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Pregnancy

Blood tests

9 replies

Clarella · 30/05/2015 07:31

Hi, does anyone know if the anaemia tests done in pregnancy are just hb or if they include ferritin levels too?

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eurochick · 30/05/2015 07:32

I asked for ferritin to be included as I have long had low levels and I think it was a separate request.

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Clarella · 30/05/2015 07:48

Thanks so not done as a matter of course?

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fattymcfatfat · 30/05/2015 07:54

mine have always included ferretin too. (my last pg my ferretin was low) without asking. maybe it depends where you are?

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DulcetMoans · 30/05/2015 07:56

My latest one included both

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Clarella · 30/05/2015 08:11

I wonder if it's changed? It would have been May 2012 for me.

I'm trying to establish if my ferritin has been an issue long term. It was apparently first tested 6 mo post partum, was borderline but not addressed as it was thought thyroid was the main issue. However, it remained at that level for 2 years and eventually caused a lot of issues for me. Knowing this also helps me decide if to go back on an anti d I was put on, if needed in the future, for what I now know was the symptoms of low thyroid and low iron. I'm also questioning if it could have contributed to IUGR.

Perhaps gp wouldn't have the preg results? Odd though if not.

I'm going to have to consider a second pregnancy very carefully if I have a second.

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fattymcfatfat · 30/05/2015 08:19

my first was 08. the doc should have your results on record I would think. my blood needs testing again this time but I've not had chance to get back to docs so will just speak to mw on tues (I'm lucky though and my iron levels fix themselves after birth)

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DulcetMoans · 30/05/2015 08:21

Actually, that's a point, my last bloods were the ones pre-anti d jab to make sure blood group was the same so may have been more thorough. Maybe they don't in a normal
Blood test? I only know both were on there as it came back low and needed action.

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LorryHen · 30/05/2015 09:36

My first one didn't include ferritin, I had it done at booking in April, and two weeks later they called me in for a second blood test to do the ferritin

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Clarella · 30/05/2015 12:01

Yes, I don't think they do as a matter of course reading between your posts. Probably hb then if nec check ferritin.

I was borderline but it doesn't seem to have been enough to cope with some thyroxine dose wobbling ie not enough to recover well. My strength and muscles have suffered.

But I've now learnt ferritin should be well into normal range if you're hypo to feel 100% if thyroid numbers are good.