Does easily bruising mean anything?

MrsBeckO

In the last week or so I have had several ugly bruises pop up from who knows what. I have never been so easy to bruise... does it mean anything??

Worth mentioning to the dr?

We already know I am anemic. They caught that at 8wks and then saw that my levels were worse at 20ish weeks... could this just be another symptom of the anemia?

Any insight is appreciated!?

katattack

I believe it is associated with anemia, but you might as well mention it if you'll be at the doctor.

rssnlvr

I believe it's a symptom of anemia. Also, someone on the national boards was saying the other day that they've bruised more easily since taking DHA supplements...

MrsBeckO

I hope it doesn't mean my levels are even worse than before. I am already taking iron twice a day and its not fun for me... I don't know when I would squeeze in a third dose since I can't take it with my PNV. I already take some kind of pill at bfast, lunch, and dinner.?

I'll mention it at the OB's tomorrow.. and I guess I should prepare myself for another blood draw. If I had a nickel for every time they've had to stick me this PG, I could get myself another bfast taco! ?

Taytee

MrsBeckO:

I hope it doesn't mean my levels are even worse than before. I am already taking iron twice a day and its not fun for me... I don't know when I would squeeze in a third dose since I can't take it with my PNV. I already take some kind of pill at bfast, lunch, and dinner. 

I'll mention it at the OB's tomorrow.. and I guess I should prepare myself for another blood draw. If I had a nickel for every time they've had to stick me this PG, I could get myself another bfast taco!  

Mmmm... breakfast tacos! Excessive bruising can definitely be associated with the Anemia. Have you been increasing the Vit C you eat with meals and supplement? It's supposed to increase absorption of Iron. Caffiene, Tannins (tea) and calcium inhibit absorption.

Keep in mind that you being lower in Iron during pregnancy will mean your baby is at higher risk for Anemia earlier than other infants. That's why so many formula's and cereals are fortified with Iron. If the mother has plenty, the neonate tends to store a lot but if mommy is low, baby is born low (in general).

Have you always been anemic or is this completely pregnancy induced for you? I used to have a difficult time donating blood because I always got rejected for being anemic. It turns out it was due to my wheat allergy (intestinal damage leading to poor absorption of vitamins and minerals).  If you've always been anemic, it's worth looking into why. If it's just pregnancy, well, that's an easy cure!

MrsBeckO

I have always been borderline, with my levels on the very low end of normal. I guess PG has just made it worse. ???

I take my iron supp's with a glass of orange juice.. but I do drink coffee most mornings also, so maybe I have been hindering absorption of the morning dose? I knew about the calcium thing, I did not know about caffeine.

I will definitely talk to the doc tomorrow about it, and will keep all this in mind when Camryn is here so we can make sure her levels stay where they need to be.

Thanks for the info, Taytee. ?

Taytee

I found out from a friend when she saw me downing my prenatal with a Diet Coke when I was TTC Abby   Oops!