Low iron 32 weeks not improving what next?

[Sparkles1992]

Hi,

I've had low irons levels since I got my 28 week bloods done, was subscribed 3 a day tabs and have had two lots of repeat bloods done to check if the levels are improving. They aren't, does anybody know what happens in this case?

The dr said they would have to investigate why the levels are staying low, I'm wondering if there is something I can buy over the counter to help or if anyone knows what the midwife or dr will do next? Injection maybe?

I have to wait until next week now for my appointments with it being the weekend.

Thanks

Mine is low and as I am still getting sick regularly the iron tablets are making my sickness worse so I am getting an iron infusion next week. Apparently it only takes 20 minutes and I will have much more energy afterwards

Thanks @SparkyBlue hope that makes you feel loads better! Did your midwife arrange that for you?

I’ve had low iron for years. It’s only recently it’s been pointed out to me that you need to take iron pills at least an hour away from any cups of tea or dairy to make sure they’re absorbed correctly. I take mine with orange juice now. It might be that you need a different type of iron, there’s several they can try. I hope you do find one that works for you, I’ve been on two strong pills a day since about 30 weeks (am 38 now) and the difference in my energy levels has been amazing.

Thanks @AwkwardAsAllGetout I've been taking it with orange juice too going to try and introduce more iron into my diet and hopefully that will work! Glad you've found a tablet that works, I feel drained!

Had this too. My levels increased but only very slightly after taking the tablets. I was told that at my levels they wouldn't look at an IV infusion.

Take the tablets an hour before food with a juice which is high in vitamin C. The vit C helps the iron absorption. Per PP don't take with tea, think the tannins don't help the absorption.

Take a look at Google for foods rich in iron and supplement with those too.

@Sparkles1992 I am in Ireland so a different system over here. I had to go to the hospital as my bp was a bit high at my regular gp appointment (I have a history of pre eclampsia). While I was in the maternity hospital getting checked the doctor discussed the iron situation so will set up the infusion this week as I have a routine ante natal appointment anyway. She was saying it's important to get the levels up as you come close to delivery

Thanks ladies, I'd rather just have the infusion if I know it will work. I don't feel I'd even have the energy for labour at the minute but I've been feeling really lousy today and have ended up throwing up so that's today's iron tablets prob out my system! The joys !

Iron infusion is standard and very effective

Agree with all PP. Also make sure you are eating animal sourced iron - as long as you're not vegetarian/vegan. Red meat and eggs. It's more absorbable than vegetable based iron. And don't eat spinach and steak together - the body struggles with both types at the same time.

Thanks ladies, had a funny turn yesterday and ended up in hospital throwing up black vomit unsure if I have been taking too much iron now! Off to the drs this week to see what's happening.

Thanks again

I had low iron through out my pregnancy and had my daughter via c-section my iron level was at 66 and i had to have 2/3 blood transfusion and i lost 1.5l of blood as well .. my midwife did nothing at all :/ i was surprised when someone mentioned iron transfusion