I am anemic

Has anyone been struggling with their Iron levels? My doctor just told me yesterday that I am severely anemic and that if I were to go into labor today I would need a blood transfusion. My Iron level is 8. My doctor put me on Iron pills that I have to take 3 times a day. She gave me a prescription for Repliva that I would only have to take once a day but she is not sure if my insurance will cover it and from what I here it is expensive. I will get samples of the Repliva at my next appointment but for now I am just taking the Iron pills.

I am worried because I know I am having a C-section with this pregnancy and I don't want to have a blood transfusion. What else can I do to boost my Iron levels?

Thanks!

 

I have the same problem, and have been taking Repliva. It's right around $32/four weeks. I started out with iron levels close to yours, and have increased to 10.8...shooting for 12.

I've been eating Cream of Wheat (tons of iron), bran flakes (100% RDA), and red meat (though not as much as I should.) I know leafy green veges are supposed to have a lot of iron, too, but I can't stomach them...my one food aversion. Weird. The other thing to do is make sure you get vitamin C when eating foods high in iron, it helps with the absorptioon. So I'll have bran flakes and OJ once per day...for instance.

I've heard of tricks like cooking in an iron skillet, but haven't tried it.

Good luck!!!!

 

I had severe anemia when I was pregnant too...my level was 5. I did take iron and it did bring my levels up with no problems. I can't remember what it went up to...but it was within normal range.

I did try to eat iron rich foods too but I don't like many iron rich foods so it was hard.

Warning: it will most likely make you constipated so you might want to try taking a stool softener (metimucil is safe during pregnancy). Also, this is wayyyy tmi, but it will probably make your poop black...don't freak out!

 

QUOTE(twinsontheway2008 @ Aug 2 2008, 01:44 AM) [snapback]908615[/snapback]
Has anyone been struggling with their Iron levels? My doctor just told me yesterday that I am severely anemic and that if I were to go into labor today I would need a blood transfusion. My Iron level is 8. My doctor put me on Iron pills that I have to take 3 times a day. She gave me a prescription for Repliva that I would only have to take once a day but she is not sure if my insurance will cover it and from what I here it is expensive. I will get samples of the Repliva at my next appointment but for now I am just taking the Iron pills.

I am worried because I know I am having a C-section with this pregnancy and I don't want to have a blood transfusion. What else can I do to boost my Iron levels?

Thanks!


You still have some time to boost your iron levels. Keep with the iron supplements, and like what tracytwins mentioned, it is impt to take iron with Vit C to maximise the absorption. Also, try to space your iron/vit c intake throughout the day, because it is believed that there is only this certain amount your body can absorp at one time, so spacing it out maximises your daily intake as well. Try lean red meat, you don't want your body weight/cholesterol level to be high!

 

Dairy products can limit the absorption of iron, so don't take your iron pills with a big glass of milk! Good luck... it looks like you have a good amount of time to let the pills do their job.

 

I was anemic as well ~
I ate a whole lotta hamburgers (tsk tsk tsk) from fast-food places & honestly....It totally helped!!!!
Hang in there & keep taking those iron pills

 

I'm not having this problem. I went on WIC and they said that my iron is low but not anemic. Eating life cereal will help as it is full of iron as well. Drinking lots of oj as everyone else said will help. Good luck!

 

About 80% of pregnant women are anemic at some point in their pregnancy, usually late 2nd and in the 3rd trimesters. It's almost 100% for women pregnant with multiples.

I'm no exception. I've been taking the supplements for a few weeks now and have noticed a dramatic difference in the way I feel, but it took about a week or so before I started feeling a lot better.

I agree with the previous posters, that it also helps to modify the diet a bit to add more iron-rich foods and don't forget your vitamin c. Vitamin c helps the body to better absorb and adequately use iron. A little bit of fruit or juice every few hours will go a long way, not much, but just a little here and there about 1/2 before eating is what my nutritionist recommended.

 

QUOTE(twinsontheway2008 @ Aug 1 2008, 01:44 PM) [snapback]908615[/snapback]
Has anyone been struggling with their Iron levels? My doctor just told me yesterday that I am severely anemic and that if I were to go into labor today I would need a blood transfusion. My Iron level is 8. My doctor put me on Iron pills that I have to take 3 times a day. She gave me a prescription for Repliva that I would only have to take once a day but she is not sure if my insurance will cover it and from what I here it is expensive. I will get samples of the Repliva at my next appointment but for now I am just taking the Iron pills.

I am worried because I know I am having a C-section with this pregnancy and I don't want to have a blood transfusion. What else can I do to boost my Iron levels?

Thanks!


My iron is also a little low and my OB suggested taking an OTC iron supplement. I only have to take one a day, but they suggested a specific brand called SLOW Fe. It is supposed to be easier on the tummy than other iron pills. Today was my first time taking them, but I hope that what they advertise is true. I do not want those awful sounding side effects!

Good luck with your iron levels and keep us posted on how long it takes before they start coming back up!