If your iron was low during PG...

Mrs.Froggianna

I've been ex.hau.sted. for two weeks now.  When I saw my OB on Thursday she checked my last bloodwork (28 weeks) and said I was on the "low end of normal" and asked if I'd been eating enough protein (no) or if I'd been sleeping well (yes).  She gave me samples of a "well tolerated" iron supplement and said to take them every other day till the next appointment (in 2 weeks) and to make sure I'm getting enough protein.

I've been taking them since Thursday night (so only once) and have been making sure I'm getting plenty of good protein the past two days.  I know I'm probably expecting too much too soon, but how long did it take for your energy levels to bounce back after you started taking supplements?

amyinaustin

Mine was similar to your case - but it was right after my glucose test (was that where they determined it for you?).  I took a low level iron pill for the rest of my pregnancy b/c of it.  I honestly don't remember the condition making me tired though - but I also was not chasing around a 3-yr old at the time.  I do seem to remember the pills making me a little constipated.  So I'm no help w/ your question I guess - but I was taking mine every day and that might make a difference.

Taytee

How much protein? Should be 60g+ It will take weeks before the iron pills will help. Blood takes awhile to make. Supplements will only get you so far. Here's some good food suggestions to help get you the rest of the way. https://www.livestrong.com/article/359635-foods-to-eat-if-anemic/

I can't remember if you plan to breastfeed (or did last time?) but both protein and plenty of high iron foods help increase breastfeeding success too so it's worth the effort to get those foods going in your diet now! It was so hard for me to start eating again after being so sick from being pregnant esp with Em. But as soon as I started eating enough of everything again, there was almost too much milk!

Mrs.Froggianna

Taytee:

How much protein? Should be 60g+

Not nearly enough.    I'm not a big meat eater anyway and the past few weeks my diet has not been it's best--DH OOT, too many Christmas cookies laying around, my own laziness, etc.  I know I got plenty yesterday and today I'm well on my way to hitting the 60g or more.  

I do plan to BF and did last time, so it's good motivation to get this under control now.  And thanks for the link.  I'll definitely check it out!

Taytee

My other easy sources were full fat greek yogurt, cheese, peanut butter (before I knew Em was allergic), and Beef Jerky. Costco sells beef jerky in "single serve" packages that are 14g each.

Also cottage cheese is high in protein but you can't pay me to eat it. It's a texture thing.

fjaril

fage yoghurt has close to 20g protein in 1/2 cup!

as an alternative to the regular fruit and stuff I like the plain as a dessert!

a little (tablespoon or so) of chocolate sauce, crushed nuts and a little vanilla mixed in the yoghurt before you add the yummy stuff

 

misjenn

It takes a while for your iron to show up because of the blood needs to conglomerate. I had to go in weekly to get my blood drawn, tested, iron infusions, B12injectables, and blood transfusions. All I ate was proteins (not really but I felt like it) but I could not get my levels up. I ate  a ton of peanut butter and crackers, Parmesean cheese (low sodium has more protein), Mozzarella and Ramono are the highest in protein. Edamame has a great amount of protein and I would just snack on them like chips. Pumpkin seeds and squash seeds are high and yummy. Red meat (veal is high too but I do not eat veal). Lobster is high and it gave me an excuse to eat lobster. More cheese yummy yummy cheese. I would up your B12 increase as well as your iron.

KittyFX

Why is everyone talking about protein? Dairy at least I know calcium isn't supposed to be taken with iron as it can decrease absorbtion, no? The most iron rich foods are meat aren't they? Red meat specifically. Dark leafy greens, spinach is supposed to be good too for a vegetarian source but I think red meat is supposed to be far superior and iron supplements made from red meat ingredients are supposed to be the best. For chicken or turkey, dark meat has more iron. Eggs are a good source too.

I had low iron before and during pregnancy. Still do. I took supplements before and during pregnancy but my iron is still slightly under range. Tiredness, I felt before and durring pregnancy. I never notice a difference. Caffeine is the only thing that helps me. (and I think caffeine also decreases iron absorbtion). I didn't drink any first pregnancy, this one I started off caffeine free and ended up ramping up to 1 cup a day.

The last few weeks I have had great energy, maybe the final nesting stage or whatever...so maybe this is something you can look forward to?

Chandley

my energy never really came back - but it did help with the spots on my hands that were showing up. also, i had to eat red meat like every day in addition to the pills.

Taytee

KittyFX:

Why is everyone talking about protein?

Protein is more about energy than about the anemia/iron issue . Many women don't get enough protein and therefore experience exhaustion, expecially when PG. The same is true of breastfeeding moms. 60g is a lot of protein when you consider the average low fat female on the run diet. But it all goes hand in hand. You have to eat enough calories, protein, fat and get enough iron sources to feel your best. Most of us are starving our bodies everyday and we don't even realize it. Then we get cravings for foods that will never satisfy what our body really needs.

Mrs.Froggianna

Thanks for the input y'all!  I've been loading up on protein since Friday and I do feel better.  Hopefully that's all I needed--to adjust my diet.  And thanks for the protein recs.  I picked up quite a few of them yesterday at the store.

KittyFX

ah...thanks for the explanation Taytee!

Another idea if you eat eggs is to make a quiche with eggs and spinach. I've been doing this and freezing it and always having it around for breakfast or a snack.