How long to boost blood iron levels?

[FindingStuffToChuckOut]

I'm 28 weeks & low in haem.

For 2 weeks I've been taking iron supplements (Spatone - great!) and eating lots more iron rich food as well as reducing tea/coffee & then cutting them out completely. I'm drinking loads of iron rich nettle tea.

Had blood tested again yesterday and it looks like my iron levels have dropped slightly despite all the changes I've made last couple of weeks.

Any idea how long it will take to raise my haem count?

I'm on 2 x 210mg a day and it certainly feels like it's helping. I imagine they'll check again at my 34 wk check next week. I normally suffer with constipation but the tablets seem to help . As others have said, you can take rune juice, lactulose etc so don't let that put you off taking what you need. My doc said that if your level is below 11 they will prescribe as boosting it now it can prevent more serious deficiency post-birth.

Initially I wasn't all that worried about my low Hb as it wouldn't affect the baby... maybe my doc was using shock tactics when my levels dropped further (despite taking the iron) but warned if in the event of large blood loss during birth I could need a blood transfusion... needless to say I am taking it very seriously now! Constipated or not!!

Roopachoo - that is what I think. I am worried about ater the borth and losing blood.

Also re: constipation - completely opposite for me too although the sickness gets me.

Yes mixedmama, transfusion's a scary prospect...

Just wanted to update and say I did have to go for an infusion in the end. Awful horrendous thing although feel great now.

Wanted to just say that MW do sometimes know what they are talking about when they talk about spatone as a supplement rather than as treatment for low iron.

I am waiting to get my results from blood test last week. I have been taking spatone (when I remember), be interesting to see if they have stayed up with this pg. I had very low iron before having DS, and then even lower afterwards despite it being a cs. Had two transfusions, which made a big difference. Must admit though, I feel guilty using the blood some kind person had donated, when really there wouldn't have been a problem if my stupid midwife had bothered to tell me my levels were low. Would have been much happier to take a few tablets instead when still pg.

FWIW the iron tablets I was given after DS had the opposite effect to constipation with me too!