Everything you need to know about iodine during pregnancy

by Alice Thomas Writer

Out of all minerals required during pregnancy, iodine is one type of mineral often overlooked by tonnes of pregnant women. Iodine is a crucial mineral during pregnancy and a dearth of this important mineral in a pregnant woman’s diet can lead to adverse health consequences in the baby. Consumption of iodine in a sufficient amount is vital for baby’s growth and development. If you are an expecting mother then you must know the importance of iodine in your daily diet. In this article, you will know everything about iodine during pregnancy. So, without waiting anymore, let’s know more about how iodine is significant in the lives of to-be mums.

(Know your baby’s well-being from Watford’s ultrasound baby scan clinic.)

Why iodine consumption is important during pregnancy?

Iodine is more important for pregnant women than any other normal adult because iodine ensures the proper functioning of heartbeat and body temperature, something very important for healthy foetus development. Consumption of iodine not only helps in the proper physical development of the baby but also facilitates complete mental development of the foetus. The thyroid gland needs iodine in order to aid the brain’s development. Studies have proven that mothers who did not consume enough iodine during pregnancy gave birth to children with lower IQ and learning disabilities.

How much iodine a pregnant woman needs in a day?

Iodine intake of a pregnant woman is higher than that of a non-pregnant woman. Pregnant women need at least 220 mcg of iodine daily whereas non-pregnant women only require 150 mcg daily to function properly.

What happens if there is a deficiency of iodine during pregnancy?

Iodine deficiency is a very serious concern among women who are experiencing pregnancy. A decrease in iodine can cause serious consequences detrimental to the baby’s health and well-being. Iodine deficiency can cause severe health conditions in the child, like hypothyroidism, goitre, growth retardation, and so on. Not only that, but iodine deficiency can harm the infants as well. As per several kinds of research, mothers who do not consume adequate iodine during pregnancy have a higher chance of miscarriages and stillbirth. Also, one aspect of high mortality rate is indeed a dearth of iodine in expecting mothers.

What are the signs and symptoms of iodine deficiency during pregnancy?

Here are some common signs and symptoms of iodine deficiency you must pay attention to during pregnancy.

Swelling in the neck
Fatigue or tiredness
Mild to severe pain in the muscles
Brittle nails
Dry skin and mouth
Abnormal sensitivity to cold
Unintentional or sudden weight gain
Puffiness in the face
Constipation
High blood cholesterol levels

If you notice the above-mentioned signs and symptoms, consult a medical professional and get a proper diagnosis for iodine deficiency without wasting any more second.

What are the best sources of iodine suitable for would-be mothers?

Prevention is always better than cure. Thankfully, iodine deficiency can be very well prevented by taking a sufficient amount of iodine through food sources that are rich in iodine. Here is what you should consume every day to keep up with your daily iodine requirement during pregnancy.

Iodised salt (look carefully at the back portion to check the quantity of iodine present in the pack)
Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, butter, yoghurt, and so on.
Tuna fish
Shrimps
Hard-boiled eggs
Lima beans
Prunes
Sardines

You can also ask your OB-GYN doctor to provide you with special supplements for iodine if necessary. Most of the times, prenatal vitamins contain a good amount of iodine but if you have been diagnosed with iodine deficiency in the past or if iodine deficiency is a part of your genetic makeup, then you should definitely give iodine supplements a thought during pregnancy.

Also, keep a track on your baby’s health by getting an ultrasound scan from a trusted baby scan clinic in Watford.

Childbirth: Consider A Doula To Have An Amazingly Easy Delivery

Lightning crotch pain: What pregnant ladies should know

Pregnancy’s Nutrition: Why I Drink Tomato Juice During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy? Cool! Stretch Marks? Definitely Not Okay!