Low iron ferritin during pregnancy, what can I take as can’t get docs appointment for ages?

[Motherissues1]

Had my booking in bloods done. I’m 14 weeks now.

My haemoglobin level is 128 so apparently that’s good.

My ferritin level is 12.

Ive had trouble with iron for ages. Started off at 7, over the years think max got up to was 28. Stopped my supplements when found out I was pregnant as I didn’t know if it was safe and now it’s back to 12.

I can feel it’s low, feel tired out of breath and my heart rate is higher:

What can I safely take or should I wait for the doctor? I’m taking the pregnacare tablets (if that’s the right name) but doesn’t seem to be strong enough.

They generally prescribe ferrous fumerate but you can actually buy that OTC anyway. It can cause constipation (or even the opposite problem!) but I’d go and speak to the pharmacist, especially if you are on any other medication, thyroxine for example.

Can you message the midwife? Mine prescribed me ferrous sulfate following my blood test and I didn't even need to go through the Dr. I didn't get my iron till I was 17 weeks though after booking at about 9.

If not, speak to the pharmacist and eat lots of iron rich food - leafy greens, red meat, that kind of thing. Have a Google

Above advice is good. I would also add, up your vitamin C intake to help your body absorb the iron.

I sent a message to my midwife but she just said haemoglobin is fine so don’t panic.

I know what’s going to happen tho it will drop and drop till I’m on my knees.

Your midwife is out of date. Current research supports maximising iron stores in pregnancy (I am a midwife). Keep hassling her and the GP even for a telephone call. It's not a difficult thing to sort out a prescription. I hope you get sorted soon!

I have packets of ferrous sulphate that I used to take before getting pregnant and tolerated ok. Is it ok for me to start taking them in the meantime before I see the doc. Ill start with one and build up as I find less side effects then? Will that interfere with the pregnacare or just take both?

Not a midwife but my iron stores are low which is why I was prescribed it. I take mine first thing with orange juice on an empty stomach and then usually have my prenatal after breakfast. I've been prescribed one twice a day but don't know what my actual levels are