Anemia....

babybumb1229

So just recently my doctor contacted me saying I have anemia which FREAKED ME OUT never have I ever had anemia I've come to be pretty healthy in most of my life thank God but after seeing that I have to take iron pills vitamin c and a stool softener is anyone having this problem? What do they recommend you?

edavis926

I was anemic before so I wasn't surprised when my blood work showed I was still anemic after even though I had been taking my prenatals with 100% recommended daily value for almost a month at that point. I switched to a prenatal that has even more iron and generally eat foods that are high in iron. The stool softener part would come into play for you to be more comfortable as those foods and such are usually a bit more binding. I've never taken them though.

You need a lot more iron when your pregnant and it's pretty common for women to not get enough. You shouldn't stay anemic after your pregnancy though.

taralohse

I've struggled with Anemia off and on over the years. With my first blood screening at around 5 weeks pregnant, my levels were just above normal. However, I got my blood work back that they took during my glucose test (24w) and my levels are very low. I wasn't really surprised. 

I am in the same boat as @edavis926 - my prenatal has 100% of daily iron but it's not enough. 

Since the blood work, I've started tracking ALL my vitamin intake on a much stricter diet. I realized my diet had been lacking protein as well. I started to drink ensure active (only 70 calories) on a daily basis. 

In a way, I'm kind of relived to find out I'm anemic. My baby has been measuring as the smaller side and the anemia is most likely the cause of it. I'm hoping with diet and added iron supplements getting this under control with help my baby grow!!!! 

LiveNLove44

My doctor recommends the prenatal with iron, eating Total cereal (read the labels; not just any cereal), and eating red meat. I was anemic through the middle of high school, but I have managed my levels well through two pregnancies by following these directives!

kacichch

I've become anaemic too, never have been before apparently it's quite common. My iron levels are ok it's my b12 and folate which is odd because I've been making sure I get my vitamins. I have to start injections got a meeting with Dr tomorrow. I've had a scan since finding out and baby is perfectly healthy, just me that's exhausted and weak!!

eat111315

I've been slightly anemic since my teens. With my first pregnancy I was prescribed iron pills because of my history and because I'm vegetarian. The constipation was terrible so I stopped taking them and instead started eating foods with higher iron content. My midwife was fine with it and my blood work is ok.

My favorite cereal is Quaker oatmeal squares which have 90% of your dv of iron plus some fiber (which counteracts the iron constipation for me). It's usually my 9pm snack.

babybumb1229

Thank you everyone for replying to my post it really helps to see what you all do so I can try them as well I am just trying to be the healthiest I want my baby to be okay.

journeygirl3

I am slightly anemic too, which came on right when I became pregnant.  My dr. said it's pretty common.  I take a liquid iron supplement 2x day, that's about it.  They will be re-checking my blood levels at my next appt. 7/10. 

yogibabe24

Hi. I'm also freaking out. Same as you I've always been healthy and have been anemic for the last month. I'll 28 weeks. After about 3 wks on supplements it hasn't gotten better. Tomorrow I have to go to hematologist which makes me extremely nervous Possibly need IV iron infusion if iron deficiency is the cause. I understand your stress! Hope it's an easy fix for you

sarahewilliams118

I found out that I have an iron deficiency as well. I started on an iron supplement, however, it made me very sick. Because I didn't respond well to the supplement, and have such low iron, I had To start an iron infusion treatment. I have to go to the hospital three Saturday's in a row and be hooked up to an IV for three hours at a time getting iron infused into my blood.

Don't worry too much! It's pretty common, and will likely go away after you have your baby!!