Pernicious Anaemia and 39 weeks pregnant (not AIBU but posting for traffic)

[sirlee66]

So sorry this isnt AIBU and I'm posting for traffic but I'm pretty desperate as the baby could turn up any day now. I Originally posted in health but I've not had a response and so crossing fingers someone in AIBU has experienced or knows someone who can advise.

My due date is tomorrow and was only recently diagnosed with Pernicious Anaemia a few weeks ago.

I've been having B12 injections every other day for the last week and my last one is due Wednesday (day after due date)

I'm worried as no midwife, doctor or nurse I've spoken to seems to know or be able to answer:

1. I'm worried the baby will be deficienct in B12 as my body has attacked and not absorbed any I've eaten / taken supplements during my pregnancy.

1. I belive I can't have gas and air as it deplets any stores of B12 in the body. However, If I went into labour naturally, I'd like to try just Gas and air and in a birthing pool etc so would having an injection, or starting a top up Couse again make it okay?

1. Can I breastfeed? I really want to try to but if I have no B12 to pass on, surely formula is the safest option as I know lack of B12 in babies and young children can be quite dangerous.

Any help or advice - I'd really appreciate. Apologies again for posting in AIBU!

I don’t know the answer I’m afraid but it seems I’ve got the same (not prego tho) and have just had a blood transfusion

Hope all goes well and you get some answers.

Is there a charity/foundation/community for pernicious anaemia that you could contact?

My dh has a chronic condition and has joined an organisation for sufferers that organises meet up and is always available for any queries.

I can't answer all your questions as I've only recently found the gas and air one out myself too. I was told not to worry about the baby also having a deficiency, and my ds (now 5) has never shown any issue with this, it's possible that they've depleted what stores you had anyway!

No one gave me the answer to the bf question. I decided to FF to be on the safe side, but that was my choice given the lack of information.

I also have PA, was diagnosed a few years ago once I'd become very ill.

Breastfeeding should not be a problem as long as you are getting enough B12 yourself... as you have PA the only way to get this is via injections, oral supplements will not work so don't let doctors talk you into this, see if you can persuade them to continue you on alternate day injections for longer. B12 is non toxic and many people are prescribed injections at that level,but usually have had to fight for them. Many people import B12 to inject themselves, as the standard 3 monthly maintenance injection is rarely enough for most people.

Personally, I would avoid the nitrous oxide but if you really feel you need it, then again, you will need at least the B12 loading doses (2 weeks worth) after as the NO inactivates all the B12 you have.

There is a great book by Sally Pacholok called Could It Be B12, and a Paediatric version of it which IMO would be worth buying. There is also an amazing Facebook support group for PA/ B12 Deficiency with 18,000 members and lots of help/info.

Just one thing to be aware of... doctors seem to think that your blood test level after injections is an accurate way to see if more is needed, but this is wrong. Your level will be high but you can still be symptomatic and need more injections, because your body cannot use the full amount that is in your blood