Pregnant and Tired? It Might Be Low Iron—Here’s What to Do
Feeling unusually tired, foggy, or out of breath during pregnancy? While it’s easy to chalk this up to the normal demands of pregnancy, these symptoms can also signal low iron levels, particularly low ferritin, which measures your body’s stored iron. It’s a common and important issue that deserves attention.
At Nurture North, we frequently support pregnant people navigating the physical symptoms of iron deficiency through Registered Massage Therapy (RMT)—within our regulated scope of practice here in British Columbia. While we don’t diagnose or treat medical conditions like iron deficiency, we can help you understand your options, guide you in asking informed questions, and provide therapeutic support for the physical effects of fatigue, stress, and musculoskeletal discomfort during pregnancy.
Why Do Iron Levels Drop in Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, your body increases blood volume by up to 50%, which places a much greater demand on your iron stores. Iron is essential for building red blood cells, supporting your placenta, and growing your baby. Unfortunately, many people begin pregnancy with low or borderline iron, and symptoms like nausea can make it hard to meet nutritional needs through diet alone.
Iron deficiency is very common in pregnancy—and while it's a medical issue to be diagnosed and treated by your primary care provider, knowing the signs and asking the right questions can help you feel more empowered in your care.
Ferritin: What the Numbers Mean
Ferritin is a blood marker that reflects how much iron your body has in storage.
According to clinical guidelines:
Optimal ferritin during pregnancy: 100–120 ng/mL
30–100 ng/mL: May be adequate, but symptoms and history matter
20–30 ng/mL: Low; oral supplementation may be appropriate
Below 20 ng/mL: Very low; infusion may be considered by your provider
Ask your provider to check ferritin specifically—hemoglobin alone doesn’t tell the whole story.
Why Low Iron Matters
When ferritin is low, people can experience:
Persistent fatigue or weakness
Brain fog and trouble focusing
Increased anxiety or poor sleep
Shortness of breath
Higher risk of postpartum hemorrhage and slower recovery
Low iron can impact your day-to-day life during pregnancy—and how you feel physically and mentally after birth.
RMT Scope of Practice and Support at Nurture North
As Registered Massage Therapists in British Columbia, we do not diagnose iron deficiency, prescribe supplements, or offer medical treatments like infusions. However, within our scope, we can:
Support symptoms of fatigue and stress through therapeutic massage
Help improve circulation and relaxation to support your overall wellbeing
Encourage open dialogue about self-advocacy and multidisciplinary care
Direct you toward additional resources, such as naturopaths or medical providers, when requested
If you suspect low iron, we encourage you to speak with your midwife, family physician, or nurse practitioner to request bloodwork, including a ferritin test.
Considering an Iron Infusion?
If oral iron is not working—or your ferritin is under 20 ng/mL—your care provider may suggest an iron infusion.
At Nurture North, we’ve heard from many clients that getting access to infusions through the hospital system can sometimes take time, especially when labour & delivery units are under strain. If you have extended health benefits, you may wish to consider a private iron infusion with one of the licensed Naturopathic Doctors at Northwest Integrative Healthcare Centre here in Terrace.
We can’t coordinate this care for you, but we can help you identify questions to ask and support you physically through massage while you pursue medical follow-up.
Final Thoughts
Your energy matters. Pregnancy is demanding, and feeling truly supported—physically and emotionally—can make a real difference in how you experience this time.
If you’re experiencing persistent fatigue or symptoms that make you feel unlike yourself, it’s worth looking deeper. Low iron is common, but also treatable with the right care.
At Nurture North, we offer evidence-informed massage therapy, space to rest and recalibrate, and a compassionate team ready to support you within our scope. We’re happy to work collaboratively with other providers on your pregnancy care team.
You know your body best. We’re here to support your next steps—with science, compassion, and care.
Shout out to Hana Lang for support in providing me these resources and the beautiful Registered Midwifery care she provides to our community.
Two exceptional PDF links from the Association of Ontario Midwives.
