how do you know if you are anaemic?

[fairyglo]

Other than by a blood test, is there any other way to check whether you are anaemic? Was just wondering why I feel so tired.

I work as a Blood Transfusion Practitioner and can't stress highly enough how important it is to take every opportunity to maximise your Hb levels before you deliver. Never feel that you can't bother your GP to get tested.
Floradix and Spatone work for lots of people and are well tolerated but there is also an IV option if your iron stores have dropped really low (often the case with vegeterians or mums who have had babies close together) It has an antenatal license in the UK and is called Venofer, you can ask your GP but probably Obs Consultant about it.
If you regularly take iron supplementation you should expect to see a rise of 1g/week. therefore, 4 weeks of iron could change your Hb level from 8g to 11-12g.

i was sent to hospital at 33 weeks for something or other. i had a scan and my iron levels were still WAY low. even the midwife commented on it. but no one offered me anything.

it doesn't surprise me. probably expensive or something.

i just thought, whatever!

Thanks. Really helpful to hear everyone's experiences and professional advice. I must admit my stomach was so bad last night that I began to wonder if it really was due to the iron tablets or whether there was some more sinister cause. As is the way during pregnancy, I then started having panics about toxiplasmosis and any other nasty that I could think of. However, sounds like other people have had the stomach upset too.

Any idea how long it lasts after you stop taking the tablets? I'm so sick (literally!) of nausea and stomach upsets during this pregnancy (had the bug going round before Xmas plus nausea well into second trimester). Trying to have bed rest for unexplained bleeding a couple of weeks ago too. This is so not what I need :).

Any tips on how to increase iron levels other than with pills. My piles don't take kindly to the constipation the iron pills cause.

Definately try the Floradix or Spatone. If you do persevere with the iron tabs make sure you take them with something containing Vit C as it inceases the absorption so you get quicker results.
Some people are v intolerant to iron tabs, don't suffer, try the alternatives and then get pushy with your midwife/GP/Cons to get an alternative, they are out there and cheaper than giving you a blood transfusion!!!