Low iron levels

[lookingforaline18]

30 weeks pregnant and my iron levels are 97/9.7 or however they measure it.

I feel like absolute rubbish at the moment. I’m exhausted, out of breath and can’t sleep because I can’t breathe properly, keep getting cold sweats and feeling like I’m going to pass out. I was at the supermarket today and it’s a good job my dp was with me.

I’ve been prescribed iron tablets which I’m going picking up from the chemist shortly. For anyone who has been through the same thing, how long did it take for them to kick in for you?

Iron tablets will probably take a month or so to properly kick in but you’ll start to feel effects maybe a bit earlier.

If it’s just iron tablets id suggest liquid iron supplements (like spatone ones) if you can afford them as they do the same job as tablets but importantly don’t add in to the latter stages pregnancy progesterone related toilet issues ahem (being unable to go!)

Thank you for the advice

We’re going away next week (UK holiday, not flying anywhere) and I’m really looking forward to it but dreading it at the same time if I’m going to be like this the whole way through.

Take your iron with vitamin C as well (like fresh orange juice) as vitamin C helps your body absorb it.

Have a lovely time away and hope you feel better soon!

You’ll feel better way earlier than a month.

If you’re anemic Spatone won’t be enough. It might be enough to prevent future anemia though.

I felt better within a week or two.

I stopped fainting within a week that’s for sure.

Defintely take vitamin C with your tablets. IT will absorb much better and you will feel better more quickly.

Midwife here. Please don't get Spatone...you need about 30 sachets a day to get the amount required to increase your iron levels. It is a total waste of money. Get the iron tablets prescribed and take with orange juice or vit c tablet...don't have with tea/coffee as it stops it working. It takes about 4 weeks for an increase in your levels. You can get some side effects with your bowels so make sure you are well hydrated to prevent constipation.

If the iron formula you are given doesn't agree with you there are two others you can try. You can buy them in the UK behind the pharmacist's counter but your GP should, if they aren't being difficult, be able to prescribe at least one other for you.

Also as already said spatone doesn't contain sufficient iron to raise your levels if it is that low. You are trying to get it to 11.

Oh and your poo will go black. If it hurts taking 3 a day go down to taking 2.

I should have said go down to taking 2 a day if you are having problems before going to see your GP.

I've had iron deficiency problems most of my adult life. Funny thing is I finally found a GP who was taking it seriously and then found I was pregnant.