Talk

Flip

Get updates on how your baby develops, your body changes, and what you can expect during each week of your pregnancy by signing up to the Mumsnet Pregnancy Newsletters.

Pregnancy

Ferrous Sulphate

6 replies

nunnie · 03/06/2011 19:26

I was prescribed this when I was discharged from hospital due to my iron leval being low.
I was prescribed 3 a day 200mg tablets.
Took them for a week and then stopped as antibiotics stopped and didn't want to carry on taking tablets if I could avoid it.

Been to my sons 7-9 month check (I fell pregnant again very quick )
and the Doctor said she had received a letter about my discharge and the my iron levels were low and advised me to take the ferrous sulphate tablets for a bit longer.

I started again yesterday only taking 1 a day though, but I have got cramps not really bad but uncomfortable, is this normal, had so much going on the week after my discharged cramps would have been the least of my worries so not sure if I had them or not really.

OP posts:

Report

eurochick · 03/06/2011 20:25

I'm not pg but due to heavy periods have been on 1 x 200 mg for three and a half years. Try starting with one a day and working up as your system gets used to it. I don't get cramps with them but they do clog me up. Make sure you drink lots and have lots of fibre-rich food to combat the effects.

I take them about 5/6 days a week and give my body a rest one or two days per week. It seems to work for me.

Report

nunnie · 03/06/2011 20:32

Thank you eurochick, am taking one a day will give it a couple more days I think and then increase it to two.

I am not certain the cramps are related to these tablets to be honest, or if it is the acute pyelonephritis I was treated for as I still have some of the symptoms of that and am awaiting the results of a urine test to make sure the antibiotics worked.

OP posts:

Report

IDontDoIroning · 03/06/2011 20:38

I found this gave me really bad stomach ache and the runs it's very hard on the stomach but tends to be given as a first choice as it's cheap and easily absorbed. In subsequent pg I was prescribed ferrous folate as it's much more gentle on the stomach. Ask your gp or mw if there's an alternative.

Report

nunnie · 03/06/2011 20:41

Haven't had the runs with it. If the cramps are still there when I ring for my results I will talk to the GP about an alternative, thank you.

OP posts:

Report

LoopyLoopsBettyBoops · 03/06/2011 21:20

Try Flurodix instead (available fro health food shops or online). Much easier for your body to absorb the iron, won't harm your digestive system.