Your body goes through significant changes when you become pregnant. The amount of blood in your body increases by about 20-30 percent, which increases the supply of iron and vitamins that the body needs to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to other cells in your body.
You are at higher risk for becoming anemic during your pregnancy if you:
Have two pregnancies close together.
Are pregnant with more than one child.
Are vomiting frequently due to morning sickness.
Do not consume enough iron.
Have a heavy pre-pregnancy menstrual flow.
Many of the symptoms of anemia during pregnancy are also symptoms you may experience even if you are not anemic; these include:
Feeling tired or weak.
Progressive paleness of the skin.
Rapid heartbeat.
Shortness of breath.
Trouble concentrating.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnant woman’s body adapts to absorb more calcium from the food she eats so her recommended calcium intake isn’t increased compared with before pregnancy. But it is still important for her to get enough calcium to help build strong, healthy bones in her developing baby.
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