Raised Hb F levels but midwife never talked me through it...

[Kittypillar]

Wonder if anyone else has had this too and might be able to offer some insight...

My second appointment with my midwife felt rather rushed to say the least. It's our first baby so we weren't sure what to expect, but she didn't really talk me through my blood results except to say, with a wave of her hand, that it all looked "fine", took my urine sample from me and then off we went. She was quite cold and sharp, never asked me any questions, didn't look me in the eye and she certainly didn't offer to check the heartbeat with a doppler (though I know that does seem to only be offered sometimes and isn't guaranteed by any stretch). My husband wasn't very impressed and felt she had just wanted to get rid of us. I left feeling like it had just felt like an administrative exercise, which might be what it is supposed to be, but still didn't feel pleasant...

Anyway, yesterday I had a proper look through my results and have noticed that, as well as slightly low levels of RBC and haemoglobin (latter is 116 when it should be 120-150) my Hb F levels were higher than they should be - should be up to 0.90% and mine were at 1.2%. The notes reference they're higher than they should be but that it is simply "compatible with pregnancy". No other information is given.

Does anyone have any experience or info about this they can pass on? Obviously can't call the midwife today as it's a Sunday (and NYE) and also want to avoid googling if I can... I'm sure it's fine and nothing to be worried about but I just wish she'd taken the time to talk me through it a bit more so I didn't end up getting nervous when I read that :(

Sorry no idea OP.

Hb F levels refer to fetal haemaglobin. All adults have low levels and as the report said, yours was not abnormal and was compatible with pregnancy.
It appeared as part of a standard blood screening but it is not particularly looked at in relation to maternity care.
No need to worry.
If you go on the NHS Choices site, it will tell you about the significant tests.

Sorry you’ve not had a great experience. I don’t know about the specific blood test results but I’ve never been talked through mine so I think that’s probably normal.

How many weeks are you? They won’t listen for the heartbeat too early on I don’t think, as it could be too early to pick up and then could cause you unnecessary distress. I’m 17 weeks and have only heard the heartbeat at the 12 week scan.

Hb levels in pregnant women are lower than non-pregnant women. Your blood volume increases but there's a larger increase in plasma than RBC, so it creates a diluting effect and that's why your Hb is lower. It's a good level

116 is completely normal 👍

All sounds normal to me op.

Seem normal.
Heamaglobin goes down as you retain water, HbF as you have a foetus.
Are you having anxiety issues OP? Your midwife already said they were normal (i sympathise, i drove myself crazy with worry during pregnancy!)