Taking iron tablets in first trimester ?

[bohemianbint]

I had a blood test about 6 months ago and told I had slightly low iron levels and given iron tablets.

I only remembered to take them sporadically and gave them up completely when ttc.

However, now am 7 wks pregnant and so tired I feel like I could die! I'm also getting the odd dizzy spell and had some chest pain (I just thought I must have slept funny) and I've just read that it can be a sign of severe anaemia.

I'm just wondering whether iron tabs do any harm and whether I can just start taking them again? I'll probably go and see GP anyway, but it will take a day or so to get appointment, maybe another week to get referred for blood test and god knows how long for results. My first antenatal appointment where they will check iron levels isn't for another 3 weeks.

Anyone been in same boat? Any advice?

I'm not pregnant, but a few months back I discovered I was anaemic and I've started taking spatone - sachets of iron rich water which you mix in juice. It's fab - no constipation. Had low iron levels when pregnant and I took floradix. They're both fine to take when pregnant - I think - and gentler on the body than some iron tablets.

Also, when pg I suffered from low blood pressure especially in early months, so it could be that too .... don't remember any chest pain, although I was breathless with the anaemia.

If I were you I'd start taking the iron whilst waiting for gp, blood test etc..

spatone is good.. and much more gentle than iron tablets.... take it with orange juice and avoid tea and coffee. eat iron rich food such as dark green leafy veg, apricots, dark choc, red meat

pregnacare has iron, folic acid and more in it. maybe thats a good idea? And yes to lulu's diet things too.

take the tabs
I had to take them throughout both my pgs
won't do you or baby any harm

Thanks everyone - will do. Have been caning spinach, apricots, eggs and OJ today too in hope of sorting myself out; it's really debilitating!