Anaemic at 28wk blood test

[littlepickly]

Just after some advice as I have just found out that I'm anaemic after blood tests at 28wks.

This is my second pregnancy and I think I was probably borderline anaemic last time and certainly possibly afterwards as recovery was slow.

I'm not sure how mild/bad the anaemia is as all I have to go on is the docs ringing me to tell me to collect a prescription for iron tablets!! So I'm going to phone the midwife now.

But just wondered if anyone who has experienced this could tell me how they felt and if the iron tablets help - or are the side effects horrid and should I get that liquid stuff instead!!

I have been feeling tired but I just put that down to work/running round after 3yr old/general pregnancy.

Thanks!

I felt beyond tired. Just pathetic and completely lacking in energy. I take spatone though, google it. It's safe in pregnancy, absorbed really easily and no nasty side effects. My midwives have recommended it so maybe suggest it to yours. My iron levels have been steadily increasing with it. Boots usually have it on 3 for 2.

Iv been on the iron tablets since 32 weeks and havnt had any side effects at all, can't say iv felt any better for being on them either tho and when I had repeat blood tests at 38 weeks I was still anemic (but not quite as badly)

Spatone is amazing, I've been on it since 18 weeks.

I have two sachets every other day with some juiced vegetables like spinach and kale mixed with fruit like lemon and apples.

On the days I'm not juicing I have one sachet with a glass of orange juice or a Capri sun.

No constipation, no stomach upsets, no taste.

Well worth it.

I take 2 iron tablets a day and have done since 28 weeks, currently 40 weeks. They took a few weeks to kick in but definitely had more energy since taking them. The only side effect I have had, sorry if this is TMI, is black stools which happened from day 1. Take them with orange juice as the vitamin C helps absorb the iron. Some doctors will prescribe spatone if you don't react well to the tablets. I'd try the free tablets on prescription first before you spend money on spatone.

I was told that if you are actually anaemic, Spatone won't help much - it's intended to keep your iron up. If you need iron tablets, you need them.

I've had ferrous fumarate and ferrous sulphate (i think), the ferrous sulphate ones were a lot easier to take! I found out I was anaemic at the 28wk bloods, started taking the iron tablets but my levels were dropping faster than the tablets could keep up and I nearly needed infusions (mine was quite bad though and I was very close to needing a blood transfusion after birth as my iron levels were so low before the birth, so that's not to say it'll happen to you, most people get on fine with iron tablets).

Side effects were constipation; get some lactulose if you can, it's great stuff, and be prepared for black poo! Orange juice will help you to absorb the iron better.

Thanks guys

Have stocked up on iron rich foods and vit c rich juice and am cracking on with the tablets, have already had a black poo - ha ha!

I feel better today than I did yesterday already so fingers crossed it'll all be ok - my levels were only just under so hopefully I'll get back up easily enough.