I'm 14 weeks now and also suffering from anaemia plus a very low blood pressure. The exhaustion is overwhelming!
There is several tips and facts about getting more iron into yourself,
You don't have to load up on red meat! Although it is the easiest source to absorb iron, when you are low in iron your body automatically increases in efficiency of absorbing iron from any sources containing it.
Fortified cereals like ready brek, special k, bran flakes are all good sources. Soya milk also and the key to good absorption is having something with it that is high in vitamin C like fresh orange juice.
Pulses like chickpeas, beans, lentils. Dried fruit like Apricots, theres some really nice juicy ones in the supermarkets now! Dark green veg.
And if you like ginger....1tsp of dried ginger has 1mg iron in it! I mix it in with my ready brek or sprinkle it over meals to give a warm, sweet kick! ALos calms any sick feeling.
And CAFFIENE seriously prevents absorption of iron so stay clear of caffienated fizzy drinks or coffee within an hour of eating.
You probably will still need iron tablets though as pregnancy puts so much more demand on your body. They work well but the principles are the same have something vit C rich when taking and stay clear of caffiene for at least an hour either way. They may make you constipated and have black stools and give a icky tummy but its worth it just drink plenty and eat plenty wholegrains to keep it moving - also containing iron!
Hope this helps,
Good Luck
