Iron Deficiency and Miscarriages: What the Research Says
When you’re trying to conceive or are newly pregnant, you want to give your body the best foundation for a healthy pregnancy. One factor that often gets overlooked? Your iron levels.
We often think of iron deficiency only when it progresses to anemia, but research shows that low iron levels—even without anemia—can impact your fertility and early pregnancy.
At NMD Wellness of Scottsdale, we believe that empowered women make empowered choices. Here’s what you need to know about iron, miscarriage risk, and how supporting your iron levels can support your pregnancy journey.
The Link Between Iron Deficiency and Miscarriage
Studies have shown that iron deficiency can increase the risk of early pregnancy loss:
✨ Low iron can impair implantation and placental development, increasing miscarriage risk.
✨ A recent study found that treating iron deficiency in women with infertility significantly reduced miscarriage rates and increased live birth rates, regardless of whether conception was natural or assisted.
✨ Experts believe low iron can affect how cells in the uterus function, impacting placental development and early pregnancy health.
In simple terms: Your body needs adequate iron stores to support a healthy implantation and early pregnancy.
What About Other Pregnancy Outcomes?
While large population studies may not always list miscarriage specifically, iron deficiency in pregnancy is linked to other complications that can affect your baby’s health, including:
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Increased maternal illness and infections
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Low birth weight
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Preterm birth
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Intrauterine growth restriction (baby not growing as expected)
Addressing iron deficiency can help reduce these risks and support a healthier pregnancy overall.
Why Does Iron Matter So Much?
Iron plays a crucial role in:
- Supporting oxygen delivery to your uterus and developing baby
- Building a healthy placenta
- Supporting your energy and immune system during pregnancy
If your body is low in iron, it can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and increased illness, making it harder for you to feel well while trying to conceive or during early pregnancy.
What You Can Do
💡 Ask to have your ferritin levels checked. Ferritin reflects your iron stores and can detect deficiency before anemia develops.
💡 Optimize your iron intake through diet and supplements if needed. Iron-rich foods include grass-fed red meat, poultry, beans, lentils, spinach, and pumpkin seeds. Vitamin C-rich foods (like bell peppers and citrus) can help with absorption.
💡 Work with your doctor to monitor and support your iron levels during preconception and pregnancy.
Important Takeaways
✨ Iron deficiency—even without anemia—can increase miscarriage risk and affect early pregnancy health.
✨ Correcting iron deficiency can improve pregnancy outcomes, including lowering miscarriage risk and supporting a healthier pregnancy.
✨ Testing and supporting your iron levels before and during pregnancy is a powerful way to take charge of your fertility and baby’s health.
At NMD Wellness of Scottsdale, we support women through evidence-based preconception and pregnancy care so you can feel confident you’re giving yourself and your baby the best foundation.
If you’re trying to conceive, navigating early pregnancy, or wanting to optimize your health, we’re here to help you check your iron levels and support your journey.
Book a Meet-and-Greet Consultation to learn how our personalized care can help you prepare for a healthy pregnancy.
