Anaemia
Anaemia in pregnancy is defined as a level of haemoglobin in the blood less than 11 grams per decilitre. This is lower than in the nonpregnant woman, and is called physiological because it results from dilution rather than blood loss - there is fluid retention and an increase in circulating blood volume, so the haemoglobin becomes diluted. There is a need for increased Iron during pregnancy, which is usually met by an increase in absorption, and it is felt by many that routine Iron supplements are not necessary for all pregnant women. For those who begin pregnancy already Iron deficient (because of a history of heavy periods or an Iron deficient diet for example) or anaemic (from such causes as thalassaemia, described in blood and circulation in the chest cavity section) Iron supplements together with vitamins may be beneficial. All women lose blood at delivery and may start the immediate post partum period borderline anaemic. Anaemia predisposes to tiredness (as does looking after a newborn baby) so it might be wise to ensure that during pregnancy the diet contains enough Iron to prevent the development of anaemia.
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