Question about muscle rub and iron tablets

[weebigmamma]

(But not both together)

Last night I used Radian B muscle rub on my calves for the restless legs and it was great- worked a treat. When I googled all I could get was the 'ask your doctor about using this if you're pregnant' but I went ahead anyway. Before I hassling my doctor about this- surely it's OK?! I mean I'm using it on my lower legs. Anyone else?

Iron: last appointment consultant said my iron levels were fine but only just and he recommended I go on iron tablets anyway in case it drops. I have 2 weeks to go until section day. I don't want to go on iron tablets because I feel like shit already and I'm barely coping as it is. Any advice on this? They seem to recommend a lot of things 'just in case' (like how I was nearly put on insulin despite my blood sugar being fine!) I wonder if I could just boost my iron levels another way and avoid taking more pills that will make me feel worse than I do now?

[kally195]

Honestly? I'd check with your doctor before using the muscle rub anymore. Its active ingredient appears to be aspirin, which is a blood thinner, and there are warnings about the rub having possible effects in blood clotting. If you are having a section soon then I think it is probably a good idea to be over cautious and check any medication with your doctor. Places like net doctor have a good breakdown of the rub if you want to weigh the risks yourself.

As to iron, I am on them (ferrous fumerate) and I don't feel worse - I feel much better. However, i started taking them at 28 weeks, so it's a bit different. Again, I would take a look at the risks linked to low iron in pregnancy/birth and decide from there. In the meantime, eat as much spinach, red meat and dried apricots as you can bear!

[weebigmamma]

Oh bugger. I've just had to stop taking Asprin because of the section so I guess I will have to stop the muscle rub. Thanks very much for spotting that!

The risks of low iron appear to be tiredness (I'm tired, but only because I can't feckin sleep because of my legs) and low birth weight in baby (I've been told mine is too big!). But yeah I should check anyway. Thank you!

[MrsMonkeyBear]

I still use deep heat on my achy legs. Only 11 weeks today but I have a very physical job. As for the iron, up your leafy greens, lots of cereals have added iron. I take vitabiotics feroglobin b12. It says to take 3x5ml during pregnancy but I take just 5ml a day as a wee boost. It really gentle on the stomach too.

Good luck with your section.

[BikeRunSki]

My concern over muscle rub is that the essential oils (not familiar with the ingredients of Radian B) is that many of those used in muscle rubs can bring on labour (wintergreen, rosemary).

[weebigmamma]

Thanks! I might try biofreeze. Someone on here recommended it and it doesn't seem to have Asprin or anything like that in it. Might ask in chemist later.

[BartBaby]

Ive got the same iron tablets as kally and agree that i feel slightly better. I was told by the midwife that being anaemic can result in increased blood loss during labour (i was already under consultant care due to blood loss after my first dc) but not sure if this would be really relevant to you.

[blamber]

get spatone for your iron. It's water that has a high iron content. It works just as well as supplements, but without the side effects.

[weebigmamma]

Thanks all. I got the iron tablets this afternoon so will give them a go but if it's unbearable I will try something else, maybe the spatone. Thank you!