AW: Penta Screen results

TXwife9 · February 2013

We did the Penta Screen through Quest Diagnostics last week and my OB just called with our results. All tests came back normal. I'm very relieved!

On a different note, my blood counts came back abnormal and they said I am anemic. They are starting me on iron supplements. Has anyone else dealt with this? I didn't in my last pregnancy.

Ruthie04 · February 2013

My 27 week levels came back low and I was put on iron supplements. I took slow FE, as they said it would be a bit easier on my stomach. The big thing to remember is not to take the supplement with dairy, as it will block the absorption. Citrus, on the other hand, helps with it.

Oh, and congrats on a great screening!

amandaleigh1 · February 2013

Ruthie04:
My 27 week levels came back low and I was put on iron supplements. I took slow FE, as they said it would be a bit easier on my stomach. The big thing to remember is not to take the supplement with dairy, as it will block the absorption. Citrus, on the other hand, helps with it.

Oh, and congrats on a great screening!

Ditto all of the above. You may find the iron constipating as I did. I had to take stool softeners too with the iron.

IBackBevo · February 2013

Congrats on the screening. Sorry to hear about the anemia.

TXwife9 · February 2013

amandaleigh1:
Ruthie04:
My 27 week levels came back low and I was put on iron supplements. I took slow FE, as they said it would be a bit easier on my stomach. The big thing to remember is not to take the supplement with dairy, as it will block the absorption. Citrus, on the other hand, helps with it. Oh, and congrats on a great screening!
Ditto all of the above. You may find the iron constipating as I did. I had to take stool softeners too with the iron.

This is what I was afraid of. I've been constipated through this whole pregnancy so far. I will get with my doctor about this for sure!

TXwife9 · February 2013

Thanks everyone!

TJ1979 · February 2013

Yay! Congrats on great results. GL with the iron. Mine were border line low, but I was able to bump it up with diet. I hope the iron supps aren't too hard on you. My friend is on them, and suggested taking them at night before bed to minimize the yucky burps they cause.

pb_bride · February 2013

Congrats on the screen results.

I was anemic when I had b/w done at the start of 3rd tri. I was told to take 150mg iron (I got Iferex).

As for constipation, I ate lots of fruit for b'fast, and lots of veggies for lunch & dinner. In addition, I add 3 tsp of wheat bran to my b'fast granola, which helps to keep me regular!

Dragonfly1226 · February 2013

I think anemia is fairly common during pregnancy b/c of your increased blood volume. My iron levels were borderline when I was pregnant with DS. I kind of expect to test anemic with the twins. My bloodiest is next week. Yay for your normal screening!!!