Why Iron Matters for Preconception and Pregnancy
- Dr. Alex Lucyshen
- Jul 20
- 3 min read
If you’re preparing for pregnancy or already navigating it, you’ve likely heard about iron. Many women don’t realize just how essential optimal iron levels are for fertility, energy and a healthy pregnancy. Even more importantly? You might not absorb enough through diet or supplements alone.
As a fertility-focused naturopath in Kelowna, iron levels are something I often discuss with clients who are pregnant, in preconception, or thinking about getting pregnant in the future.
Let’s break it down.
Why is iron so important for pregnancy?
Iron plays a crucial role in your body’s ability to:
Build healthy red blood cells (which carry oxygen to your tissues and your baby)
Produce energy and maintain steady stamina
Support immune resilience and recovery
Regulate the thyroid and support hormone balance
Prevent anemia-related complications in pregnancy
During pregnancy, your blood volume increases by about 50%, which means your iron needs skyrocket. If your levels are low before conception or in early pregnancy, your body may struggle to keep up.
Low iron in pregnancy: what can happen?
Even mild iron deficiency can affect how you feel day to day and can contribute to more serious complications down the road if left untreated.
Common symptoms of low iron Include:
Fatigue or low stamina
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Shortness of breath
Headaches or dizziness
Cold hands and feet
Brittle nails or hair loss
Restless legs at night
Pale skin or dark under-eye circles
In pregnancy, low iron can contribute to:
Increased risk of preterm birth
Low birth weight
Poor placental development
Postpartum hemorrhage
Greater risk of postpartum anxiety or depression
Can’t I just take a supplement for low iron during pregnancy?
In some cases, yes! However, for many women oral iron just doesn't cut it. Here’s why:
It can take months to replenish iron stores
Digestive side effects like nausea and constipation often lead to poor compliance
Absorption may be compromised if you have gut issues, inflammation or are taking other medications
Some women simply can’t absorb or tolerate oral iron well enough to reach optimal levels
When to consider IV iron for pregnancy
IV iron therapy is a safe and effective way to replenish your iron stores quickly and bypass the gut. It delivers iron directly to the bloodstream, allowing your body to use it immediately without relying on digestion.
I will recommend IV Iron for patients who:
Are planning pregnancy but have low ferritin or iron saturation
Are already pregnant and not responding well to oral iron
Have a moderate to severe deficiency or anemia
Have experienced blood loss or a previous postpartum hemorrhage
Have gut conditions like (IBD, celiac or H. Pylori) that impair absorption
Have symptoms despite normal hemoglobin (functional low iron)
What does IV iron look like?
I will carefully assess your iron levels through bloodwork (Including ferritin and hemoglobin) before proceeding.
The IV itself is:
Administered in office under ND supervision
Typically done over 1-2 hours, depending on the formulation
Well tolerated with minimal side effects
Usually requires 1-3 infusions for most women, with follow-up testing
You’ll be monitored closely before, during and after your infusion, and I will help you understand when you may need a repeat dose or ongoing support.
The bottom line
If you’re preparing your body for pregnancy, supporting a healthy pregnancy or recovering postpartum, don’t overlook your iron stores. Fatigue, brain fog and low energy don’t have to be your normal.
IV iron therapy is a safe, fast-acting and evidence-based option to help you feel better now and set yourself and your baby up for a stronger, healthier journey ahead.
Want to know if IV iron therapy is right for you?
Book a discovery call or iron consultation in Kelowna with Dr. Alex Lucyshen, ND to review your symptoms and lab results. Whether you are just starting your fertility journey or already expecting, I will help you create a plan that supports you from the inside out!
