Anaemia
What is anaemia?
Anaemia describes a condition when there is a decreased amount of red blood cells in the blood. There are different types of anaemia, with the most common due to an iron deficiency. Iron is needed to produce haemoglobin, a molecule in red blood cells which carries oxygen to various tissues in the body. Sometimes anaemia develops due to other vitamin deficiency such as folate or B12 vitamin. Some types of anaemia are inherited disorders due to the production of faulty haemoglobin molecules which are inefficient in carrying oxygen around.
What are the symptoms?
An anaemic person may feel tired, dizzy; have trouble concentrating or experience a racing heart. Your doctor or midwife will organise some test to determine the cause of anaemia.
Recommendations
During pregnancy it is recommended to eat a healthy diet. Most women are usually advised to have iron and folate supplements. Vegetarians and vegans are advised to supplement their diet with vitamin B12.
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