36weeks and anaemic

[JW1226]

Hi all,

I went into hospital just over three weeks ago for monitoring reduced movements,

I've only just received a call saying my iron levels are low and to make an appointment for the gp to get some medication, my worry is I have no idea how long my levels have been this low for I'm 36weeks tomorrow and the gp haven't got any appointments available, can this damage my baby? I can't believe it took over three weeks to even let me know about this, feeling upset and anxious! Xx

The reason you're anemic is because baby takes all the goodness from your blood and uses it themselves! So, no it's not harmful to baby. The dr's will likely put you on some high-strength iron tablets. Make sure you buy some lactulose or similar because they are notorious for causing constipation, and there is nothing worse than that when youre heavily pregnant. Make sure you take the tablets with a glass of orange juice as that will help you to absorb more iron.

It won't damage your baby , don't worry, it will just make you feel tired and breathless. but I'd speak to your midwife to get clarity on your actual haemoglobin and ferritin levels. If they are really low , as you are quite late in pregnancy you might need an IV iron infusion rather than waiting for iron tablets to work. I had one yesterday (I'm 36+2) and feel slightly more human already (it's probably psychological, but never mind!)
At 36 weeks they are cutting it fine for iron tablets to have time to work.