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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Low iron level - can it compromise my Homebirth ?

17 replies

Summerfruit · 20/04/2007 16:28

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OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

liath · 20/04/2007 16:43

I remember being told you couldn't have one if your count was below a certain level, mine was 107 and I went on iron & no mention of no HB at that level.

Original poster

Summerfruit · 20/04/2007 16:57

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OP posts:

lulumama · 20/04/2007 16:59

yep! get on the spatone NOW ! and lots of broccoli, spinach, red meat and apricots !!

belgo · 20/04/2007 17:01

kiwi fruits are high in vitamin C which helps the absorption of iron.

Milk hinders the absorption of iron.

Piffle · 20/04/2007 17:04

spatone
got mine up from 9.8 to 10.9 with dd in 8 days.

For hb round here it has to be over 10.5

NotanOtter · 20/04/2007 17:05

yes you do need to get it up - i used sytron iron suspension and it was fab

Original poster

Summerfruit · 20/04/2007 17:10

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OP posts:

Piffle · 20/04/2007 19:15

spatone better and faster and more easily absorbed than ferrous sulphate tbh and time you need at 37 wks
I can post you a bundle if you need, first class be with you monday Free if you want

lulumama · 20/04/2007 19:17

aern;t you kind piffle!

also, spatone does not make you constipated, liek the tablets

Nbg · 20/04/2007 19:17

I find that a bit odd.
I have refused to have blood tests this pregnancy and it doesnt effect me having a homebirth at all.

I'll echo the recommendations for Spatone though. Very good.

Piffle · 20/04/2007 19:18

boxes were 3 for 2 at Boots, got tons left over from my preg...
Happy to send it to a good home
I want you to have your HB, mine went tits up after all...

Piffle · 20/04/2007 19:19

refuse to do HB's here NBG if iron levels are not checked.

Nbg · 20/04/2007 19:20

Bloody hell, really!

lulumama · 20/04/2007 19:20

where i am , they do like a good iron level !

belgo · 20/04/2007 19:29

Iron levels are very important. My iron levels were checked before my hb, but somehow, no one looked at the results properly.

I had the homebirth, and five days later could still not walk down the stairs without feeling faint.

My midwife took blood and my heamoglobin was 8.(normally it should be 13 - 15 iirc).

I took iron tablets but it took 4 months to completely regain my strength.

It is very important to have a good iron level before giving birth, otherwise blood loss during birth can be dangerous.

percypig · 20/04/2007 19:36

I agree iron levels are really important.

Mine went down to 6 immediately after having DS, and if I hadn't been in hospital it could have easily been missed. I had stupidly stopped taking iron tablets because of constipation, should have taken spatone.

By the way, I was also meant to have a transfusion, but my dh is a GP and pushed to get me iron infusions instead - his opinion no point in having blood transfusions if not totally necessary. Had 3 infusions, which take longer than a transfusion to bring your iron up, but supposedly give a longer lasting boost (looked like Guiness was being pumped into me!)

CorrieDale · 20/04/2007 19:41

It can also lead to postpartum haemmorage. I'm taking Floradix liquid at the moment, but may change to Spatone on the basis of all these recommendations!

I didn't know milk interfered with absorption but I know that tea and coffee both do. Don't have either until 2 hours (yes, you read that right!) after you've had your iron. I had that from a GP - think it's fairly standard advice now.

Dark chocolate and lentils are underrated sources of iron. Very good for veggies...

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