Blood transfusion in pregnancy - advice please!

[thelennox]

I had my 36 week check today, and they took blood to check my iron count. Anyway, had a phone call this evening from the hospital saying my iron levels are at 6.9, and that it is likely I will need either iv iron, or a blood transfusion. Anyone else been through this? A blood transfusion sounds awfully drastic, but is it the best way to get my levels up? Just wondering if anyone out there has any advice to give, so that I maybe have a better idea of what I am dealing with. Thanks!

bumping for you- I had a blood transfusion after dd2 was born. It wasn't as dramatic as I thought just like being on a drip but with blood in the bag iyswim. It was definitely an odd feeling emotionally watching someone else's blood go into me..

have you been on iron tablets all the way through?

It's pretty standard (sounds dramatic but is pretty much as girlsyearapart says).

It's a quick qay to get your iron levels up as iron supplements can have quite bad side effects (nausea etc) in a lot of people.

I had iv iron infusions every week in the last three months of my last preganancy.

My iron level was below 5 I think.

I used to have to go on the antenatal ward, have the canula put in by a doc then the infusion, (takes about half an hour) then a lie down for an hour.

They definitely made me feel better.

I've not had them in pg but afterwards

Both the iron drips and the blood transfusions were fine

Either will perk you up quicker than tablets and you haven't got long to go

Hi everyone - thanks for replies!! Went into hospital today for my 1st infusion, and can't believe how much better I feel already. Can climb to top of stairs without needing oxygen. Was also an excuse to lie around all day - the hospital asked me to be in for 9.30 and of course there was no doctor to be found till about 2.30!! very glad I had it though - hopefully will be able to squeeze a few more infusions in before bump arrives.
Thanks again

Glad to hear you are feeling better