FerritinNutrition library
LibraryBlood markersIron studies
Ferritin
Ferritin reflects iron stores — the first reserve tapped when pregnancy expands blood volume and fetal demand rises.
Low ferritin often precedes falling haemoglobin. In pregnancy, stores below ~30 µg/L warrant dietary review and clinician follow-up; very high values can reflect inflammation rather than iron overload.
How to read it
Trends matter more than a single draw. Pair with haemoglobin, MCV, and transferrin saturation when investigating anaemia.
Linked nutrient: Iron · calibrates store dynamics in Trends when logged.
Trimester context
| Stage | For the mother | For the baby |
|---|---|---|
| First trimester | Early stores buffer rising erythropoietin before haemoglobin falls. | Placental iron transfer ramps up later; maternal stores still set the ceiling. |
| Second trimester | Blood volume expands ~50%; ferritin often drifts down even with adequate intake. | Fetal brain and liver iron accretion accelerates. |
| Third trimester | Low stores increase fatigue risk and delivery blood-loss vulnerability. | Third-trimester accretion is highest — maternal depletion shows here first. |
Connections
See also
- Ironnutrient