What to eat when…
What Foods Are High in Iron for Pregnancy?
The best iron-rich foods for pregnancy are red meat, lentils, beans, spinach, and fortified cereals — and pairing them with vitamin C boosts absorption. Iron needs rise sharply in pregnancy.
You need more iron now to make extra blood for you and your baby; too little leads to anemia and fatigue. There are two types: heme (from meat, best absorbed) and non-heme (from plants).
Heme: lean red meat, poultry.
Non-heme: lentils, chickpeas, tofu, spinach, fortified cereals.
Boost it: add vitamin C (peppers, citrus, tomatoes) to plant sources.
Reduce absorption: tea/coffee with meals — space them apart.
Common follow-ups
Vegetarian?Very doable — combine legumes, fortified foods, and vitamin C.
Do I need a supplement?Only if your provider advises after checking your levels.
Avo tracks your daily iron and flags low days.It suggests iron-rich foods and the vitamin-C pairings that help you absorb more.