Persistant anaemia - what happens next? Transfusion?

[saoirse86]

I'm now 36+2 and have been a bit anaemic all hrough my pregnancy. My results were 10.7 at 16wks, 10.5 at 23wks, 9.0 at 28wks and 8.4 at 35wks. I've been taking my iron tablets as prescribed through all this but my iron levels are still decreasing.
Does anyone know what will happen now? Will I be told I need a transfusion? I've got a MW appt on thursday but just wanted to be ready for whatever she's going to tell me.

Don't know about transfusion now but this situation may affect what kind of birth you are planning. If you bleed heavily your body is not going to cope as well as it would if you have a normal level so I suspect the medical team will want to try and minimise bleeding risks as much as they can. You may need a transfusion after the birth if you do bleed.

Hi, I'm 31+3, I've been having iron infusions for the last two weeks, since my hb dropped to 8.2. MW suggested I have it because of the risks of haemmorraging (sp all wrong, sorry) after labour, plus I just felt knackered all the time. I feel so much better since starting it. It's not that nice having the cannula fitted, but the results are very much worth that tiny bit of pain.

I actually don't feel too bad and don't feel particularly tired. I've been anaemic on/off for years possibly because I'm vegetarian and have coeliac disease. My usual levels were always around 6-7 so it seems quite high to me at the moment.
I am a bit worried it will have some effect on the baby and cause problems with bleeding. I suppose if I have to have any treatment, it's better than having problems during or after labour or the baby having problems.

It won't affect the baby - the baby is getting the best of everything and you're left with the dregs Ask your midwife about the implications for the birth and what active treatment is possible now.