Low iron levels - how do I know if I'm tired from that or just pregnancy?

[Thighbrow]

I had a midwife appt yesterday - I'm 31 weeks. She said my 28 week bloods showed I had low iron - my level was 119 and apparently the lowest level they are happy with is 114. She said to keep an eye on it and if tiredness levels get low to let her know.

But how do I know if I'm tired from low iron or just generally being pregnant?! I've been shattered all day, yawning and feeling sick(from indigestion). I'm still working and will be for the next 3 weeks. I don't want to psychosomatically think I'm tired because the midwife said to keep an eye on it.

Didn't have low iron levels last pregnancy so after aby tips to spot what I need to look for please :)

I have had low iron levels when not pregnant and I think I may have it again now (pregnant) although I am not due another blood test for a few weeks. I have never had low iron levels before in my pregnancies, but I am now 43 so things are a bit different I guess.

The way I can tell the difference is I feel really tired but it comes with a light headiness. It is hard to explain but I feel slightly dizzy or off balance and this happens even when I am laying down. It is very weird and not great! I am sure others will experience it in a different way though.

If you are border line I would try and make sure you are eating lots of iron rich foods such as green leafy veg, brown rice, beans etc. Personally I would try to change my diet rather than have to take iron tablets. Roast beef and cabbage for me tonight!

Pregnancy will make you tired anyway without having low iron levels. I would listen to your midwife but you could try a supplement? If you're worried have a chat with her or your GP.

I'm in the same position as you, 31+6 today, still working. I'm shattered. My iron level at my 28 wk bloods was 105 but has been hovering around that all through my pregnancy. I was on tablets but they made me more sick so now I'm just drinking Spatone supplement to maintain my levels to make sure they don't drop any lower.

I am 27 weeks and I've been taking iron supplements for about 10 days after I went to the GP to get them checked and they only checked my hemoglobin level which were normal. I had to go to the maternity unit a few weeks later (reduced movement) and I told the midwife how tired I was feeling and she checked my ferritin levels which were really low. So I would say increase your iron intake, whether with food or supplements, and you will notice the difference. I'm still tire but not flat on the floor tired.

Thank you all. Will definitely look at my diet to make sure I'm eating more iron rich stuff - have been fancying a steak so it's a good excuse to have one! Had a thought though that they did my 28w bloods the same time as my glucose tolerance test so wouldn't have eaten anything that day, wonder if that affected it at all?

My iron levels were low recently (but they wouldn't medicate), I felt awful: tiredness, faintness, nausea (which I'm convinced was the iron and not just pregnancy related). I started topping up my iron levels naturally, feel loads better now. If you like I can bore you with what foods I've been eating :)

Remember to have a glass of orange juice with your steak and creamed spinach to help you absorb the iron. Really does make a difference.

I'm now craving steak and creamed spinach....

You could take some gentle iron supplement to be on the safe side, such as spatone or floradix, you can get both from boots.
Other symptoms of anaemia are breathlessness and a fast heart rate, so look out for those.
I had borderline low iron in early pregnancy and felt so so much better once I started on supplements and then prescribed iron. I requested the liquid formulation as it is much easier on the tummy, it has been fantastic.

I would take spatone or florqdix. They can't do any harm and if you are so head the low level you could just boost yourself up.

I was told (when I was anaemic) to maintain low iron levels through food was practically impossible and a gentle supplement was rcmmended.

K

Also if you are craving steak, I think your body wants more iron.