Ferritin levels - very low.

[BubbleKitten]

I got all my 27 weeks blood tests back and my Ferritin Level was only 7. Which from what I gather is very low!

I know that ferritin is what stores the iron rather then the actually iron its self so to speak. I Desperately don't want to go on iron tablet and would like to change my diet.

The natropath said that ferritin levels do not mean I am anemic just that my storage level are low.

Can anyone else explain this to me (or had similar experience?)and do you think that its worthwhile trying to ague with my OBS to let me change my diet and see how we go, say do a re-test in 3 weeks??

[chocolatecatty]

Aah you must feel like cr@p! My levels dived at the 28 week period for my last two pregnancies, ferritin was 4 then 7. Talk about tired! So glad I found out it was my ferritin and not just laziness!

I was told it can take months to get your levels up to normal (which is around 50???) so the iron tabs might be the quickest way to go? You will most likely be tested for ferritin levels in a few weeks time to see how the tablets/diet is going so I guess you could try to up your iron intake through your diet and resort to the iron tablets after the next test if your levels haven't improved much.

Liquid iron would be even quicker...though I've heard it tastes just awful. Is there a reason you're not wanting the iron tabs?

[Loula]

OOooO ive never heard of this? is it routine to get this done when you have your 28 week bt?

[luna moth]

I get ferritin done once a year, just because I'm vegan. Mine has been as low as 15, but I have ben really careful with my intake, and it has been better.

If you change your diet, it probably won't show up in three weeks time - it takes a lot longer than that to build up your stores. If you're willing, give Floradix a go - liquid herbal iron supplement OR ask your naturopath for Femax tonic, which tastes vile, but really gets results. Nettle tea is also a great uterine tonic that is high in iron.

[jackrose]

I second the liquid iron rather than tablets, it is absorbed much more easily.
On the diet side, try to eat all iron that you consume (and that included all iron supplements) with vitamin C (ie eat a tomato or drink some OJ) as Vit C aids absorption of iron.

ETA: I just noticed you are in Melbourne. I picked up an iron tonic from Dartnell's Pharmacy in Surrey Hills which is great for building iron stores and it doesn't taste too bad at all - especially when mixed in OJ I took it on the advice of my midwife as my ferritin was low in pg too. They take orders over the phone and deliver if you are unable to get out which was the case for me with a 2yo in tow!

[chocolatecatty]

Loula - yep, it should be part of your routine 27-28 week bloods. If not, ask your middy to check for it anyway.

[BellyBelly]

My ferratin level is also 7, and yes can totally relate with the whole glad that its not you being lazy, its just that your damn tired and its hard to function. Unfortunately I hadn't been able to do anything sooner so I should have been on top of this ages ago. I asked about the iron shots they can give you, but the GP said a side effect is that it can leave a rusty ring around the injection site, and I dont want that!

My GP wanted me on Ferro Gradumet which is a strong iron supplement. Floridix is great as a preventative, especially for pregnant women, and is naturally derived from berries so doesn't taste bad. But its not enough to fix such a deficiency. I have two eggs for breakfast as often as possible (this has helped heaps too) - my acupuncturist recommended it, who also has herbs for blood. I boil two, mash it up with a bit of mayo and put it in a sandwich or if I am not too hungry, just eat it without bread for a snack, it's quite filling. I have to go back and get my levels re-tested soon, it's been a month, but I have missed taking it some days and often without vitamin C... so really have to get my act together with that. I also eat as much meat and mushrooms as I can as well as other iron rich foods. I have always been a big meat eater though.

Yes, they do like you to be around 50 and will say that when you hit 30 its on the lower side. So 7 is very low. And exhausting.