Anemia question...

dancinqueeen1717

Hi guys!

My doctor finally called me back with the results of my bloodwork, and she told me that I am pretty seriously anemic. She recommended that I take an iron supplement (in addition to my prenatals, which contain iron) three (!!!!) times a day.

Doesn't that seem like a lot? I haven't been able to stomach a lot of meat lately, but I've been trying to eat healthy when I can. I won't be able to take the iron supplements in the morning (because I drink milk) or with my prenatals at night. It just seems like...a lot of pills to take during the day. 

Anyone else have experience with anemia? What did your doctor recommend to you? Any meat-free suggestions for getting more iron in my diet? 

Thank youuuu.  

MomiJerz

Do exactly what your doctor says !!!! No google unless u want more non meat foods with iron or recipes.. Your doctor knows what she is talking about . I have friend due in 5 weeks has been on bed rest since 23 weeks because of anemia and her body just wouldn't absorb the iron ( thats not a normal fix so dint worry just saying ) she takes three pills a day her baby is growing fine but just listen to your doctor. 

Manx4

Iron is absorbed into your system easier when it comes from animals vs plants/supplements. 

I am anemic on & off through life, I usually feel dizzy or faint when it seems to be happening again.  Most women become anemic during pregnancy so it's not uncommon at all.  

Since you can't handle meat right now take the iron pills.  Up to three a day is not unheard of at all.  Take them with OJ if you can handle it, the OJ will help the absorption into your system.  

Caffeine can also inhibit iron absorption so try to take your supplements about 2-3 hours prior to drinking/eating anything that has iron in it.  (Coffee, tea, chocolate)

Listen to your doctor, she's looking out for your and your baby's best interest.  If you want, go to another doctor for a second opinion but don't follow Dr. Google's advice.  He did not go to medical school.

Manx4

As for non meat iron rich options - there are a lot out there. 

Spinach
Brocolli
Sweet Potatoes
Peas
String Beans
Whole wheat bread
Bran cereals - look for enriched on the label
Rye bread
Enriched pastas/rice/beans
Prunes
Watermelon
Strawberries
Raisins
Eggs - focus on the egg yolks - those have the highest iron level in the egg

dancinqueeen1717

Hey, thanks!

 I'm certainly planning to follow my doctor's instructions and to treat the anemia...I was just curious to see if there was a more natural (read: less pills for me to take) way to do it. Thank you very much for the recommendations.

 Happy Friday!

jaanderud

I too got the bloodwork back and am supposed to take iron supplements twice a day along with my prenatals (I added it up- over 800mg of iron!). I tried to take all three pills at the same time at night and that was a bad idea lol. Stomach ache like crazy.

Although it does sound like a lot I would try to stick to what the doctor said. I have been taking my prenatals and one iron pill, but have had a hard time fitting in two iron pills. But I have always been very anemic so I knew I would have to step it up with the iron pills.

 I know spinach and any other leafy greens are a good non-meat source of iron. There are also some iron supplements that you can get at Walgreens I think that are liquid and tasteless that you can put into a drink if that makes it easier to fit it in throughout the day.

I have always known that some of the side effects of anemia are being more tired and being cold, which I have always dealt with, but it has been more difficult being pregnant and feeling so tired all the time so I am definitely going to keep working to remember to take that extra iron pill. I have found that taking an iron in the morning, a prenatal when I get home from work (around 3), and another iron pill before I go to bed (when I remember).

 Good luck! Hopefully it's a boy and won't need as much iron as a girl would lol.