6. Anaemia

• This is a common condition in pregnancy where there is low level of red cells in the blood (haemoglobin). 

• It occurs when the red cells in the blood/haemoglobin levels drop, sometimes to very dangerous levels that require immediate treatment to normalise the levels to sustain the normal progress of the pregnancy. 

• If the cause is dietary, eating iron-rich foods like: beans, lentils, green-leafy vegetables or taking iron supplements will correct the anaemia. 

• Sometimes iron levels might continue to drop irrespective of diet, supplements or other effort to correct it, in which case iron infusion may be advised in severe deficiency. 

Management to improve outcomes: 

• Attend all your prenatal appointments throughout your pregnancy. 

• Adhere to the Care Pathway developed for you to manage your pregnancy. 

• Comply with the treatment regime commenced all through your pregnancy. 

• Eat a healthy diet rich in iron; limit or avoid caffeine as can inhibit iron absorption especially from plant-based foods.  

• Read and inform yourself about the condition and management and take ownership of it.