Iron tablets / supplements?

[Hmum0fthree]

I saw the anaesthetist today as I am having a c-section in April due to haemorrhage in my 2 previous induced delivery's!

She said to start taking an iron tablet once a day until I give birth even if my blood tests come back fine just incase I do bleed again to lower the chance of needing a blood transfusion.

Does anyone know which are best and where from? thanks

She should have prescribed it if she though you needed a prescription dose or have advised if she thinks an OTC prep is ok. The answer to your question depends on what your blood results are really. It should be possible to clarify either via the anaesthetics secretary (or perhaps your obstetrician’s secretary or the outpatient clinic might be able to get hold of the anaesthetist).

@Greybeardy from what she said I think she just meant a basic daily supplement from boots or something?

The supplements you can buy from Boots etc are not likely to be a high enough dose to make a significant difference- they’re going to be around 10% of the dose of a prescription iron tablet.

I think you do need to speak the their secretary to clarify what they meant.

I’ve been using Spatone iron water throughout my pregnancy & tried eating more iron rich foods but I’m not sure that will be high enough for you?

www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/8791/smpc

Is great stuff, but I think it's prescription only.

Ferogloblin liquid…best thing ever!!

The thing about prescription dose iron tablets is they give many people constipation or otherwise uncomfortable bowels- not what you want at the end of pregnancy.

Just get some over the counter ones and double up if you want to

@User0ne good idea, my iron levels are fine I think she just wants to make sure they are on the higher level of normal to avoid a blood transfusion, I didn't need one with DD lost 1.5 L but did need with DS lost 2.5-3 L, she said she isn't expecting me to lose anywhere near that amount, fingers crossed.