Low iron 32 weeks

[Kitkat901]

I’m 32+4, I had my bloods taken at 28 weeks and I suspected I would have low iron as I’ve been feeling bloody awful. No one contacted me after so I chased it yesterday at a growth scan and my iron is low. It was 10.4 and my ferritin is 11 but this was almost 5 weeks ago so potentially it’s lower now.

Im pretty annoyed that it’s been missed, a midwife should have reviewed the bloods but didn’t. I’ve been given iron tablets but I’m worried they won’t raise the levels enough? I’m having a csection at 39 weeks.

I also feel absolutely awful, shattered weak and breathless. Ironically I’m high risk due to babies previous with low birth weights so this is adding to my stress! Has anyone pushed for a transfusion? My consultant at the moment says I need to have my bloods done again at 36 weeks but if the iron is still low will it be enough time to improve?

Im also still working full time and looking after two DCs and really struggling!

Hey there,
if you feel like the tablets are not working, and don't want to wait for an infusion why not try modifying your diet to prioritize iron?
The iron from animal sources is the easiest for the body to absorb, but it is best to eat it alone i.e without veggies or grains, as they can block the bodies absorption of iron.
If you can face it make your first meal of the day beef liver cooked in butter. And for your second meal a fatty beef steak cooked in butter. After that you probably wont want a third meal... and repeat as often and frequently as you can.

The problem with iron from non-animal sources is it is badly absorbed by the body, and some people just can absorb it at all. This is one the issues with tablet form: it is generally difficult to absorb, and some people can not absorb it at all.

Best wishes!

I have no advice for you regarding infusion/transfusion other than to keep pushing - you should get the help you need.

I mostly wanted to comment to say that there is a lot of misinformation in the above comment.

Iron is better absorbed with sources of vitamin c (fruit or vegetables). You can increase it in your diet but you are probably doing that already.
Beef liver, while rich in iron, should be eaten in moderation. Try to alternate your sources and not eat the same thing every day. If you can, eat meat, eggs, dark green leafy vegetables etc., but ultimately your iron is quite low and I don't know how effective diet improvements will be in the timeframe you want it to. Please keep pushing for more help.

In the meantime, iron absorption can be increased by taking your tablet every second day instead of every day. Here is a study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31413088/
"In iron-depleted women without anemia, oral iron supplements induce an increase in serum hepcidin (SHep) that persists for 24 hours, decreasing iron absorption from supplements given later on the same or next day. Consequently, iron absorption from supplements is highest if iron is given on alternate days."

Try that until you get a stronger dose. Good luck!

I had low iron and had an iron infusion at 35 weeks. I had c section at 36 weeks but was scheduled to have an induction at 37 so you still have time x

Adding to the above, make sure you keep your caffeine intake low because caffeine reduces the absorption of iron. If I were you I'd try to get a private blood test for iron studies, bundled in with a consultation with a GP who can then advise you on which iron doses you need if it does come back low - the results should come back faster if you go private, and would also get you back to feeling energised again. Good luck, hope you feel better soon 💜

In my last pregnancy I took high dose iron tablets on empty and full stomachs and it did nothing to help.

I then tried Spatone, and it worked a treat. Give it a go.

An iron infusion, rather than a transfusion, would be the usual treatment if your Hb isn’t coming up with oral iron. That will work fairly quickly. If your Hb has dropped again when you have it checked at 36 weeks, I’d imagine this is what they’ll suggest.

(Just regarding the suggestions above for increasing your dietary iron - liver should be avoided in pregnancy as it contains high levels of Vitamin A.)