Waking up tired? It Might be More Than Just Pregnancy Fatigue

It's pretty common to wake up tired in the early days of pregnancy. At Needed, we understand how easy it is to dismiss fatigue when we're all juggling so many responsibilities. However, if you're consistently waking up tired, no matter how much sleep you get, there may be an underlying cause, like iron deficiency.

Iron is a powerhouse nutrient crucial for producing hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen to all body parts. When you have low iron levels, your body could struggle with symptoms like fatigue and a persistent chill.

Let’s explore how a lack of this key nutrient might affect your energy levels and what you can do to reclaim your spark.

The Causes of Iron Deficiency: The Silent Fatigue Culprit

Iron deficiency is when the body lacks enough iron to supply its needs. It's the leading cause of anemia, a condition in which blood lacks enough red blood cells for healthy function. The result? Fatigue that seems to linger, no matter how many hours of sleep you manage to get, is one of the symptoms. 

Iron deficiency is more common than you think. Recent studies have shown that 39 percent of women in the United States are low in iron. 

Some of the causes of iron deficiency include:

• A diet low in iron-rich foods
• Increased iron loss through heavy menstrual bleeding, postpartum hemorrhage, or other bleeding
• Malabsorption of iron (common with conditions like celiac disease)
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Environmental issues

Iron Deficiency vs Anemia

Though many people tend to use them interchangeably, there is a difference between iron deficiency and anemia. Iron deficiency is a broader term used to describe low iron stores caused by not absorbing enough iron or heavy blood loss.

Anemia is a condition in which severely low iron levels inhibit and reduce red blood cell production. Some causes include illnesses like cancer and Crohn’s disease, as well as nutrient deficiencies (B12 and folate).

Signs and Symptoms of Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency can manifest in a range of symptoms, including fatigue. Other signs include:

• Pale Skin and Weakness: A lack of iron can lead to paleness and general weakness.
• Shortness of Breath: Insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues can cause breathlessness and difficulty catching breaths.
• Headaches and Dizziness: Reduced oxygen flow to the brain may result in headaches and dizziness.
• Brittle Nails and Hair Loss: Changes in the texture of nails and hair can indicate iron deficiency.
• Cold Hands and Feet: Poor blood circulation due to low hemoglobin levels may cause the extremities to feel cold.

Less Common Signs and Symptoms of Low Iron

Though fatigue, cold hands and dizziness are common symptoms, there are several other signs and symptoms you may not be aware of, including:

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Pica (desire or compulsion to eat dirt or other non-food items)
• Restless leg syndrome
• Hair loss
• Yellow or spoon-shaped nails
• Sore tongue
• Whooshing sound in the ears

While iron deficiency and anemia symptoms are similar, anemia symptoms more often include shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, and cold hands and feet.

The 3 Stages of Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency doesn't immediately develop into anemia; you can have low iron without anemia. There are three stages of iron deficiency:

• Stage 1: Iron stores deplete, but red blood cell production remains at normal levels.
• Stage 2: Bone marrow makes abnormal red blood cells with less hemoglobin. 
  
• Stage 3: Full-blown iron deficiency anemia, with low hemoglobin levels and noticeable symptoms like pale skin, shortness of breath, and rapid heart rate.

Iron Deficiency Test

If you suspect you have low iron, your healthcare provider can test for it. You may have one or more of the following blood tests:

• Ferritin blood test: Measures the ferritin (a protein in the body that stores iron) levels in your blood. A ferritin level of less than 15 mCG/L usually means you have low iron
• Serum test: Measures the amount of iron in your blood. The normal range for women is 35 to 145 mcg/dL (6.26 to 25.95 micromol/L).
• A TIBC (total iron-binding capacity): The TIBC test measures your blood's ability to bind (attach) to iron and carry it throughout your body 

The Risks of Iron Deficiency in Pregnancy

If you're pregnant, iron deficiency carries an additional risk. Iron plays a critical role in pregnancy, helping to support the increased blood volume required for your growing baby and ensuring the placenta functions properly. Iron-deficient pregnant women have an increased risk of:

• Postpartum hemorrhaging
• Having babies with a low birth weight or premature birth
• Fatigue, which can hinder postpartum recovery

Maintaining healthy iron levels throughout your pregnancy and beyond is essential. Iron needs don’t end at delivery. During the postpartum period and while breastfeeding, low iron levels can lead to symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and even contribute to postpartum depression.

How to Increase Your Iron Intake

We recommend getting confirmation from your healthcare provider if you suspect you have low iron levels. Aside from their guidance, you can also increase your iron levels through lifestyle changes.

• Dietary changes: Incorporate iron-rich foods into your diet, such as lean meats, beans, dark leafy greens, and fortified cereals.
  
• Iron supplementation: Pick a high-quality iron supplement to take daily.
  
• Get more Vitamin C: Enhance iron absorption by pairing iron-rich foods with those high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and strawberries.
  
• Cooking in a cast iron skillet: Cooking food in cast iron pans can increase the iron content of your meals.
  
• Regular check-ups: Routine blood tests can help monitor your iron levels, enabling early detection and intervention if deficiencies arise.

For some people, iron supplements can cause nausea, bloating or constipation. Taking a low-dose supplement, such as Needed’s Prenatal Iron, and then gradually increasing the amount you take, can help alleviate any side effects you have when you initially introduce more iron.

The Bottom Line on Iron Deficiency Fatigue

If you’ve been waking up just as tired as when you went to bed, it’s time to consider the role of iron in your overall well-being, especially if you are pregnant. Take a proactive approach with a visit to your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and personalized guidance on optimizing your iron levels. 

If supplementing iron is right for you, Needed’s Prenatal Iron is designed for healthy iron levels throughout pregnancy and beyond, with little to no nausea or other tummy effects. Our supplement is bound to glycine (an amino acid) for better absorption and less digestive upset. Reclaim your vitality and energy, your body and baby will thank you for it!

Iron Deficiency FAQs

Can iron deficiency in pregnancy affect baby growth?

Yes, one of the risks of having low iron during pregnancy is a low birth weight.

What are some signs of low iron?

Some signs of low iron include fatigue, cold hands and feet, dizziness, headaches, and hair loss.

Why do anemic people crave ice?

Known as "pagophagia," craving and chewing ice is associated with an iron deficiency, with or without anemia. We do not fully understand why pagophagia is a sign of anemia.

Can low iron cause leg cramps?

Yes, low iron can cause leg and muscle cramps and a condition called "restless legs syndrome," where the legs have an uncomfortable urge to move and feel tingling, pain or numbness. This is due to the low blood circulation caused by iron deficiency. 

Can low iron cause dizziness?

Yes, when you have low iron, your brain may not receive enough oxygen, so it can cause dizziness, headaches, and even fainting with rapid movement.