Low iron 28 week bloods

[he123x]

I had my bloods taken on Monday for my 28 week appt and I’ve just been told my Hb levels are low - 102 and they like them to be 105 or above so I’m on iron tablets now - taken them with a glass of OJ and I’m going to add Spatone in as well. Also told that I have to have a growth scan as baby is measuring small so I’m in full panic mode.

I have really severe health anxiety and I’m having intrusive thoughts about having really low iron and dying while in labour etc and I keep crying and am really struggling to rationalise. I have had 3 other children and never had low iron that I know of.

they said they will retest my bloods at my next appt so I’m hoping these tablets will work but is it quite common?

Hi there - hope you’re okay! Try not to worry- low iron is super super common in pregnancy! The supplements should work fine for you but if they don’t you can get an iron infusion (monifer). I had this last pregnancy and again this pregnancy as my iron stores (ferritin) were 4 (anything under 30 is a concern). They will keep a close eye on you so try not to panic. I’ve been doing my own reading and it seems low iron can be linked to smaller babies- so they fact they’ve caught it this early will give baby plenty of time to catch up! Again if they have any concerns about baby’s size they’ll just keep a close eye on you and give you growth scans every two weeks! I know it’s easier said than done but try not to panic and always reach out to your midwife if you need that extra reassurance!