Anaemia in Pregnancy - 28 weeks +

[Colabottle10]

Had my 28 week bloods done this week (twice, but that's another story) and the GP receptionist rang to tell me I need an iron supplement and to call down to pick up a prescription.

Nothing else was said, now I'm having a panic and trying not to google.

I've been sick all the way through and am on Omeprazole and Cyclizine.
I've just started injecting Clexane as there is a history of DVT in the family.
Now I've got to start taking Iron tablets :(

I'll be rattling soon.

I'm worried about all the drugs going into my body. Is it mad to want to call the MW for a chat about it all?

I'm not due to see her for 2 weeks. I am being sent for a growth scan on Tuesday because I measured 30cm and 28 weeks too, so that's something else to worry about.

Feel a bit of a failure really.

I am about 10 different tablets a day, including iron tablets (prepare for constipation and black poo btw) and antibiotics for the remainder of my pregnancy. My view is they wouldn't give it to you unless it was needed. Try not to overthink it.

I'd recommend asking the pharmacist for ones that aren't too full on. Galfer is very strong and can make you badly constipated whereas other ones are gentler I believe.

But giving birth whilst anaemic is crap. You'll be weak as a kitten. I'd take them.

A friend of mine recommended beetroot tablets if you want a more natural tablet for iron x

If you can't tolerate the iron tablets then you can take a more gentle liquid supplement like Spatone or Floradix. Even though I've taken the tablets before - for some reason in this pregnancy they made me throw up continually.

Please be aware that the quantity of iron in non-prescription iron supplements, spatone and floradix included, is much less than in ferrous fumarate and sulphate. With less than 3 months left, in order to achieve any notable increase in iron and haemoglobin levels (which is the thing that you actually need to increase before delivery) you will need to take the prescribed supplements.

Yes, should have pointed out lower levels - but much better than nothing if you can't stomach the tablets according to my MW.

I also had anaemia during my pregnancy. It was really quite debilitating, so you have my sympathy. I took the strong iron tablets that were recommended and they helped A LOT. I really recommend you give them a try.

I didn't suffer constipation. Make sure you drink loads and it should help.

And baby was born totally fine, I think anaemia is so common and as long as you treat it as recommended by the doctor I don't think you need to worry. And certainly don't feel a failure; pregnancy with anaemia is bloody hard!

I picked up the prescription. 200mg ferrous sulphate, 3 times a day.

Started tonight, and had steak for tea.

You'll be amazed at how quickly that stuff picks you up again!

Oh and if you do get backed up try prune juice. Though lactolose syrup is a great buddy for pregnant women tbh so don't discount it just cos it's not natural.

Thanks everyone - how soon should I feel better?

I took my morning tablet with OJ - but OJ makes me feel sick :(

And how soon will the constipation take to kick in?!

I have been taking iron tablets this whole pregnancy as last time I ended up really badly anaemic and was a wreck. They're a great help, though I couldn't stomach ferrous sulphate, if you struggle with digestive problems after taking it ask your gp for ferrous fumerate instead. Much better and easier on the stomach for me, but everyone is different. I take mine with orange juice every morning after breakfast as it helps with the absorption.

I've suffered with anaemia for years and years now and am really struggling to keep my levels up during pregnancy...you shouldn't feel like a failure, your body is doing amazing things!
I would recommend ferrous fumerate also, much gentler on the tummy! It's vitamin c that aids absorption so if you can't stomach OJ try anything you fancy that has a high vitamin c content. One of the biggest changes you can make is to not drink tea, it contains tanin (sp?) which blocks absorption, giving it up has made a huge difference to me. It's in decaf tea as well as normal.
Good luck

I'm on trimethoprim, cyclazine, omeprazole and ferrous fumerate, along with the pain relief that had to be taken for my spd. I wouldn't worry about it, the iron tablets helped me perk up and stop being so incredibly pale etc(though my hair had started falling out and my lips were bleeding because my iron was very low so maybe they won't have the same effect on you) x

You can get Floradix which is a more natural iron supplement without all the nasties and side effects - made me feel a bit better after also having to take a ton of medication whilst preggo!

Oh and Floradix contains vitamin c so no need for the OJ too!