Health Tip: Add Iron to Your Diet During Pregnancy

Pregnant and breast-feeding women should increase intake of iron, a vital component of the body's ability to distribute oxygenated blood.

The Cleveland Clinic suggests how to eat more iron-rich foods:

• Eat at least three servings daily of iron-rich foods. Meat sources of iron are best absorbed by the body.
• Eat grains enriched with iron, lean cuts of meat, poultry, fish and vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, collards and turnip greens.
• Eat legumes such as dried peas and beans, lentils and soybeans.
• Eat iron-rich fruit, including plums, watermelon, dried fruit, grapefruit, oranges, apricots and berries.
• Make sure you get 30 milligrams of iron daily while pregnant or breast-feeding.