Iron levels and taking supplements in later pregnancy

[suwoo]

With my other two pregnancies I have been kept in after the delivery as my iron levels are too low. This time, I am determined this won't be the case. At 28 weeks it was 10.9 which is ok isn't it? I am 30 weeks now and having a section in 8 weeks, should I start taking spatone now? And how many?

[slushy06]

10.9 is ok but it is a little low it should be 12 I think. I would discuss your problem with consultant and ask him what can be done to avoid having to stay in hospital afterwards.

[suwoo]

I'm not at the hospital until 36 weeks. I had a PPH previously, thats probably why they are more focused on my iron.

[slushy06]

You can make an appointment with your gp to discuss iron levels. I am anemic anyway so pg dosn't help this but I am not allowed to take iron supplements unless prescribed them by gp.

[suwoo]

I really don't want to take the awful tablets, thats why I'm taking spatone. Think I will just take 1 a day and see how I get on.

[slushy06]

I know what you mean about tablets. They make me feel iller if thats possible. They upset your stomach cause constipation and indigestion(like we need more of that when pg) I have transfusions when pg mostly and they are much better no ill effects apart from sitting there with the needle for an hour and instant relief.

[suwoo]

What is your normal level slushy? I had to have a transfusion with DD, luckily I didn't with DS. This time I really don't want to be in longer than absolutely neccessary after a section. I've got 2 others at home to think about.

[slushy06]

I am normally about 9 without tablets but on my last pg I was dropping below 6 and I could barely stand or get out of bed. However since I had my ds I have had normal iron levels due to bfeeding and having no period. My period is what they think causes me to lose so much iron. So I am now 34 weeks on this pg and so far my iron levels are pretty stable. I am not sure why they would keep you in for low iron as they have never kept me in they just give me my transfusion and let me go as long as I have a responsible adult with me to take care of me for 24 hrs. Are you sure it is just your iron that dropped as it was due to pph I would have thought you would need a proper blood transfusion. In which case iron wont help.

[suwoo]

1st pg was a proper transfusion after the PPH. Last time they got my iron level before they would let me go. They were talking about transfusion but it must have been high enough as I didn't need one. Can't recollect what number it was though. That was on day 4 after my section. This time I want to be out on day 2 or 3, so really don't want anything to stand in my way.

[slushy06]

My transfusions were iron transfusion only as I had enough blood but the iron component was missing. I had a natural childbirth and due to my anemia had to have iron checked before leaving the hospital however mine was checked 6 hours after delivery and results were back later that day. So I suggest getting them to check your levels before they are waiting to discharge you then if there is a problem you can have it sorted earlier.

[suwoo]

Thanks for that slushy. I will take my spatone daily from now and perhaps increase t closer to the time and take it in with me. I am so coming home on day 3

[slushy06]

My sil signed herself out both times on her c sections. As she felt it was slowing her recovery the stress of being in hospital. Not that I am saying you should do that mind. I would never have the guts.

[MustHaveaVeryShortMemory]

Below 12 is 'iron depleted' which is on the road to anaemia which is officially below 10. So I would definitely start taking spatone now (and possibly eating steak everyday!). Your baby is still going to be taking more iron from you and will have been since 28 weeks so I think unless you take measures to stop iron slipping, it will go lower.

[suwoo]

What day did she come out slushy do you know?

Musthave, I am veggie, so its spinach for me . I do love tinned spinach, do you think there is enough iron in spinach to actually make a difference?

[CatIsSleepy]

i took 2 sachets of spatone daily from about 5 months pg to keep my iron levels up as was anaemic last time and had to have transfusion in hospital. Was determined not to let low iron levels scupper my chances of a home birth this time...

go for it-worked a treat for me

[MustHaveaVeryShortMemory]

I keep reading that spinach contains a substance that inhibits iron absorption.

www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/nutritionessentials/vitaminsandminerals/iron/

I don't know who to believe on this although I did see somewhere it said its ok if its cooked.

Honestly - if you can force some meat or fish down I would because it seems that these contain vastly more iron and in a more readily available format than fruit/veg.

Do you eat eggs? These have quite a lot of iron.

[slushy06]

On the first she discharged after 3 nights 2 on the second. Both were emcs. Some green veggie can be better than steak. Also sure you are tired of hearing this but drinking oj can help with absorbtion.

[CatIsSleepy]

think you need to have something rich in vit C with the spinach to aid absorption
and avoid tea

[suwoo]

I am taking it with OJ, I am having about 2 cups of tea a day- is that too much I wonder?

No, won't eat meat- its been 21 years .

Will look online at highest iron containing veg. Don't really eat eggs either as don't like them.

[slushy06]

What about beans and pulses some of them are high in iron.

[puffylovett]

it's the oxalates in spinach I think, I was taught to squeeze some fresh lemon juice over it - it helps start the breakdown and release the iron easier.. my texts tell me almonds, apricots, avocado, parsley, pine nuts, soybeans, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, red wine and yeast are all good sources.

You could also ask your GP to get your ferritin storage levels checked, that gives an indication of how much is stored in your body, not just how much is floating around in your bloodstream and so how depleted your reserves are likely to be following a tough experience like birth.

HTH

[suwoo]

Yes that does help, thanks puffy. I've never heard of ferritin storage levels, so that is very interesting.

[imaginewittynamehere]

suwoo - I had the same issue - but ended up with a transfusion with dd1. With dd2 I took 2 sachets of spatone aday from 6 months - - ended up with higher levels than at booking in!!

(& btw on my spatone leaflet it reccomends up to 2 sachets for pregnant women)

[MustHaveaVeryShortMemory]

I think 2 cups of tea is fine as long as they are not with meals. I read to wait at least half an hour before/after eating to have a cup of tea.