What is anaemia during pregnancy?
Anaemia means you don’t have enough red blood cells in your blood. It’s often caused by low levels of iron. During pregnancy, your body can produce extra blood to support your growing baby. If you don’t have enough iron, your body may not be able to produce this extra blood.
Anaemia in pregnancy is common and can be treated. It is diagnosed with blood tests which are usually taken at the beginning of pregnancy and again at 28 weeks. It’s important to treat anaemia in pregnancy so it doesn’t get more serious.
What will my GP do now if I have anaemia during pregnancy?
Your GP will talk to you about your health and check what may be causing your anaemia. They will give you advice about treating your anaemia while you are pregnant. This may include advice about how to take iron and the side-effects you may have. Your GP will discuss the risks of anaemia while pregnant and refer you to a specialist if you need it.
What will my GP do in the future for my anaemia?
Your GP may make a follow-up appointment to discuss your treatment as well as any side-effects you have. Your GP may also want to talk to you about keeping healthy through the rest of your pregnancy.
What can I do if I have anaemia and am pregnant?
Follow your GP’s advice. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of iron rich foods like meat, chicken, fish, eggs and grains. Take your pregnancy vitamins, this includes folate. Stay physically active and get enough rest, aim for eight hours of sleep a night.
