Managing side effects from iron supplements in pregnancy

Iron supplementation is commonly prescribed in pregnancy, particularly if your ferritin or hemoglobin levels fall below normal — but the side effects can be significant and are a frequent reason women stop taking their supplements. The most common: constipation, nausea, dark stools, and stomach cramping. Strategies that help: take iron on an empty stomach with vitamin C for best absorption, but if that causes too much nausea, try taking it with a small amount of food; switch to a gentle chelated iron form (like iron bisglycinate) which is better absorbed at lower doses and causes fewer GI side effects than ferrous sulfate; take it at night to sleep through any discomfort; and increase fiber and water intake to counteract constipation.

Don't take iron within an hour of calcium, antacids, or coffee.