Natural remedies for pregnancy anemia tend to be more effective than their synthetic counterparts, therefore allowing women to have a more healthy pregnancy leading to a natural birth and happy postpartum.

In this post we will discuss a variety of ways to heal the body of pregnancy anemia using natural remedies. Let’s get started!

What Does Pregnancy Anemia Feel Like?

The most common type of anemia in pregnancy is iron deficiency anemia. I’ve had clients, friends and family diagnosed with pregnancy anemia and it is quite common.

According to WebMD, “During pregnancy, your body produces more blood to support the growth of your baby. If you’re not getting enough iron or certain other nutrients, your body might not be able to produce the amount of red blood cells it needs to make this additional blood. It’s normal to have mild anemia when you are pregnant.”

Common symptoms of pregnancy anemia are extreme fatigue (that doesn’t lift after the first trimester) and feeling weak. Some may even feel mildly depressed.

Pregnancy Anemia Diagnosis

A blood test can confirm your or your care provider’s suspicions. You will be sent home with instructions to eat more iron rich foods and to take extra iron supplements.

(Side Note:  Did you know that postpartum depression is increased when mom’s have low iron? Nip this anemia in the bud, ladies!)

Natural Pregnancy Anemia Remedies

Unfortunately, I have noticed iron supplements and these vague tips to eat more iron rich foods to be ineffective at helping moms cure anemia. Also, I often hear of side effects (like constipation) from the iron pills.

You shouldn’t have to suffer!

I personally have never experienced anemia, nor the constipation from iron pills, but I could not image feeling terrible AND being constipated. I would like to present to you an alternative, or at minimum, some new ideas to eliminate pregnancy anemia.

Herbal Remedies for Pregnancy Anemia

Our bodies are able to easily digest and absorb vitamins and minerals from food, so therefore the reason I first suggest herbal remedies for pregnancy anemia is because herbs are food.

Herbs are full of rich, nourishing and helpful components that, used wisely, can aid in keeping our bodies healthy.

The following is a simple herbal recipe you can make at home. This can be used during pregnancy and even postpartum.

(I once made this same recipe immediately postpartum for a doula client that was anemic. It was extremely helpful and effective!)

Susun Weed’s Anemia Prevention Brew

*This recipe can be found in Susun Weed’s Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year.

Ingredients

1/2 ounce each of:

Nettle leaves
Parsley leaves
Comfrey leaves
Yellow Dock root
Peppermint leaves

Instructions

Measure herbs and put them into a glass half-gallon juice jar. Pour boiling water in until the jar is totally full; cover tightly. Steep for at least eight hours.

This brew contains three excellent sources of iron: nettle, parsley and yellow dock. It provides folic acid from the parsley and vitamin B12 from the comfrey. The green herbs all contribute vitamin C which aids iron absorption. The mint makes it tasty!

Dosage

Drink freely, up to four cups a day, for one week each month.

Where to Buy Herbs and Accessories

I enjoy purchasing herbs from the Amazon. They have great prices, low (or FREE!) shipping costs and great customer service. Of course, if you have local stores that sell bulk herbs that is a great option as well. I live a good distance from health food stores so typically this is my best option.

Click the link below to purchase each ingredient:

Kitchen Scale

Nettle Leaves

Parsley Leaves

Comfrey Leaves

Yellow Dock Root

Peppermint Leaves

Large Mason Jar

Funnel

Fine Strainer

Other Ideas for Pregnancy and Anemia

Eat Foods High in Iron (duh!)

(Pastured meats, eggs, fruits and vegetables have more vitamins, minerals and nutrients compared to conventional foods. If possible choose these foods to get more bang for your buck.)

• Organ meats
• Leafy greens
• Pastured Eggs
• Lentils, Beans
• Beets

Eat Foods High in Vitamin C

Did you know that vitamin C helps you absorb more iron? Eating the following foods will help absorb iron, and they taste great too!

• Citrus
• Strawberries
• Kiwis
• Tomatoes
• Bell Peppers

Things to Avoid

Coffee inhibits the absorption of iron. If you haven’t already quit, now’s the time!

Also, vitamin C is depleted by antibiotics, pain relievers, coffee and infections. To help absorb more iron into your body, stay healthy, naturally!

Iron Skillet for Cooking

Another way to increase iron is by simply switching to iron cookware.

These iron skillets are inexpensive, non-stick and contain no toxins like a typical Teflon pan would. You can’t beat those benefits!

You’ve Got This!

Alright ladies, I realize this is a lot of information all at once. But, because I care about you and I REALLY want you to be healthy, feel great, and to never be constipated… I created this free, printable worksheet that you can download RIGHT NOW. It will help you take the next steps to getting rid of your pregnancy induced anemia!

Download your free worksheet here.

Sources

To create this post I used my experience as a mother, doula and childbirth educator. I also consulted with friends, family, clients and these sources:

• Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year
• Postpartum depression is increased when mom’s have low iron
• WebMD