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34 weeks pregnant, low iron levels
May 27, 2008
Hello again Dr. Q,
So, I posted at 29 weeks about my low iron levels. I didn't have the numbers then, but I know now they were at 11.5. My doctor said I was "borderline anemic", and just didn't want my numbers to fall.
Well, after taking prenatals with iron (I was iron free before) AND SlowFE daily, I had my blood drawn at 32 weeks, and I am now at 11.3.
My doctor was out of town (still is), so I was dealing with someone else. She said she believes the number is fine, as I really have "maintained", despite the increase in blood volume. She said 10.5 is the number where there begins to be concern.
I'm just wondering if there's anything I can do to increase iron levels. I'm taking iron and eating iron rich foods (I don't eat beef, but I've had lots of leafy greens and Raisin Bran). Anything else? Also, do these numbers sound OK to you?
Thanks.
So, I posted at 29 weeks about my low iron levels. I didn't have the numbers then, but I know now they were at 11.5. My doctor said I was "borderline anemic", and just didn't want my numbers to fall.
Well, after taking prenatals with iron (I was iron free before) AND SlowFE daily, I had my blood drawn at 32 weeks, and I am now at 11.3.
My doctor was out of town (still is), so I was dealing with someone else. She said she believes the number is fine, as I really have "maintained", despite the increase in blood volume. She said 10.5 is the number where there begins to be concern.
I'm just wondering if there's anything I can do to increase iron levels. I'm taking iron and eating iron rich foods (I don't eat beef, but I've had lots of leafy greens and Raisin Bran). Anything else? Also, do these numbers sound OK to you?
Thanks.
The interpretation of these numbers are ultimately upto your doc...Pregnancy is a state of increased blood volume (that increases significantly the further along you go) that thus creates an "anemic" state...
Many docs would agree with the interpretation given...unless you're willing to double the dose of iron, or better yet, take your Iron with acidic substances (such as Orange Juice) to increase absorption are some of the things that can be considered..
Many docs would agree with the interpretation given...unless you're willing to double the dose of iron, or better yet, take your Iron with acidic substances (such as Orange Juice) to increase absorption are some of the things that can be considered..
May 27, 2008