Anaemia can be a problem during pregnancy regardless of diet because the developing foetus will draw on the mother’s iron stores to create stores of its own, required for the healthy formation of red blood cells. Also, maternal blood volume increases by 50%, therefore iron is needed in larger amounts, particularly in the later stages. Eat foods rich in iron such as dark green leafy vegetables, dried beans and legumes and dried fruits. If you are a meat-eater you will find it easier to keep your iron levels topped up as “haem iron” (iron from blood in red meat) is absorbed much better than vegetable iron.