I am going in for a iron transfusion tomorrow. Any advice, anyone had one before, help!

[XboxWidow30]

I am coming up for 31 weeks and my iron levels just keep dropping. I was put on iron liquid 2 weeks ago but it hasn't helped and they have since dropped further. I have been told to go to Day Assessment Unit at hospital tomorrow where they will do an iron transfusion. How long will it take etc..... Not sure what to expect.

Hi,
Take a book! :) From what I remember I was there for about 3 hours, & the infusion took about 45 mins. I felt a little ill afterwards & really tired but apart from that it wasn't bad. It helped for a few weeks at least until it dropped back down but not as low as previously.

Mine took 7hrs! But I was forewarned & didn't mind the rest. I took some photos to sort out. It can make you feel nauseous and/or itchy but I didn't have any side-effects. An allergic reaction is very rare - they start it very slowly at first to check for any reaction then increase the rate if you are ok.

I only had mine a week before delivery so I can't really tell when it took effect but I think it's supposed to take at least about a week or two as it tops up the body's iron stores rather than circulating iron. Don't stop taking iron supplementation or eating iron-rich foods though, & ask for follow up blood tests to check it has worked, and another set later on to check the levels are still keeping up.