Vitamin B12 injections

[Cluds]

Hi, I am 33 weeks pregnant, with nos 3. I had pregnancy anemia with both my other pregnancies but was put on iron tablets straight away and that was fine. I have been telling my midwife for weeks that i was feeling very tired and run down and wanted them to bring forward my next blood tests as I knew that they would be due when I was on holiday. The midwife just kept telling me to get some Spatone at my healthfood shop (which I did) and up my intake of iron by eating dried apricots, eggs and dark chocolate (which i did). They did eventually agree to do the blood tests the week before I went on hols. Then I got a panicky call whilst I was away saying that my HB was at 10 and that I would need to go in and see them when I got back for more tests. I did this last week and my HB came back at 9.3 and was told keep taking the Spatone until the rest of the tests came back. I phoned every day but no luck. Eventually on Saturday last week I saw a GP who prescribed iron tablets 3 x a day. Today I have had a phone call from the midwife to say that the results say I need B12 injections and must have a liver function test. I asked her when they got the results and they came in on Monday!! Anyway, sorry for rambling, but does anyone know why I would need these injections? What causes low B12 and low iron? Should I worry? Thank you!

low B12 is usually due to you not absorbing enough but they will have to do further tests to confirm this

best fix for now is the B12 injections

you should ask for a haematologist referral

Thank you! Had first injection today and already feeling soooo much better. had liver function test on Friday so should get results this week. feel much better now though!

Yup B12 defficiency is normally caused by B12 not being absorbed in the gut, could be one of two things - not having enough B12 in diet - are you vegan? or pernicious anemia which means you could eat as much B12 rich foods as you like - your gut will not absorb it.

the injections are perfectly safe in pregnancy - ive been having them years and continued in pregnancy

hope all is well

No, not a vegan, but i don't eat red meat. I do eat fish though. Thanks for replying - was just a bit peeved at the midwives lack of interest and the fact that they had the results but didn't phone me for a week! Anyhoo, feel much better now.