Anyone had an iron infusion?

[Sotired22]

I’m 29 weeks pregnant and my ferritin level has dropped really low - it was over 30 at my booking appointment and now it’s 7. I’ve felt awful for the last couple of weeks. So so dizzy, exhausted, spaced out. Feel like I can hardly function most days. They’ve put me on iron tablets but I’m scared of taking a high dose because of the constipation side effect - I’ve got a prolapse from previous pregnancy / birth and constipation is a no no for that. I’m taking Spatone but aware this probably won’t be enough now.

I’m going to discuss with my GP next week but would I be laughed at for asking about having an infusion?! Has anyone had one in pregnancy and if so what was it like, did you have to ask for it or was it suggested to you? I had a PPH after my last delivery and I’m worried about that again with such a rubbish ferritin level if I can’t get it up much

Not ridiculous at all - definitely ask!

You will likely only be offered an iron infusion if the oral tablets don't work. Iron infusions are useful but have a small risk of anaphylaxis or permanent skin staining.

Most trusts will have a guideline. At the trust I work in levels are repeated 2-4 weeks after starting iron. If they've improved then no need for infusion. If no improvement then infusion.

It does also say that if the tablets are not tolerated then to consider infusion. If the constipation is too much then I would ask for an infusion.

Hope you feel better soon!

I had one right after giving birth. Wish I'd had before as i felt like a wrung out dishrag before. It was fine, had to be wired up to the bag for a few hours. Didn't feel magically different right away but i think it helped

ferrous fumarate every other day (there is evidence that more often is counterproductive), taken with a vitamin c rich fruit juice, and with a prebiotic and fibre supplement (e.g. psyllium husk) later in the day should help.

Diet wise - fortified wholewheat cereals, some red meat if you can, as well as pulses such as lentils plus some dried apricots.

i ve had low ferritin for v long thanks to flooding periods, and this is what works best for me (inc during pregnancy)

I had one at about 36 weeks, arranged by my consultant. Midwife said she'd arrange one for me this time if needed (likely).
No harm in asking your Dr or your midwife. Best to have it done a few weeks before birth so it has chance to work.

In the meantime I was also told guidance is now every other morning with orange juice.

My mum, 85 so definitely not pregnant 😂, had one last year. The difference overnight was amazing. I had to half carry her into hospital and she danced out.
However, I asked about her having another one as her iron is getting low again, and I've been told that as a result of tightening belts after the pandemic, they've reduced the criteria for which you can get a transfusion. I don't know how, or if, those changes would affect you.

I just said my body doesn't agree with the tablets so I can't take them. They made me feel really sick and I couldn't keep them down due to already having sickness from the pregnancy. They gave me an iron infusion no problems and it was wonderful, after a couple of weeks so many symptoms went away.

Yup i had one, felt a million times better a few days later. Just ask.

There’s a liquid form of oral iron called Sytron that I understand is better tolerated than tablet firm iron

Thanks all! No one has really discussed it with me at all yet as I had the blood test when I last saw the midwife and then I just got a message from my surgery saying it was low and they’d prescribed tablets. I have no idea if / when they plan to re-test me. I’m seeing the midwife again at 33 weeks so I think I’ll insist on a re-test then and if it’s not improved much I’ll ask about an infusion. Or maybe phone the doctors and ask sooner.

Just can’t imagine feeling this bad until I give birth. And then possibly being even worse after if I have another PPH.

I'm the same gestation as you. My midwife called and said it was low and to take the tablets and she will be retesting at my next appointment at 32 weeks. If no improvement it'll be an iron infusion- likely for me as I don't seem able to absorb iron and folic acid etc properly.
Don't feel bad pushing for a re-test etc if it isn't offered.

The consultant who decided i needed transfusion told me it can take upbto three months to get your iron levels up to normal by taking the tablets.

Try iron bisglycinate tablets as it's an iron compound that's more friendly to the gut, or supplements in haeme form as they are most absorbable. I had 3l PPH with DC1 & then 1.5l with DC2 but had had an iron transfusion beforehand. I didn't feel as bad but there other factors involved so can't tell for definite if it was that.