Iron keeps dropping and can’t tolerate tabs at 32 weeks

[Lkakpk]

So normally my hb sits at around 120-128 which is classed as normal . My 28 week bloods showed I was at 105 so I was prescribed iron tabs which caused massive stomach upset so I was switched to liquid iron . That didn’t agree with me either . Midwife advised Spatone and high rich iron diet . Bloods repeated At 31 weeks and I was at 94 which I’ve been told is really low and next step would be iron transfusion , I’m worried how it’s dropping so dramatically and is this common in pregnancy - I actually feel AWFUL really tired , short of breath and what seems like constant stomach upset - can low iron cause upset ??- I’m also on omeprazole for acid reflux and worried that’s causing stomach g upset so considering coming off that too - just worried my low iron may be a stomach issue . Anyone been through similar ?!

I feel for you OP.
I have been anaemic previously (not pregnant at that time) HB was 96 and ferritin of 2! Normal for a woman is 10-300! I also had low iron stores when pregnant years later.

It takes 3mths for your body to replicate red blood cells and rebuild. Diet and supplements help, but are not a quick fix for anaemia. I was prescribed 300 mg when actually anaemic to correct it- but again- took months.

I cannot believe a medical professional would advise spatone for anaemia as a fix! It only contains 5mg of iron- which is a supplement dose to keep storers in maintenance. It is absolutely not for someone in a severe deficit!

Spirulina supplements along with diet, reducing tannin rich foods, increasing iron rich ones can help- but again, won't be a quick fix. The myth about spinach being so high in iron was an error in a decimal place position! Meat sources of iron are much more easily absorbed than veggie sources from various papers I've read.

I'd speak to your obstetrician/gynae consultant or GP about what option is most suitable for you.

Less than a week. Some people need two a week apart. They are the best thing. You will feel brand new!

Hi Op I went through this last week, I'm now 37+5 third pregnancy. Anaemic through all pregnancies but this one, no tolerance to iron tablets 🤷🏼 caused vomiting and terrible, terrible migraines. Switched me to spa

Oh fgs, sorry. I was switched to spatone which also didn't work. My iron dropped to <100 and I had a massive post birth haemorrhage with ds1 (1.5l) so with an upcoming elective section was told I am not in a good position! I had the infusion last Wednesday after ALOT of complaining to the midwife, then GP and finally hospital approved (and said I should've had it weeks ago). I had a killer migraine again on Friday but am now coming out of the fog. Apparently it lasts a good few weeks so I am hoping that I will not suffer with the big drop post birth 🤞

Goodluck OP, it's horrible feeling wobbly and weak all the time ☹️

Have the iron infusion, i had to have 3 in my last pregnancy as I couldnt tolerate the iron tablets. Had no issues with the infusion, worth it x

My iron kept dropping and I can't tolerate iron tablets, especially in pregnancy. I ended up getting IV iron infusions which helped a lot.

I'm rubbish with iron tablets too, I've just been prescribed them again this pregnancy and will give it a go but expecting to be super sick with them again.
I had a large pph with DD1 which is more likely with low iron so I'd really encourage you to try and get it under control before then x

Another vote for the infusion! You are at risk of post partum haemorrhage with low iron. Plus you need all the energy you can get for delivery. Taking tablets now won't be enough especially if you can't tolerate them well.
I've had infusions with all my pregnancies and felt the benefits within a week. Good luck 🤞