Severe anemia in first trimester

[Ciaraqnn]

Just looking for some shared experiences really.
I had my booking blood works done last week. Got a phone call later that evening telling me to get to hospital immediately as my haemoglobin was 66 and I needed a blood transfusion.
the 2 units of blood raised my Hb levels to 80 and I’m now on 400mg of iron daily.
I had symptoms of anaemia, dizziness, lack of concentration, racing heart etc. but just put it down to early pregnancy symptoms!
Anyone else been through anything similar? I’m worried about what might happen if my iron levels don’t increase as I have quite a way to go for them to be considered “normal”!

Hey! I hope your feeling a bit better? Did the transfusion help?
I can't help much as I haven't been in your situation but I've been wondering if I'm low on iron too. I've been having most of the same symptoms you did and I can't wait for my midwife to see me so I can get some blood work done.

Just bumping the post for you,

That really is severe isn't it! Sounds exhausting, Take care of yourself x

I was severely anaemic in my first pregnancy and had to take large amounts of iron to get my levels back up to where they needed to be. I also concentrated on eating iron rich foods to help. I wasn’t allowed to have a home birth because my levels weren’t quite high enough but I didn’t have any complications. Maybe have a chat with your midwife next time you see them?

I was also very anemic and my iron stores were extremely low at only 13 and I got a phone call the day after my bloods were took saying I was being admitted for a iron infusion. I was sent home later that day and I couldn’t sleep for weeks I knew it has worked it’s magic! They took my blood again 3 weeks later and my stores were over 1000!!! My iron level itself didn’t improve too much so I may need another I’m 28 weeks now and get my bloods took in a few days to see what the plan is

Hi op, I had a blood transfusion during my pregnancy too. I can't remember the exact stage sorry, midway somewhere. Luckily one was enough and things stabilised so hopefully the same will happen for you.

I usually have iron infusions anyway but they don't give them during pregnancy (or didn't at the time - 10 years ago) hence the blood.

Having a blood transfusion just makes it all seem more scary, but because I was used to having iron infusions, and knew I couldn't have one, it didn't feel as bad.

HTH somehow!

Make sure you're taking your iron with fresh vitamin c source. You'll absorb it much better than alone/vit c in tablet form.

I had a hb of 43 and was admitted for 4 blood transfusions. After transfusions and treatment for the cause my levels have stayed in the lower end of normal for over a year.

I wasn't pregnant and I really sympathise as being that low is bad enough and you have your worry about your baby.

Do they know why you were so low, what's the cause for you?

Thank you all for your responses, I feel reassured to know I am not alone!
im still not feeling 100% myself, I have very little energy and feel quite spaced out, but much much better than I was! I have a foster child in with me at the minute and I’ve found looking after her in the evenings is wiping me out, so I’m trying to conserve my energy when I can.
they aren’t sure what caused it to be low, and we’re worried I was bleeding internally from an ectopic pregnancy, however luckily a scan ruled that out.
my midwife said my care was going to be consultant led now as my iron levels presented a risk, but everything looked ok with baby (only 9 weeks so still very little!).
good advice with the vitamin C when taking the iron, the supplements were making my stomach very unsettled but the Vit C has calmed that right down.
thank you all!

Bloody hell! What a good catch. Glad it was seen promptly and you got the transfusion.

Good advice re vit C, try not to take it with dairy as that lowers the absorption. X