So if I am anaemic, can I avoid taking iron tablets?

[Miaou]

Just had a call from the GP to ask me to go in and see him as my haemoglobin levels are too low (am 36 weeks pg). Really don't want to take iron tablets as I'm already constipated.

I feel totally fine in myself - plenty of energy etc. If I do all the right things (reduce tea, drink OJ, eat more spinach/broccoli), then would there be any harm to myself to not take it?

(PS I've heard about Spatone, but a) there is no Boots near us to sell it and b) it's flippin expensive )

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miaou, I got by (just) on multivits-with-iron and orange juice - would you be OK taking those?

miaou - send me your address, ill pop some in the post to you x

Miaou, your GP can prescribe liquid iron for you, which doesn't always cause the horrendous tummy troubles that iron tablets do. Could be worth asking for a prescription to save you having to shell out for Spatone etc?
There might even be a spatone-like product they can prescribe if you ask. Explain the iron tablet effect and ask for alternatives...

Jinxed, that is very kind of you!! I am seeing the GP on Tues and will see if he will prescribe the liquid that RedFraggle mentions; if not, then I'll come back to you on that

How bad is your anaemia? It is not true that being anaemic makes you more likely to haemorrhage, although you may find it harder to withstand a substantial bleed. It is thought to actually be normal to have a slightly low haemoglobin level during pregnancy because your blood volume has increased so it is more dilute As haemoglobin is measured as a concentration rather than an absolute amount it will then appear to be lower than normal.

Hi Miaou. I was anaemic at 28 wks but couldn't tolerate the ferrous sulphate - made me v. nauseous and tummy achy. Anyway, my GP said not to bother as i was borderline at 10.4. So I didn't. I was re-tested at 36 wks. and was down to 9, and the m/ws here aren't happy to deliver my baby at home as I'm considered too anaemic. I'm now on gigantic amounts of iron to raise my levels, which I'm really struggling with and I feel really crap - v.v.v. exhausted, breathless and headachey. I know you're on yr. 4th too, aren't you, so do take stg. I didn't and I feel terrible and may not get my home birth.

cupcakes, what a shame! When I was last tested (about a month ago) I was 10.7; I guess I have dropped below 9 now but won't find out until Tuesday. Daisymoo, that's how it was described to me - ie, not that the iron levels are low, but more diluted. I suppose it depends on the attitude of the gp/midwife etc.

Jan, I don't think multivitamins and OJ will do it - have really bad heartburn already!!

Update - saw the GP today - he hadn't realised that I was so far on (less than four weeks to go) and agreed that taking tablets now wouldn't have much of an impact in terms of bringing up my iron levels before the birth. He was quite apologetic about having called me in!

Thanks for all the advice etc too - he said there was a slight risk that not doing anything could affect the baby, but that it was unlikely (my levels are 98.7, so not actually gone down a lot).

Hi Miaou. Are you going totake some spatone or Floradix anyway or leave it? I saw my m/w today and have decided to go to hospital for the birth. With all the flooding around here etc. could take hours to get to hospital in the next few days though!!

Leave it I think cupcakes - I asked about iron in liquid form and he said that it causes the same bowel problems as tablets. I'm going to drink more OJ (and hope it doesn't increase the heartburn!) and improve my diet and hope that that makes a difference (GP reckons that would have a speedier effect than taking tablets anyway).

Good luck with getting to the hospital!!

Glad you are ok my love.

Not long now, cant believe you will have another yummy baby!!! Makes me want to wish away the next 21 weeks!

Do they do iron infusions? I have had a course of 20 and it has worked a treat. I now realise how awful I have felt for years!

And Harman, I have same problem as you, and have resorted to the Mirena on the doctor's advice to try to stop my periods.

another vote for spatone..ima veggie and have low iron levels and th tablets are crap for me..i have to take about 6 a day!!! in order to try and get any absorbed whereas i only have to take 1 or 2 spatone sachets..and im 34weeks pregnant.they`ve told me about poss more risk of haemorrhage and the oxygen levels are apperently lower for baby if you re anaemic..so worth upping your levels a bit..

I couldn't get my iron levels up, even with tablets, when I had my last baby and the midwife recommended Floradix. It worked in a very short space of time and no tummy troubles. It isn't cheap but it's def worth it if you can find the money.

Btw, there are lots of other iron tablets to choose from apart from the dreaded ferrous sulphate, some of which may suit you better. Any chemist should be able to advise you.