intended to be easier on digestion than ferrous sulfate†

According to the Mayo Clinic, prenatal vitamins are designed to help fill nutrient gaps like this one, though a healthy diet remains the foundation.

"Iron was one of the first things my doctor checked when I was so sick with my first pregnancy," says Amy Suzanne Upchurch, Founder and CEO of Pink Stork. "I learned firsthand how much your body is asking of you, and how important it is to give it what it needs."

For what happens to iron needs after delivery, see our guide on postpartum iron replenishment, or step back to our overview of nutrient gaps during pregnancy and postpartum.

Total Prenatal is third-party tested at ISO 17025 accredited labs, cGMP-certified, non-GMO, and gluten-free, part of the Pink Stork line with 50,000+ verified Amazon reviews across the brand.

Frequently asked questions

How much iron do I need during pregnancy?

The recommended daily amount is 27 mg, compared with 18 mg for most non-pregnant adult women.

Is iron bisglycinate different from ferrous sulfate?

Iron bisglycinate chelate is a chelated form of iron intended to be gentler on digestion than ferrous sulfate, though individual tolerance varies.

Will I be screened for iron deficiency during pregnancy?

According to the USPSTF, ACOG recommends screening all pregnant people for anemia at the first prenatal visit and again later in pregnancy.

Can I get enough iron from food alone?

Some women can, but most pregnant women in the U.S. have dietary iron intakes below the recommended level, which is why supplementation is commonly recommended.

Does Total Prenatal contain iron?

Yes. Total Prenatal contains iron bisglycinate chelate, formulated to support healthy iron status during pregnancy.†

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.