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3 of the Best Iron Supplements for Pregnant Women in 2026
Updated August 2026
By One Fine Baby Editorial Team
Pregnancy asks a lot of your body, and iron is one nutrient that tends to get plenty of attention along the way. As your blood volume increases to support you and your growing baby, your iron requirements increase too, which is why your doctor or midwife will keep an eye on your iron levels throughout pregnancy.
If you've been advised to take an iron supplement during pregnancy, however, choosing one can bring up a whole new set of questions. What type of iron should you look for? Is it gentle on the stomach? Will it cause constipation? And how does it fit alongside your prenatal vitamins?
We've taken a closer look at some of the best iron supplements for pregnancy available in Australia in 2026, considering factors such as the form of iron used, additional nutrients, ease of taking them and formulations designed with pregnancy in mind.
Because when you're already navigating everything pregnancy throws your way, finding the right supplement shouldn't feel like another research project.
Important: This article provides general information only and isn't a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing supplements during pregnancy.
3 of the Best Iron Supplements for Pregnancy in Australia in 2026
Price: $16, 30 day supply
If taking iron hasn't always agreed with your stomach, Perdays Iron & Vitamin C is one option worth discussing with your healthcare professional. Designed to support blood health and energy production, the once-a-day formula pairs iron with vitamin C and is suitable for use during pregnancy.
Each tablet contains 24 mg of iron as iron II glycinate, a form Perdays has selected for its absorption and tummy-friendly qualities, alongside 125 mg of vitamin C to support dietary iron absorption.
Why It's Different
It's the simplicity we like here. Rather than packing numerous nutrients into one formula, Perdays combines iron and vitamin C in a single daily tablet.
The formula uses iron II glycinate and is designed to be gentle on the stomach, a particularly welcome consideration during pregnancy, when nausea, digestive changes and constipation may already be part of the picture.
Why Try It
For those who have been advised by their healthcare professional to consider additional iron, Perdays offers an easy, once-daily option that can slot alongside an existing prenatal routine.
It's also vegan friendly and formulated to support maternal health, red blood cell health and energy production.
Key Features
- 24 mg iron per tablet
- Uses iron II glycinate
- 125 mg vitamin C
- Vitamin C supports dietary iron absorption
- Designed to be tummy friendly
- One tablet per day
- Vegan friendly
- Suitable for use during pregnancy
- 30-day supply
Price: $37, one month supply
Iron supplements and happy tummies don't always go hand in hand, which is what makes Naternal IronBiotic an interesting option for pregnancy. This Australian formula pairs a gentle form of iron with a probiotic, alongside vitamin C, activated B vitamins and other supporting nutrients.
Each capsule provides 24 mg of iron from Ferrochel® ferrous bisglycinate, a form chosen by Naternal for its absorption and gentler digestive profile, plus Bifidobacterium longum to support digestive health.
Why It's Different
The standout here is the addition of a probiotic alongside iron.
IronBiotic contains 500 million CFU of Bifidobacterium longum, designed to support beneficial intestinal flora and digestive system health. That's combined with vitamin C to support dietary iron absorption, plus methyl-folate, B12 and other B vitamins involved in healthy red blood cell production.
The result is a more comprehensive formula than a straightforward iron-and-vitamin-C supplement.
Why Try It
If digestive comfort is high on your priority list when choosing a pregnancy iron supplement, IronBiotic is one to discuss with your healthcare professional.
Naternal has specifically formulated it to be pregnancy and breastfeeding friendly, with iron bisglycinate and added gut support. It's also vegan and requires just one capsule per day according to the product directions.
Key Features
- 24 mg iron per capsule
- Uses Ferrochel® ferrous bisglycinate
- 500 million CFU Bifidobacterium longum
- 100 mg vitamin C
- Contains methyl-folate and active B vitamins
- Includes vitamin B12 and copper
- Vegan
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding friendly
- Designed with digestive comfort in mind
- One capsule per day according to label directions
Price: $25.99, 30 day supply
Iron gets plenty of attention during pregnancy, but NaturoBest Iron & Brain Support brings another important nutrient into the conversation: choline.
Designed to support iron intake alongside brain health and healthy foetal development, this once-daily formula combines 24 mg of iron with 250 mg of choline, plus vitamin C, folate and vitamin B12. It's also vegan-friendly, making it an interesting option for those who eat little or no animal products.
Why It's Different
The standout is the combination of iron and choline in one capsule.
NaturoBest uses Ferrochel® iron bisglycinate, a form chosen for its absorption and tolerability, alongside vitamin C to assist iron absorption. There's also 250 mg of VitaCholine®, plus folinic acid and vitamin B12.
It's a thoughtful combination for pregnancy, when both iron and choline have important nutritional roles.
Why Try It
If you've been advised to increase your iron intake during pregnancy and would also like additional choline support, this is one to discuss with your healthcare professional.
We also like the simplicity of the formula: it's one capsule per day, vegan-friendly and made without a long list of common allergens and unnecessary additives.
Key Features
- 24 mg iron per capsule
- Uses Ferrochel® iron bisglycinate
- 250 mg VitaCholine®
- 50 mg vitamin C
- Contains folinic acid and vitamin B12
- Supports healthy foetal development
- Vegan-friendly
- Designed to be well tolerated
- One capsule per day
- Suitable for preconception and pregnancy
FAQs About Iron Supplements In Pregnancy
Do you need to take an iron supplement during pregnancy?
Not everyone needs an additional iron supplement during pregnancy. Your iron requirements increase during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, but whether you need supplementation will depend on factors including your diet, iron levels and individual health needs. Your doctor or midwife can check for iron deficiency or anaemia with a blood test and recommend supplementation if needed.
Why is iron important during pregnancy?
Iron helps your body produce haemoglobin, which allows red blood cells to carry oxygen around your body. During pregnancy, your blood volume increases and so does your need for iron, making it an especially important nutrient for both you and your growing baby.
How do I know if I have low iron during pregnancy?
Low iron and iron-deficiency anaemia are diagnosed through blood tests. Symptoms of anaemia can include tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headaches and shortness of breath, although these symptoms can have other causes too. In Australia, a full blood count is generally offered early in pregnancy and again at around 28 weeks.
What is the best iron supplement for pregnancy?
There isn't one iron supplement that's best for every pregnancy. Different products contain different forms and amounts of iron, and factors such as your iron levels, diet, other supplements and how well you tolerate a particular formula can all influence what's appropriate for you. Your doctor, midwife or pharmacist can help you choose an iron supplement and dose suited to your individual needs.
Can iron supplements cause constipation during pregnancy?
Yes. Constipation and nausea are known side effects of some iron supplements, and pregnancy itself can also make constipation more common. If you're struggling with side effects, speak to your healthcare professional rather than simply stopping your supplement. They may be able to recommend a different approach or formulation.
Can I take an iron supplement with my pregnancy multivitamin?
Potentially, but check how much iron your prenatal vitamin already contains before adding another supplement. Pregnancy multivitamin formulations vary, and taking more of a vitamin or mineral isn't necessarily better. Speak with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before combining supplements.
What foods are naturally high in iron during pregnancy?
Iron-rich foods include meat, chicken and fish as well as plant-based sources such as legumes, nuts, wholegrain breads and cereals, tofu and leafy green vegetables. Eating foods containing vitamin C alongside plant-based sources of iron can also help your body absorb iron.
When should I speak to my doctor about iron during pregnancy?
Talk to your GP, obstetrician or midwife if you're concerned about your iron levels, experiencing symptoms that could indicate anaemia or considering starting an iron supplement. Blood testing can help determine whether you're iron deficient and what treatment, if any, is appropriate for you.
This article provides general information only and isn't a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing supplements during pregnancy.
