Prevention of Anaemia in Pregnancy

Anaemia means that the blood has too little haemoglobin or too few healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently. Pregnancy increases the body’s need for iron because blood volume expands and the developing baby needs nutrients for growth. Iron deficiency is a common cause, but anaemia can also relate to folate, vitamin B12, blood loss or another health condition. A balanced diet helps, although food alone may not meet increased needs for every pregnant person.

Tiredness can occur in a healthy pregnancy as well as with anaemia, so symptoms cannot confirm the cause. Antenatal blood tests are useful because they can detect a low haemoglobin level before symptoms become obvious.

Include iron-containing foods such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, leafy green vegetables and fortified cereals. Pair plant sources of iron with vitamin C-rich foods, such as citrus fruit, tomatoes or peppers, which can support iron absorption. Tea and coffee around meals can reduce absorption, so leave a gap when practical.

Take a pregnancy supplement only as recommended by your maternity clinician. Do not add separate iron or change the dose without advice; excess iron can cause side effects and may be unsuitable for some causes of anaemia. Keep antenatal appointments and mention heavy bleeding, a restricted diet, previous anaemia, digestive conditions or medicines that affect absorption.

Contact your maternity team if tiredness is worsening or you have dizziness, breathlessness with ordinary activity, paleness, headaches, a racing heartbeat or unusual weakness. Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, heavy vaginal bleeding or feeling suddenly very unwell. These symptoms need assessment rather than self-treatment, because anaemia is only one possible explanation.

Ask when your haemoglobin and iron status will be checked, whether your diet or medical history changes your risk, and which supplement is appropriate for you. If a test shows anaemia, ask whether the cause is iron deficiency or another problem, how treatment will be monitored, and which side effects should prompt a call.