31 weeks pg and really struggling ...

[cheekster]

Bit of background first

I am 31 wks pg and have been feeling pretty dreadful lately, constatly tired and breathless and having between 2-3 headaches a day. I feel as if I am living on paracetamol lately. By latest blood results have come back with iron levels at 9.8 and a letter stating that I need to go to see my doctor for iron tablets.

So today, I tell the doctor about how I feel, that I am struggling especially looking after a 2 year old and working 40 hrs a week in 3 days. Just everyday simple tasks like walking up the stairs - I am finding so difficult and DS is sleeping terribly lately too. I just dont know how much longer I can go on like this, I feel like crying all the time because I am so so exhausted.

I asked how long it would be before the iron tablets started to work as I am really struggling at the moment, and he said 2ish weeks. So I asked if he would give me a sick note and he said it was unnecessary

I know I could self certify, but it is frowned upon at our work place. I am back at the doctors tomorrow for further blood tests, I am thinking of asking to see another doctor, what do you think?

Yes, go and see another doctor, the one you have just seen is an unimaginative, unsympathetic poorly-informed ignoramus and should be ignored in favour of someone who is more clued up and has a better grasp of pregnancy.

I'm with Miffster, your doctor sounds uselsss. Ask to see a different one.

My midwife told me to get some liquid iron supplements, theyre called spatone, you can get them in bigger chemists, boots, loyds etc, my little local chemist ordered them for me and i got them the next day. They dont constipate you like regular iron tablets.

They dont taste of anything, so arent nasty to take, just empty the sachet into a glass of orange juice and you`ll absorb it much quicker.

Hope you feel better soon OP, i know what you mean, im 27 weeks, constantly shattered, getting headaches and breathless too, and spent a couple of hours in the hospital today being monitored cos my little man had been quiet for a couple of days.

Can you afford to take your maternity leave now?

Thank you all, unfortunatley no, I cant afford to leave work now.

I think I will ask to see another doctor tomorrow and ask about the liquid iron tablets.

There is something called Floradix that you can get from health food shops that is a liquid which is rich in iron. Perhaps look into that?

If your doctor says it is unnecessary then dispute it with him. Or see someone else. But don't be intimidated. Not sure if I like male doctors discussing pregnancy with me - I feel like saying - what the hell do you know??

Actually I have an ante natal check up with my (male) doctor today, so we shall see.....

Hi, i am 31 weeks too and really suffering as well, breathless a lot and i keep getting struck with really bad bouts of round ligament pain that has me in absolute agony.
I have 5 children (this will be my 6th and last) but i'm lucky in that i don't work, i don't think i'd cope in this state, i really feel for you.
I hope you see another doctor, i can't believe that first doctor, that was just shocking !
Take care, good luck x

Hi, I'm in similar situation as 34 weeeks pregnant with DC3, slightly anaemic and have GD.

I also work 40hrs over 3 days and am finding it exhausting but cannot afford to start my maternity leave yet and cannot spread my hours out over 5 days due to childcare.

Like others I would suggest that you speak to another more sympathetic GP and ask for a sick note for at least a couple of weeks.

I recently (when I was 30 weeks) had 2 weeks off and feel so much better for it.

Good luck, Take care x

Remember that if you have pregnancy related sick leave after a certain stage (not sure when it is - do look it up) then you are automatically deemed to have started your maternity leave - so better to be off sick for another reason...

That's only after 36 weeks (4 weeks before EDD). And if you get signed off for a non-pregnancy reason, it can be counted against you at work, so try to avoid it!

Ohh poor you, I know how you feel because I just had this exact same thing. I felt so weak and breathless. Doc says my level was 8. I thik it effects different people different ways. I was really breatless with it. I have taken the tablets the doctor gave me with no ill effects (except black pooh TMI), and I make sure I take them with organe juice to help absorbtion. Also dont drink tea till at least 1 hr afte meals and iron tablets as it stops you absorbing. I have added baby leaf spinach, fortified cereals, brown bread and eggs too my meals to boost iron and i began to see a real improvement within 10 days. Hope this helps you. I am like a different person, before just walking up stairs left me breathless.