Should i take the iron supplements

[cqdutton]

Had a blood test last week, picked up results at doctors today. She said levels were low and was i having regular periods!!!! I had to point out to her i am 7 months pregnant before she realised the blood test was for iron levels. Anyway she has prescribed ferrous fumarate which are in a bottle with no instructions and no details of side effects. I googled it and apparantly they are not rated and do not know if affects unborn baby etc..... Should i take them or wait and discuss with midwife? Has anyone else taken these?

A private doctor of my friend did not recommend any supplements during her pregnancy. He told her to eat iron reach food only.
When I was pregnant I did take Pregnacare but not every day, every 2nd or 3rd day. I was taking them because my iron was a bit low and my head was spinning. It did help.
I think if your doctor asks you silly questions (regular periods) then I would ignore his prescription and change him.

I don't think that was a silly question to ask you! Your dr probably had clocked that it was an iron blood test but not that you were pregnant - sometimes people who have heavy regular periods get iron deficient, which is probably what she was thinking when she asked you the question. Iron deficiency is also common in pregnancy, and ferrous fumarate is completely safe to take. If it is 210mg, the dose is usually one tab twice daily. You want to get your blood count as good as it can be before you give birth, and iron rich foods are also important.

Don't forget the orange juice chaser to help you absorb the iron from your steak (or any supplements you decide to take).
You will lose a lot of blood when you give birth and you do need the iron.

Ilovemangoes, I think I would not have wanted to see a doctor who had forgotten about my pregnancy. As far as I know most of the doctors sit in front of the computer with all the information about the patient. So, this doctor should have been aware of the OP's pregnancy and there was need to ask about the regular periods. Heavy periods do cause lack of iron indeed. My copper coil gives me sometimes diziness.

besides the fact someone who is 7 months pregnant goes hardly un-noticable!!

thanks - i will take the pregnacare supplements for now and ask Midwife when next see her about the iron supplements.