Low iron at 36 to 37 weeks and worried about birth

[Marvelfan300]

i got a text in July that my iron was low and to take ferrous sulphate - I had another text today to say that my levels are still remaining to be low and that they have asked a consultant for advice (I’ve emailed to ask for the levels.) but to carry on in the meantime taking ferrous sulphate.

my question has anyone at 36/37 weeks experienced this? I’m really worried I’ve had low iron before and required infusions this was pre pregnancy but I’m worried that birth is going to be traumatic if it’s low and they don’t do the infusion? I’ve been having nightmares about dying😅🤣 any advice is welcome of if anything helped anyone get their levels up? I do drink orange juice with it every other day the tablet is taken but all I got told was that ‘Your iron is still low, they remain about the same since last test. It’s not dropping significantly but consultant has been informed.’

i haemorrhaged at 11 weeks so im quite nervous.

I’m going through the same although earlier (31 weeks) and they have just said to take iron tablets (although I am already and they haven’t improved my bloods for weeks). I’m now pushing for IV as I’m not sure my diet or the tablets are doing much.

I would call the hospital midwives tomorrow and insist on the IV- you still have time before birth, maybe they can hurry the consultant along if you say you are very symptomatic and feeling rubbish along with being concerned around birth soon. Ask to have the IV this week/ next week.

Good luck!

I would also request an infusion, I imagine the consultant may ask for one but if your levels are low enough the midwives can so I would call them today for advise and to talk through . I had low iron and had an infusion but my C section was brought forward to two days later unexpectedly so my levels were still really low on the day but I didn’t have any issues. I actually asked what would happen if my C section happened before my infusion and they were super re assuring so don’t panic

I’ve had several reasonably significant. surgeries while my iron was hovering in the single digits - I only found out afterwards. For many surgeries, the hospital has no idea what your iron levels are beforehand unless it’s relevant to the reason you’re having the surgery. Try not to worry.

I had this - everything was spinning and realised it was my iron.

Just keep up the supplements and add kale etc to it. You should be fine x

Same at 31 weeks here but was diagnosed aneamic in Dec before pregnancy and they have since confirmed B12, folate and others low so have had a loading dose of B12 as well as oral supplements for iron, B12 and folic acid with the usual pregnancy vits and Vit D - time will tell if it's going up but I think knowing they are very aware and will be prepared ahead of time will be the reassurance.

Following as I’m in the same boat! I’m nearly 37 weeks and iron has been low since 28 weeks. I’ve been taking various prescribed iron meds but nothings working so I’m worried about labour and delivery. @Marvelfan300have you had any luck with your iron? My midwife said to eat all the iron I could get my hands on but I’m worried there’s only so much steak, mince and kale can do for me at this point. The consultant is refusing infusion as my HB was 1 point above recommended criteria even though my ferritin is 5 which I understand shows complete iron depletion. Did you find out what your levels were?