Spatone or ferrous sulphate (bit long sorry)

[no1putsbabyinthecorner]

I have been prescribes Iron tablets which I assume you know what I am going to complain about.....the side effects.
so I have started with two sachets of Spatone a day instead.
Did take 1 spatone before but hit and miss (kept forgetting)

Was just wondering if any one noticed a difference as really want a Home Birth and dont want them to tell me my levels are too low.

I asked in the chemist if I could take the tabs every other day but he said it depends how low your levels are.
Obviously if just borderline I assume SPatone would be ok.
How do I find out exactly how low do I just ask MW at next appointment. Do I mention I have taken the spatone instead of the tabs

Sorry its long.

you can take up to 4 spatone a day IIRC - you can phone the helpline to check - the number is on the box or the leaflet inside.

I have used spatone for 3 pregnancies after dreadful side effects during my first and my iron levels have been fine (had a homebirth last time as well )

I would talk to you MW about it - she will know more than the pharmicist about your levels etc.

Thankyou I have been taking them for a couple of week now and I do feel a difference. I was utterly exhausted before. Am 33 weeks and have a 17 month dd so tired anyway IYKWIM
But do feel a difference.
Hope you had a good HB I need to book in for it next week.
Hopefully wont get talked out of it this time.

My doctor presecribed me iron tablets for low iron - 11.3 (it should be over 11.5 for a non-pregnant person). I didn't get the prescription because, like you didn't want the side effects and had an appt with my midwife 3 days later. My midwife said that there was nothing wrong with an iron count of over 10 for pregnancy. I decided to take 1 spatone sachet a day anyway and when I had my blood taken about 10 days later I was up to 11.4 - not sure if that proves it did or din't work!
However, my friend who has a degree in something to do with the body says that you should take it with orange juice on an empty tummy and not close to having any calcium as that reduces absorption.
I'm not sure where you had your bloods taken, but they should be in your maternity folder. If not, ask either the doctor or the midwife (depending on where you had them taken down). If your level is likely to affect your chances of a home birth they will tell you.
Hope this ramble helps!

Thankyou I will look in my notes. I do take it first thing before breakfast with orange juice.

I had low iron with second pregnany and took spatone, iron levels checked 4 weeks later by GP (who I think was suspicious when i confessed to taking spatone not iron tabs) and it was up!

I love spatone. Took it again in 3rd pregnancy. Def helps and no side effects.

I took 2 sachets at a time on the premise that I knew I'd forget the odd day!

it says 11.7 (but not sure if thats what it means but it is in the list of other results to do with bloods)
that was at 20 week appointment so must have been results from bloods taken at 16 week.
Was advised to take Spatone then but 11.7 doesnt sound too bad does it?
Had bloods at 28 week, but have not had an appoinment since then just got a call to say I needed to collect the tabs.
Am due an appoinment next week when will be 34 weeks so should get the results then.

Hmmm - I think your iron levels must have fallen (i.e. the 28 week level was much lower than the 16 week one as 11.7 is brilliant - I got congratulated by the midwife at being 11.2 at the same time). I'd phone them up and ask for the level, so you don't have to spend a week worrying & have a week longer to start getting your levels up.
Keep us informed

Thankyou. will do.

I have just got my results (albeit 3 weeks later!) from my 28 week bloods and my iron level is 10.8g.

The midwife wants to put me on iron tabs - have heard awful things about them - but GP doesnt think its neccessary.....am so very tired - could I take spatone?

becaroo, give it a try it can only help!

Becaroo, My doctor told me I needed them when my midwife said I didn't and I'd always follow the midwife's advice. If your midwife is saying you need them then I'd take them as it could affect the birth (something to do with bleeding)..... I'd ensure you are eating lots of fruit & veg to start to counter any possible side effects.

Ok, off to boots to get some today..thanks all x

Can I just suggest that you try the iron tablets you were prescribed first and then IF you get side effects try the alternative? Not everyone experiences side effects on iron supplements, your prescription is free and they contain more iron than a spatone sachet, if you're low and want to improve levels quickly they're more effective.

btw I tried using Spatone when I was anaemic after my EmCS but it was only on the pills that I actually raised levels noticeably, it took about 5 days to feel it.

Ladybee...I am already on some meds (gastric acid inhibitors) that are making me really constipated and am having to take lactulose for that so wanted to try something different...if I am not feeling any better in 2 weeks I will go back to GP.

Thanks.