Anemic and pregnant?

asun123 · January 2017

Is anyone else anemic?
I am always anemic, not just during pregnancy.
Before I was pregnant, I was keeping my iron levels high by eating iron rich foods but I know from my 2 past pregnancies, that's not enough and I need actual iron supplements. So I started iron supplements last week and gosh do I hate them (they cause constipation).
I know most ladies don't find out if they are anemic or not until their first trimester blood tests.

If anyone's anemic on here, how are you feeling? Dizzy? tired?

Nxy · January 2017

I was crazy anemic with my first pregnancy. My ob tried to talk me into a blood transfusion but we agreed she'd give me some time to get my numbers up and if not then we'd revisit.Thankfully after taking a "gentle iron" supplement multiple times a day I was able to get my levels out of the high risk category.
This time around I went with a prenatle with a high dose of iron to try and head it off but like you I struggle with anemia normally so it's hard. I've got the doctor watching my levels more closely this time though.
Very dizzy, very tired. For me it got way worse during the second trimester. So that's something to look forward to if I can't stay on top of this.

I'd look into the gentle iron it's supposed to be easier on the stomach. Drink lots of water to keep things moving. Prune juice if you feel too backed up.

Leni410 · January 2017

I have thalassemia anemia which is always worse while I'm pregnant. My doctor also did a test in my last pregnancy which told him my body doesn't absorb iron so adding supplements would help. I just do my best to eat an iron heavy diet.

PeachyTeachy · January 2017

I am borderline anemic and will test low iron some of the time. While pregnant, I'm considered anemic and have to take iron supplements. I also really hate the constipation and tiredness. I try to eat a few dried prunes every morning with a cup of coffee to move things along.

britvahok · January 2017

When I was pregnant with DS I was borderline and my dr had me taking iron supplements. The constipation was so bad I rarely took the supplements.

dtspmama · January 2017

I have "chronic" (for lack of a better word) iron deficiency anemia and my hematologist has me on 975 mg of iron per day while I'm pregnant (I do IV iron every couple of months when not pregnant). The constipation is awful so I add miralax to my coffee every day (doctor's orders) and it helps as much as it can.

asun123 · January 2017

I had some tests done yesterday and I got my blood counts up! I couldn't be more proud. I've been working extremely hard to be in the normal ranges and I did it! I just really didn't want to speeches from my doctor about my anemia.

PinkPrincessPiper · January 2017

I had anemia during my last pregnancy. I took an iron supplement everyday with a stool-softener (Colace) to offset the side effects. My doctor recommended it. Worked like a charm. Spinach is a good food to eat to boost your iron levels.

beenabee · January 2017

I had to take an iron pill twice a day in my last trimester to get my numbers up so I didn't need a blood transfusion. My number was in the 8 or 9s and 12 is normal

dma0389 · January 2017

I've been anemic even before pregnancy and took iron supplements (well I haven't in a while because I keep forgetting to). So with this 2nd pregnancy I've noticed I'm more dizzy than normal and even from my 1st pregnancy with my son.

I have my 1st appt today (I'm 8 weeks) and I bet my Dr. will tell me to take my iron supplements again.

clairemwalker · January 2017

Im anaemic. Ive Already started taking an iron tablet wifh my prenantal so hopefully my midwife wont tell me off!

frizzell76 · January 2017

I was pretty anemic with my last pregnancy very dizzy and weak and tired all the time. So my midwife put me on hemaplex. She says it works really fast to bring iron levels up, sometimes in just a few days. I loved it because I felt like a rock star with all the energy it gave me. the best part is it doesn't constipate! Its some sort of plant based super suppliment that works very well. I wish I had started taking it sooner, as soon as my symptoms hit.

asun123 · January 2017

@frizzell76
I'm going to look into that!

frizzell76 · January 2017

Keep us posted! I hope it helps!

kvh22 · January 2017

My doctor said that most women will become anemic at some point during pregnancy, so while I have no history, I am trying to be preventive. I agree with @frizzell76 - I take a plant based iron supplement (which has some vitamin c for absorption) and don't seem to have horrible issues with constipation, although it is not a high dose. I haven't been tested for anemia yet, but I do have dizzy spells and am pretty tired - I was equating it with the first trimester placenta-making but maybe I should talk to my doctor.

dmbfan46835 · February 2017

Any updates ladies? New supplements or ideas? I finally got my blood test results in the portal and my RBC count was 3.9. So pretty low:( I won't see my regular doc again until the 20th so I asked my D.C. today and he was concerned and told me to get on a supplement asap.

emmeline714 · February 2017

I am anemic during pregnancy only, always feeling tired and sometimes dizzy i have been taking iron pills to boost them up since my appetite is not there. I really am not hungry i force myself to eat for the baby but sometimes i just feel to sick or to tired to even eat. As of lately i just get off work and push a nap before bedtime.

lmyrmo · February 2017

At Dmgfan46835 I don't think a 3.9 RBC count is particularly low for women. Doctors/midwives usually base anemia on hgb and hct numbers in pregnancy, you shouldn't be considered anemic until levels are below 11.0 and 33 percent respectively. And lower in the second trimester is even normal. Not saying don't listen to your provider, but taking iron based on numbers that don't reflect normal levels in pregnancy may be unnecessary. We can have up to 40 percent more blood volume in pregnancy so hgb/hct numbers have to shift.

babyudell8815 · February 2017

After the first round of bloodwork, my Dr. called me saying that I'm anemic and to find a supplement. I tried Flinstones but that wasn't enough so I switched to Geritol. I feel a boost of energy so I hope it's working!

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