Iron is considered a very important nutrient for any one at any stage of them lifecycle

There is not a big danger for the mother or the baby short term and the heart rate increases to allow blood to get to all parts of the body and the placenta increases to insure the baby gets enough oxygen. If the anaemia continues for a long period of the pregnancy, it could result in premature labour, stillbirth or low- birth weights.

If the woman happens to get anaemia, it can be treated with iron supplements and for severe cases, iron injections. To prevent getting anaemia the woman can eat a diet rich in iron. Foods that are rich in iron are red meat, spinach, molasses, oily fish, leafy vegetables, dark chocolate and shellfish. However, liver and liver products should be avoided during pregnancy.

To get the most iron as possible absorbed from foods, the woman should avoid drinking coffee or tea, she should eat an hour after drinking tea or coffee and not drink tea or coffee until an hour or two after their meal. Tea and coffee inhibit the absorption of iron, vitamin C promotes the absorption of iron. Vegetarians do not get a lot of iron in their diet as they do not eat red meat, so they should be eating or drink vitamin C rich foods with their meal. ‘The complete book of mother & baby care’ states ‘If you are a vegetarian and cannot eat the most easily absorbed sources of iron – drink blackcurrant or orange juice’. Foods rich in vitamins C include citrus fruits, broccoli, tomatoes, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. Vitamin C also has other benefits as it stimulates the activity of the immune system, helps to heal wounds, it has anti- oxidant properties and it is essential for the growth of healthy bones, teeth, gums, blood vessels and body cells.