Becklespookle, am ~I right in thinking we are due date buddies?
I have low iron too - I am taking spatone (2 sachets) rather than the prescribed iron because I hate the nasty tummy effects. Spatone is more expenseive but is absorbed much easier by the body.
I also have had to drastically cut down on tea as the tannin in it prevents iron absorption.
I drink fresh orange with all meals as vit c helps to absorb iron.
And just trying to eat all of the iron rich foods - fingers crossed!
Baby will be fine, the body will serve baby before you so he/she will get his/her iron and leave you depleted.
The reason they would probably want you in hospital is in case of a big bleed/PPH. You are NO MORE LIKELY to bleed heavily being aneamic it just means that if you did you would be poorly quicker as your levels are starting off lower.