What is anaemia?
The presence of the mineral iron (often abbreviated to Fe) is essential in the make up of the proteins in your body`s red blood cells. Haemoglobin (abbreviated to Hb) is the protein most commonly referred to in relation to anaemia. You are said to be anaemic when there is a fall in the number of red blood cells (abbreviated to RBC), there is less haemoglobin in the red blood cells, or a combination of both. If you are anaemic, your red blood cells are less efficient at carrying oxygen around the body to support your heart, lungs and other major body organs. The body usually has a competent mechanism which ensures that oxygen is transported into the body`s cells and tissues as, and when, it is needed. This is set at a level for normal amounts of exertion ie when you are undertaking most activities, but can quickly respond to a higher oxygen requirement when you need to be more active, for example when you run for a bus, or are exercising. However, if you are anaemic, this mechanism is not so efficient, and you might find yourself becoming breathless as there is not enough oxygen getting to your heart and lungs for your heart to work properly.

As previously mentioned, you can become anaemic if you have certain medical conditions and if you lose blood through injury or, for some women, through having continually heavy menstrual periods. However, it is also possible to become anaemic if you are not taking enough iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid in your daily diet.

Anaemia and your baby`s health
If you have anaemia in the early weeks of pregnancy, there is a slightly increased risk that your baby might be born too early (prematurely) or be born smaller or lighter than would be expected for that stage of your pregnancy (also called `small for gestational age`)...

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