My blood test came back low in haemoglobin levels, a sign of anaemia (iron-deficiency anaemia). Sighz... So I did a quick search on internet:
What can I do to make sure I have enough iron?
As with most vitamins and minerals, food is the best source of iron. You shouldn't need iron supplements if you take care to have a diet rich in iron. This means eating lots of dark green leafy vegetables, wholemeal bread, iron-fortified cereals, potatoes, lean red meat, shellfish, raisins, prunes and pulses.
Vitamin C helps your body absorb the iron in your diet. Try drinking plenty of orange juice or eating fruit or vegetables which are rich in vitamin C, when you have an iron-rich meal, to help prevent you from becoming anaemic
Tea and coffee make it difficult for your body to absorb iron, so it's best not to drink them at mealtimes
What are the symptoms?
You may not be aware that you have become anaemic, although fatigue is a common sign and so is breathlessness. However, these are symptoms also experienced by many pregnant women who are not anaemic.
Headaches, tinnitus and palpitations are other symptoms of anaemia, along with unusual food cravings. Your eyelids, nail beds and tongue may also look pale.
Could my being anaemic affect my baby's health?
Unless you are severely anaemic, you don't need to worry about your baby. Your body will make sure that your baby gets his quota of iron before you get yours. So you'll be short of iron long before he is. Your baby makes the heaviest demands on your iron supplies in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, so this is the time to take extra care of yourself.
