Foods To Fight Anaemia In Pregnancy

By Asha Das

Anaemia is a condition where there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells, or in the normal quantity of haemoglobin in the blood. Anaemia is a common health condition during pregnancy. Becoming healthy during
pregnancy is very important for you and your baby. Iron-deficiency, folate deficiency and Vitamin B12 deficiency are the major reasons for anaemia during pregnancy, out of which iron deficiency is the most common one.

Anaemia during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight. Keeping haemoglobin in the normal range is very important because haemoglobin transports oxygen to your baby. You should take extra care on your diet to include enough iron, which is needed for the formation of haemoglobin.

It is important to add foods rich in Vitamin C to increase the absorption of iron. Likewise, avoid food which will decrease the absorption of iron such as tea and coffee. Calcium in milk will also decrease iron absorption, so consider taking milk only between meals and not with meals. Here are 15 nutritious foods that you should include in your pregnancy diet for treating or preventing anaemia.

Banana

Banana

Banana is a rich source of iron and other minerals.Having a banana on breakfast will be an ideal choice to treat or prevent anaemia during pregnancy

Dates

Dates

Dates are well-known for its capacity to boost up haemoglobin production. Instead of taking dates now and then, it is recommended to take two dates each two times a day.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal

Consider oatmeal for your breakfast to fight anaemia during pregnancy. Oatmeal is an easily digestible food which can provide you the necessary minerals along with iron.

Nuts

Nuts

Nuts are a rich source of iron to prevent anaemia. Another factor that makes nuts in the top list is its convenience. It is easy to be carried with you especially if you are a working woman.

Broccoli

Broccoli

Broccoli is a green leafy vegetable that should not be
avoided, especially when you are pregnant. It is a very good source of vitamins, iron and folate.

Red meat

Red meat

Including red meat in your diet will help you get enough
iron for fighting anaemia during pregnancy. Animal sources of iron are absorbed efficiently than vegetable sources.

Spinach

Spinach

This green superfood is a must in your diet when you are
pregnant. Spinach is an important supplier of iron and folate to fight anaemia during pregnancy.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate

Pomegranate is a good and rich source of iron. Include
pomegranate in your diet if you are looking for a solution to fight anaemia during pregnancy.

Raisins

Raisins

Raisins are dried grapes. Raisins will be a good choice to
fight anaemia during pregnancy. Put some raisins in water, keep it overnight and take it in the next morning.

Egg yolk

Egg yolk

Egg yolk contains good and enough amount of iron. Taking eggs will help you keep your haemoglobin in a normal range because of the sufficient supply of the needed iron.

Whole grains

Whole grains

Whole grains will help you to stay healthy by
preventing anaemia during pregnancy. Whole grains will keep your haemoglobin in normal range.

Shellfish

Shellfish

Shellfish is another food which should be included in
your top list for its iron content. Including shellfish in your pregnancy diet plan will help you overcome anaemia during pregnancy.

Honey

Honey

If you have anaemia during pregnancy, consider including honey in your diet plan. It is a rich source of iron. Honey can be taken raw or can be mixed with dry fruits or nuts.

Legumes

Legumes

Lentils and beans are excellent sources of iron for treating iron deficiency and anaemia during pregnancy. Include legumes in your pregnancy diet.

Orange juice

Orange juice

Orange juice is a rich source of Vitamin C, which will
help in the absorption of iron. Providing vitamin C will help to fight anaemia during pregnancy.

Story first published: Wednesday, June 5, 2013, 19:22 [IST]
Read more about: anaemia pregnancy