Anyone had IV iron infusion???

[merlin8878]

Currently 34+2. I've been anaemic since 18 weeks.

My latest blood results came back yesterday (hb 9.9, ferritin 5). Hospital not happy.

I've been taking ferrous fumerate liquid since 18 weeks, but stopped last week as its making me feel so ill.

When I saw my consultant this morning and told her this, she booked me in to the day assessment unit on friday afternoon to have an IV iron infusion.

Anyone had any experience of this? Not sure what to expect.

TIA

EggsandBacon From what I've been told in this pg (3rd) the risk is to you rather than the baby. The baby will still take everything it needs from you even if your stores are low.

Some of the effects I've experienced are breathlessness - so bad I can't get up the stairs in one go and I can suddenly get breathless just sitting on the sofa, extreme tiredness, dizziness, headaches and flashing spots.

The real risk is when you give birth. If you are anaemic there is a chance you could bleed more heavily or even haemorrhage and end up needing blood transfusions.

No one explained this to me last time as I was so ill on the iron tablets I stopped taking them and was told they couldn't offer an alternative. I was fine during the birth and for the first week. But then I had 3 big bleeds in one afternoon. They couldn't say for sure whether it was because I was still anaemic or whether it was just one of those things. But I'd rather not take the chance this time.

If your doctor thinks you're anaemic they should send you for a blood test to check so they can start you on medication now as it can take a few weeks to get into your system. If they won't do it speak to your MW as she'll be able to request the blood test too.

Hi EggsandBacon am not a medical expert on this, just speaking from experience! I had anemia with both my DS1 and DS2. It was mentioned at about 24 weeks (am 35 weeks now) and i was put on iron tablets and all was fine and was dealt with quite quickly. This time round I haven't had such good care, and I knew I was anaemic and the MW's left it and left it until my hb got to about 9 and I was taking double the dose of liquid Spatone. My vitamin B12 levels also got very low (now having vit B12 injections and triple dose iron tablets). I don't think anemia causes too much risk for the baby as the reason you are anaemic is because the baby is taking all your iron. Plus it isn't good for the mum to be anaemic in labour in case you lose more blood during labour, plus you need lots of energy then for obvious reasons. As i said, i am no medical expert on this just sharing what little knowledge i have! Do get your blood tested soon though, and perhaps start taking Spatone for now (pretty much available at all health food shops). Good luck!

I had an iron infusion on Tuesday and haven't been feeling too well since. I'm experiencing aching muscles headaches nausea and feeling as tired as ever. Wasn't told about any of these side effects.

I had a full iron transfusion last year when pregnant, my levels were 6, I had tachycardia (pulse never went below 140) tongue like raw bacon.
And felt terrible.
The iron transfusion was pretty slandered although it took a few attempts to get cannula in.
Was a bit scared as had a ressuatation box next to my bed (just in the rare case of an allergic reaction).

I felt awful after my iron infusion, but my consultant said there was "no link" between the two. I was fine the day of it, but for 3 days after I had horrible, horrible flu like symptoms. Some googling suggests this is quite common. On a random note, 4 weeks later my arm is still stained from where some of the iron went on my skin! (and I'm still a little bruised from the cannula)

The risk is to you rather than the baby as far as I can gather.
I've had loads of iron infusions and also have Vit B12 deficiency which was picked up in my second pregnancy. I have the injections every 12 weeks but my body must be pretty good at destroying it as seem to always feel tired and am always anaemic when levels are checked.
I've also had a blood transfusion on the past and neither that or the Venofer infusions are much bother - just the cannula - but I have awful veins!

Hi, I was anaemic in my first pg and despite taking iron tabs all the way through, ended up having to have 5 iron transfusions over 2 weeks. Later (post birth) had Spatone (liquid) to bring my levels back up again and found that I absorb that much better, so taking that this pg (just been diagnosed anaemic again this time), hoping to avoid the transfusions.

Re the transfusions - definitely take a book, snacks and drink. I took my own cushions too because they never had enough pillows for every bed on the ward, weirdly.

Also, they say an hour but I was always there for 2and a half to 3 hours by the time they made you wait, read your notes, waited for the right person to come to set up the IV and because it kept stopping and had to be reset - so be prepared to be there longer, just in case.