Iron levels/haemoglobin?

[cathpip]

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!!

Unfortunately I have bad reactions to orange juice, it always makes me vomit. My midwife has said I can just take it with orange squash instead. I'm assuming it's ok to still take my pregnancy vitamins too?? I can't overload on iron?

Also get yourself some syrup lactulose writer....those iron tablets are evil

Mine went down to 4.5 and I spent ages on them!!!!

I've been anaemic on and off since the birth (in which I haemorrhaged) of DS1, 15. So, I'm pretty vigilant in my iron tablet consumption.

I take 2 ferrous sulphate tablets as well as a multivitamin tablet and my MW is happy about that. If you're low on iron, writer, you can't overload.

I've been anaemic on and off since the birth (in which I haemorrhaged) of DS1, 15. So, I'm pretty vigilant in my iron tablet consumption.

I take 2 ferrous sulphate tablets as well as a multivitamin tablet and my MW is happy about that. If you're low on iron, writer, you can't overload.

Writer - it doesn't have to be orange juice, any fruit juice apart from grape has enough vitamin C to help you absorb the iron.

My hb was 9 at my 28 week blood tests. I was told it'd need to be above 10.5 to be safe for the home birth I'd like to have.

I don't tolerate the iron tablets (very common issue for IBS suffers apparently) so I've been eating lots of red meat and green veg. I've also been having spatone. It says 2 sachets a day for pregnant women on the packet but on their website it says a child would have to have 50 sachets to overdose so I've been having 3-4 a day.

My hb was 11.2 at my 34 week appointment so it's clearly working!

Iron deposits is what your body uses to produce HB. HB levels should allegedly be 12-15. If your iron levels are low but your HB is mostly in range, I am guessing, there is a chance that you develop anemia later in pregnancy due to not enough iron to produce HB... Obviously best to check with GP!

Iron tablets are famously difficult to take (side effects), but also, the body absorbs tiny percentage of the iron in them. I am taking Spatone, liquid iron supplement, which is only 5 ml (34% of recommended daily dosage) per sachet, but has no side effects and allegedly absorbed much better. Iron tablets/supplements are best absorbed if taken on an empty stomach with some fruit juice (vitamin C helps the absorption, tea & coffee hinder it).

As for iron in food - iron is meat is different from iron in veg, and the iron in meat is much easier to absorb. Steak and leafy greens - my DH's favourite prescription.

Famously difficult to take in terms of side effects???
That doesn't sound good.....

iron tablets could cause constipation, or upset stomach.. but don't worry about that, just take your prescription, it's most important to counteract anemia than worry about side effects... and get some spatone+juice, and red meat to top it up...

The only side effect I get, writer, is dark stools.

Well I just picked them up from the Chemist - will probably take my first one tomorrow night. I have got two hospital appointments tomorrow and don't fancy risking bring ill with a dodgy stomach or vomiting.