Anaemia at 38 weeks - consultant appointment

[northernlass81]

Currently 38 weeks with number 2. Have been slightly anaemic since 28 weeks and despite iron tablets repeat Hb this week is now under 90. I've been on iron tabs since 28 weeks and making dietary changes alongside. Midwife left a message today to say I need to see the consultant due to Hb continuing to fall. My question is what will they say or do? Just a chat about risks if bleed and recommend a managed 3rd stage? Or iron transfusion? Google has left me a bit confused about whether this is really low or not!

Push hard for an iv iron drip. You will barely have enough time for it to work before you get to her. It has been transformative for me after a wretchedly anaemic pregnancy. Apparently there is a strong link between anaemia and PND which I can well believe.

...get to term...
Although I was feeling infinitely better after 3 days.

Mine dropped below 90 and I'm having an ELCS with history of high blood loss (this is my 5th baby).

They gave me IV iron transfusions in hospital, 5 in total. I still feel like utter crap so I guess I'm not one of the lucky ones who has this magic revelation and feel loads better. But as long as my numbers are higher and I can afford to lose blood without the need of a blood transfusion then they've done their job.

I started them at 36 weeks and had my last one on Saturday. I've got my preop and bloods tomorrow, section on Monday. So I'm not sure what they'll do for you as you're quite close.

They took a week from deciding the plan of action, to ordering my iron, to first infusion.

HTH! c

I would also say start taking floradix immediately - iron tablets didn't work for me but within 3 weeks of twice daily floradix I was back up to my normal iron levels. Certainly can't hurt! Agree that you should ask about iron transfusion too as your levels are lower than mine were. You have my sympathies, it's horrible feeling so knackered.

Thanks all. Will see what they say x