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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Iron levels/haemoglobin?

35 replies

cathpip · 09/01/2014 12:54

I am confused, very confused and wondered if anyone could explain this clearly for me. I had a full blood count done last week, I am 27 weeks pregnant. The results show that my haemoglobin is at 12 which is within the normal range but my iron levels are at 4.5. The dr did not seem unduly worried and has prescribed iron tablets. I thought they liked iron levels to be above 11 in pregnancy? I am tired at the moment, but then I have 2 other dc and 2 cocker spaniels that all need exercise and attention.....dr google is not being very helpful!!

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ChicaMomma · 09/01/2014 13:05

Did it only dawn on you after you left or why didnt you ask him there and then?

4.5 is extremely low for sure- i'd suggest taking the tablets and going back in to have them retested. And juice some spinach- when juiced with apples or something similar you cant eeven taste it- put a whole bag in- and drink pruce juice, not only does this counteract constipation as a result from iron tablets but it too has high levels of iron!

i'm knackered at the moment too so started on FerrogradC iron yesterday.. hopefully that helps. will get iron tested next week at the 18 week appt.

Original poster

cathpip · 09/01/2014 13:11

Only dawned on me when I left, was too busy thinking about what I could have for lunch.

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Pinkbell123 · 09/01/2014 13:14

I might have the wrong end of the stick but I thought it was haemoglobin levels which should be above 11. Not sure about iron levels. I have anaemia at the mo (picked up at 28 week bloods) and they always refer to my Hb levels not iron.

Good luck on the tablets - I hate them!!

HopeS01 · 09/01/2014 14:21

I've always gone by HB levels too. I think there must be some confusion here because I was told that if mine dropped below 7 I would need a blood transfusion ... so 4.5?!?! Maybe call the surgery and ask them to explain.

As long as the HB levels are above 10 when you go into labour I think that's ok.

Good luck

MrsPatMustard · 09/01/2014 14:33

Your 'iron level' of 4.5 might refer to something called ferritin (which is a measure of how much stored iron you have in your body - as opposed to the iron ready for your body to use.)

I think it would be worth going back to the doctor and getting it explained to you in more detail. If the 4.5 he/she refers to IS a measure of your ferritin level, then this is pretty low and could start to make you feel rough. I had low ferritin levels a few years back and was suffering for chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness and hair loss. Probably worth nipping it in the bud before it get worse....

badfurday · 09/01/2014 16:32

I had my HB and ferritin levels checked. I work in haematology and my consultant did them for me as I am getting really breathless( 28 weeks)
My ferritin is 8 and HB is 12. My consultant said it was fine, if my HB gets any lower then they might advise an iron infusion, but told me to get more iron in my diet, as the iron suppliments are not the nicest of things.
Im seeing my midwife on Tuesday so will see what she says.

Wuxiapian · 09/01/2014 20:23

My HB at 28 weeks was 11.7. I was told they wouldn't want it any lower.

Artisticme · 11/01/2014 00:28

My HB is 9 and my ferritin is 6 and I had an iron infusion on Tuesday to being my levels up and also on iron tablets. I think it sounds like your ferritin levels are 4.5 which is quite low but your HB is great so maybe with taking your tablets it will be enough to being your ferritin levels back up to a normal level (7 at the lowest I think). Hope you feel a bit better soon:)

Fedup1992 · 12/01/2014 07:46

I'm. 36 weeks and just been told I'm anemic had the tablets earlier in pregnancy hated them non stop threw up. Had 1 yesterday and been in bed throwing up all day!!!

I'd rather feel tired than take those horrible things!!! Xxx

Fedup1992 · 12/01/2014 07:46

I asked for injection they said they don't do it anymore!!!)xxx

Artisticme · 12/01/2014 19:03

fedup how low are you levels? Because if they're low enough you could ask for the iron IV? That would give you a boost a little bit atleast.

Fedup1992 · 12/01/2014 22:40

They are nine. I think. I can't not stop throwing up when it had a tablet. Asked for the inejction mw said no they have stopped doing them but thankyou I will ring my doctor Tmra and see if he can give me one xxxx

Artisticme · 14/01/2014 08:16

Yeah mine are 9 and ferritin levels are 6 and I got an infusion because otherwise they are too low to be able to deliver at a mlu. I would question it Hun because they have to be able to offer you something if your not able to take the tablets. Lots of people really struggle with them. X

Loopylouu · 14/01/2014 09:19

Can I just ask, are you all getting these blood tests as standard, it do you ask for them?

Had my booking bloods,but that's it. Nothig was mentioned about anymore tests at my 28 week appointment last week.

Wuxiapian · 14/01/2014 12:28

How far gone are you, Loo?

The 28 weeks bloods are standard, AFAIK. It's to check iron and antibodies.

There should be a section in your green notes.

Wuxiapian · 14/01/2014 12:29

Oh, sorry. Just saw you're 29 weeks.

Why not contact MW and ask?

Loopylouu · 14/01/2014 12:35

Oh god, I have a while other thread about contacting midwives! It's impossible! I have a number for the labour ward and an information number, I don't have a named midwife I just go to the hospital and see who ever is there on the day.

There is no mention of bloods in my notes at all, just the ones at booking.

Artisticme · 15/01/2014 13:04

You should get your bloods rechecked as standard at 28 weeks loopy I would phone to the hospital and just double check. It was my 28 week bloods they picked up on my low iron levels so it is quite important.

Writerwannabe83 · 15/01/2014 15:53

I just got the results of my 28 week bloods and have been told I'm anaemic. She said my levels were 8.5 which actually classes me as severe. She said my levels have dropped by 2g since my 12 week bloods and although that means nothing to me she made out it was quite a big deal. I've got to go back tonight for a prescription for iron tablets, two a day. My levels will be re-checked in three weeks.

juju283 · 15/01/2014 16:08

Not too sure on levels but does seem low. To get it up make sure you take your iron tablets with orange juice. Should be taken with vitamin c so that the iron is better absorbed. Also chocolate and dried apricots are both foods that contain iron so add these to your diet! Good excuse to eat chocolate!

Wuxiapian · 15/01/2014 17:08

I think you should ring hospital about your 28 week bloods if no joy from MWs, Loo.

Have you had any symptoms to suggest anaemia, Writer?

juju, chocolate is a good source of iron - why didn't I know this before?!

juju283 · 15/01/2014 17:33

So I've been told by a dietician.I doubt it is the best you know if you consider rare beef, liver etc but we can't eat those anyway and it prob is better if its dark but I'm not anaemic yet at 34 weeks and I eat a lot of chocolate!

Elastigrrrl · 15/01/2014 18:34

Can I just put in a vote for sorting out low iron ASAP? One of my besties had low iron (as I do), started taking larger doses pretty late in pregnancy, just gave birth and has had a horrible time of it since then...deep fatigue and faintness to the point of collapsing the other day with a 'vasovagal episode'. Believe you me I am upping the red meat and spinach this week. Good luck.

Writerwannabe83 · 15/01/2014 20:54

wuxiapian - over the last week I have been extremely breathless which apparently is one of the most common signs. However, I also have a pre-existing heart condition which causes breathlessness so I had assumed it to be that. My midwife explained that our bodies are very good at compensating for anaemia and by the time symptoms start to appear things have got really bad - these symptoms include breathlessness, dizziness, extreme fatigue and spots in vision. She said that if things get to this level then blood transfusions can be needed. The fact that the body is so good at compensating (hiding) anaemia is why it's so important to get levels checked so it is detected before it drops to risky levels - so definitely chase it up loopy.

Artisticme · 15/01/2014 22:47

Yeah 8.5 is quite low, definately take the iron tablets with orange juice. It will take a couple of weeks I would say for you to feel much better but it definately makes a difference.

Those are the exact symptoms Iv been getting writer and it really does make you feel awful doesn't it? I'm back up at the hospital tomoro for a b12 injection to see if it boost my levels atall and helps me absorb my tablets. Fx it does something!!

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