Iron, Energy & Recovery: The Hidden Iron Deficiency Many Mothers Miss
Many mothers feel tired all the time and assume it is simply part of a busy life, work, pregnancy, caring for a newborn, and sleepless nights.
But sometimes, the real reason behind constant fatigue may be low iron levels in the body.
Many people believe that if their hemoglobin (Hb) blood test is normal, their iron levels must also be normal. However, research shows that iron deficiency can already begin before anemia develops, meaning a person can feel symptoms even when Hb still appears normal (Camaschella, 2021).
This early stage is sometimes called iron deficiency without anemia, and it is commonly missed.
Why Women and Mothers Are More Prone to Iron Deficiency
Women are naturally more at risk of iron deficiency compared with men because of monthly menstrual blood loss.
During pregnancy, the body needs even more iron because it has to support:
• Baby’s growth and development
• Increased blood volume in the mother
• Oxygen supply to both mother and baby
Because of these increased needs, about 30–50% of pregnant women worldwide may experience iron deficiency (Peña-Rosas et al., 2020; World Health Organization, 2020).
When iron levels are low, mothers may feel:
• Always tired
• Easily dizzy
• Short of breath
• Weak or low energy
Many mothers think these symptoms are normal during pregnancy or postpartum, so they may not realize iron deficiency could be the cause.
Why Iron Is Important for Energy
Iron does more than just help produce red blood cells. It also helps the body produce energy inside our cells.
Iron is involved in the body’s energy system that produces ATP, the main source of energy for our cells (Camaschella, 2021).
When iron levels are low, the body produces energy less efficiently. That is why many people with iron deficiency often experience:
• Constant fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling weak or low stamina
For busy mothers juggling many responsibilities, this fatigue can become overwhelming.
Postpartum: An Important Time to Rebuild Iron Levels
Iron deficiency does not stop after delivery. In fact, many mothers lose a significant amount of blood during childbirth, which can further lower iron levels (Milman, 2020).
Studies show that iron deficiency after delivery can lead to:
• Severe tiredness
• Slower physical recovery
• Reduced daily energy
In some cases, untreated iron deficiency may even affect a mother’s emotional wellbeing and increase the risk of postpartum mood problems (Abu-Ouf & Jan, 2021).
Because new mothers are often sleep deprived and busy caring for their baby, these symptoms may easily be overlooked.
Signs Mothers Should Not Ignore
Some symptoms that may suggest low iron levels include:
• Feeling tired all the time
• Frequent dizziness
• Pale skin
• Hair shedding
• Low energy even after resting
If these symptoms persist, it may be helpful to check your hemoglobin (Hb) level or speak with a healthcare professional about your iron status.
How to Maintain Healthy Iron Levels
A healthy diet can help support iron levels.
Foods rich in iron include:
Animal sources (easier for the body to absorb)
• Beef
• Chicken
• Fish
Plant sources
• Spinach and leafy greens
• Lentils and beans
• Tofu
• Iron-fortified cereals
Eating iron-rich foods together with vitamin C sources such as oranges, tomatoes, or bell peppers can help the body absorb iron better (Camaschella, 2021).
However, tea and coffee may reduce iron absorption if consumed together with iron-rich meals.
When Iron Supplements May Be Needed
During pregnancy, diet alone may not always provide enough iron.
For this reason, many healthcare professionals recommend iron supplements for pregnant women to help prevent iron deficiency and anemia (Peña-Rosas et al., 2020).
If iron deficiency is confirmed, pharmacists or doctors may recommend appropriate supplements and provide guidance on how to take them safely.
Taking Care of Mothers’ Health Matters
Mothers often focus on caring for their babies and families first, but their own health is equally important.
Persistent fatigue should not always be ignored. Sometimes, it may simply be the body asking for more support. Checking iron levels early can help mothers regain energy, recover better after childbirth, and stay strong for the family.
If you often feel unusually tired, dizzy, or low in energy, consider checking your hemoglobin (Hb) level. A simple health check can help detect iron deficiency early and guide the right nutritional support for your body.
References (APA 7th Edition)
- Camaschella, C. (2021). Iron deficiency. The Lancet, 397(10270), 233–248. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)32594-0
- Peña-Rosas, J. P., De-Regil, L. M., Garcia-Casal, M. N., & Dowswell, T. (2020). Daily oral iron supplementation during pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020(7), CD004736. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004736.pub5
- Milman, N. (2020). Iron in pregnancy and postpartum: Physiology and clinical implications. Annals of Hematology, 99(6), 1203–1213. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00277-020-04027-9
- Abu-Ouf, N. M., & Jan, M. M. (2021). The impact of maternal iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia on child’s health. Saudi Medical Journal, 42(3), 267–272. https://doi.org/10.15537/smj.2021.42.3.20200736
- World Health Organization. (2020). WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience. World Health Organization.
