Prescribed iron and folic acid in 3rd trimester

[Teapig]

Just wondering whether anyone else has been prescribed iron and folic acid post 28 weeks?

Had my 28 week blood test and have now been prescribed ferrous fumarate (iron?) and folic acid. I wasn't expecting it as I've been taking pregnacare plus all the way through pregnancy and pregnacare conception before that.

I thought my diet was pretty healthy but obv not getting enough of what's needed even with pregnancy multi vitamin.

Beating myself up a bit that I haven't been giving baby what she needs. Just wondered how common this is.

Thanks!

Thanks 10storey.

I was also prescribed iron and I was one of those first time mums who did EVERYTHING just as the books say you should so was a bit indignant that I needed iron! It's pretty common apparently- being pregnant takes it out of your body.

The iron thing is very common. I was prescribed it at 18 weeks and had my dose doubled at 28 weeks. The folic acid I'm not sure about.

Also, just as a tip, avoid dairy and any drink that has any caffeine in it one hour before taking and two hours after taking the iron tablets. It messes up absorption of the iron. Drinking something with vitamin C will boost your chances of absorption!

Totally normal. And afaik, the baby is probably fine. The problem is, they take everything they need, and you are left short. .

Don't beat yourself up about low iron levels. Some people just have naturally low levels (like me) and it seems to make very little difference what I eat. I predictably have developed anaemia again in 3rd tri...so...it's a good job they do the testing that's all I can say!

Thanks ladies, that's very reassuring. I spoke to the MW today and she said the same thing. Baby isn't here yet and I'm already feeling motherly guilt about nothing!

Yes don't worry! I have rock bottom iron (am 33w) but am eating the same diet as normal, when I know from blood tests that my iron is fine. Weirdly my iron was good in my first pregnancy; it's just this one causing the issues!

The midwife just said this baby obviously just fancies a lot of iron for himself! Yet another joy of pregnancy.