During Pregnancy more oxygen needs to be carried around in the blood to ensure that there is enough oxygen supplied to your growing baby, particularly for the growth and development of his brain.

Iron deficiency is defined as a lack of iron stores, which is usually caused by lack of iron in the diet. It is probably the most frequent nutritional deficiency disorder in the world. Particularly affecting developing countries . But up to eight per cent of women in the western world are affected by iron deficiency. Iron deficiency prevents you from feeling totally well. It  impairs brain function (affecting memory and learning abilities). Interferes with the thyroid gland and temperature control. Mechanisms in the body and decreases the proficiency of the immune system. A lack of iron can also impair the development of your unborn babies brain. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when not only are there no iron stores in the body but levels of hemoglobin have become seriously depleted as well. And the symptoms outlined previously become more severe. If you know your diet contains little iron and you become noticeably more tired and lethargic and lacking in concentration. The only way to find out for sure whether you could be suffering from anemia is to have a blood test. Ideally before you get pregnant.You should try to get 25 mg of vitamin C per meal which is the equivalent to one small orange.