How do I know if I need to take iron supplements?

[hermitzero]

I have heard that iron supplements are recommended during pregnancy. According to some website, they recommend taking iron supplements after about 12 weeks.

I'm wondering whether I need to begin taking it but I'm not sure if I need to take it because I would like to avoid taking supplements unless necessary.

Any advice on how I could know whether my iron level is normal or not? I have a 28 weeks appointment with my midwife soon and I was advised that blood samples would be taken. Will I find out my iron level after the appointment maybe?

They check your iron levels in the 28 week bloods and let you know after then if you need supplements.

As PP said you'll find out your iron levels at your next bloods. In the meantime if you're showing signs of an iron deficiency and they do t upset your stomach then it's fine to add them - pregnacare for example includes an iron supplement and it's why they often upset people's stomachs.

They check your iron at around 8 weeks and again at 28 weeks. The midwife will recommend iron if your levels are too low.
Also iron deficiency anaemia often makes you feel rubbish. Iron tablets can have unpleasant side effects so it's probably best only to take them if you have a deficiency.

Far better off trying to maintain your iron levels by eating lots of green leafy veg, red meat and vitamin c.

I've had anaemia during every pregnancy I've had despite taking prescribed iron supplements after it showed up in bloods. The biggest impact on turning it around was definitely diet.

The tablets make your poo turn black so best avoided if you can!

They will check your levels with those 28wk bloods.

I take iron within my multivitamin, no harm in topping up levels that way.