i'm anemic

JezcaM

got the letter from my doc's office last week but just saw/opened it. it says i should take an iron supplement once per day.

anyone else have anemia while pregnant? what's the big deal? off to google it.... but it's not a huge deal, right?

BoxerMomma

i was anemic through my whole pregnancy. i got the prescription iron pills with the stool softener b/c iron can constipate you. it wasnt a big deal for me, but im not sure if it's the same for everyone. good luck! 

brideonjuly8

I started taking them in the middle of my pregnancy.  Not a huge deal at all, just take them with a stool softner.

Nessia

I've been anemic both while pregnant and not. A major symptom for me was being tired. Just a lack of energy. I'm sure you're tired all the time anyways with a LO and being pregnant. The iron supplements should help your energy level.

AustinAggie

I am when I'm pregnant and not otherwise.  My mom was the same way.  It's not a big deal.  But, if someone besides your doctor ends up delivering you, let them know about it.  Sometimes I feel like some of the info in the file isn't read thoroughly.  I had some complications after my first delivery because I don't think anyone expected the anemia, but even then, everything was manageable.  Scary at first, but quickly brought under control.

We are lucky that iron pills exist now.  My mom had to eat liver 2X per day while pregnant.  That might have been my own personal hel! if I'd had to do that. 

MrsAJL

I was anemic with DS.  I just had to take iron pills. No biggie.

AmethystBride

I became anemic after delivery (I lost a lot of blood), and the doctor had me take iron supplements with a stool softener.  It's not a big deal at all.

:-)

bobcatsteph

I was anemic and was put on iron supplements. I liked them because they actually gave me some energy. It seems to be pretty common.

balihaigirl

i think it's pretty common - i just used the generic heb brand of iron supplements - i'm still taking them because i'm nursing.  i haven't had any issues.

JenniferL923

Yup, I got the news too mid-pregnancy--very common.  When I wasn't pregnant, I was occasionally borderline, but no doc was ever that concerned about it.  I suspected it because I was just dead tired every day.  Dr. said an OTC iron supplement should be fine and to increase the amount of iron rich food in my diet-- red meat, spinach, dark greens, etc, so that's what I've done.  I do notice that if I forget to take my pill -which is rare- but if I slip, I am dizzy and plain exhausted mid-day.  Makes for great motivation to remember to take it!

Oh and I was told you can't take it at the same time you take your PNV--or with calcium.  They inhibit iron absorption.

misjenn

I'm assuming your iron was probably borderline or slightly low if they are putting you on iron pills. I was (and still anemic) but mine was so severe (5.3) that I had to get iron infusions and blood transfusions throughout my last trimester. Was not fun at all, but if your levels are in the 10 range then you will just have to take extra iron and it will self correct with that more than likely.