24/05/2026
Iron is incredibly important during pregnancy.
Your body works harder than ever throughout pregnancy, and your iron needs increase significantly along the way. As blood volume expands rapidly to support your placenta, uterus and growing baby, iron stores can become diluted. Then in the third trimester, your baby actively draws iron from you to build their own stores for life outside the womb.
This is one of the reasons low iron is so common in pregnancy. It can contribute to fatigue and exhaustion, dizziness or headaches, shortness of breath, and an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and birth.
Supporting healthy iron levels starts with nourishing food sources such as red meat, chicken, fish, leafy greens, legumes, eggs, nuts and seeds. Pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C can also help your body absorb iron more effectively.
Sometimes food alone is not enough. For some women, supplements may not improve iron levels sufficiently, may cause side effects, or can simply be difficult to take consistently during an already exhausting season of life.
When clinically appropriate, an iron infusion may be recommended by your care provider.
New research from a landmark 2025 trial found that a single iron infusion in the third trimester outperformed daily oral iron tablets in reducing anaemia at birth.
At Matrescence Birthing Centres Gold Coast, we now offer iron infusions in a calm, supportive environment designed with women in mind. A referral from your care provider is required, along with a clinical review and recent blood results.
Iron infusions are available to Matrescence clients for $150, and to women not yet booked with us for $200.
Speak with your care provider about whether an iron infusion may be right for you, or reach out to our team at matrescencebirthingcentres.com.au to learn more.
