Anemia in pregnancy

By the second trimester physiological changes occur in the pregnant women increasing her need for iron and predisposing her to anemia; a decrease in red blood cells. Red blood cells carries oxygen throughout the body and can cause maternal fatigue and tiredness  and also have adverse effects on fetal growth, fetal brain development and low birth weight.

Eating iron rich foods helps produce more red blood cells. The increase in production of iron red cells can takes weeks so it is essential to have a constant supply of iron rich foods and not just sporadically throughout the.

Increasing iron supply can be done in many ways.  Cooking in an iron cast skillet is one way, but buying a new skillet is expensive. Taking iron supplements can have undesirable side effects such as constipation and bloating. Eating iron rich foods can be an inexpensive way to increase red blood cell production with less side effects of supplements.

Molasses Granola with raisins and almonds

Molasses Granola

3 Cups of Old Fashion Oats, uncooked (not instant)

3 tlbs flax seed (ground has more benefits)

5 tlbs Molasses

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp of Canola oil

¼ cup apple cider

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

¼ chopped nuts

1 cup of dried fruits (i.e.: raisins, cranberries, dates etc)

4 tsp honey

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix oats and flaxseed and spread on a baking sheet with edges and toast for 10 minutes stirring once.

In separate med size bowl mix, molasses, sugar, oil, cider, cinnamon and ginger.  When oat mixture is done and cooled slightly add to the molasses mixture along with the nuts and dried honey. Mix thoroughly and spread on baking sheet.

Cook for 10 minutes, drizzle with honey, mix again and cook additionally ten minutes.

Let cool and enjoy, best over bowl of mixed fruit.

**********TIPS & ADVICE********

Whole grains have higher content of iron.

Consuming calcium with iron inhibits iron absorption, while consuming vitamin C such as grapefruit juice enhances absorption.