I lost about 250 mL, but I believe that's minimal? I know there are things you can do beforehand to minimise blood loss. and they can certainly check your iron levels (apparently that's an indication of whether you'll bleed, or there'll be an issue if you do?).
Hi MNB, I discussed this issue with my MW recently. I have never had a PPH but I had also heard the the risk increased with each bub. My MW said that was not necessarily true. Also, she told me it is important to maintain adequate ferritin level (iron stores) and zinc levels in order to reduce the risk of PPH. I read a great article about zinc recently- it is very important to maintain good zinc levels during preg.
However, I think you should get the opinion of homebirth MW's in your area. Some may regard you as high risk, others may not. And as Bella said there are steps that can be taken to mitigate any risk.
ETA- the article that HotI refers to is a good source of info too. Thanks HotI
Tegam - so you had a hard time finding a midwife to do number 5? You're in Brisbane yeah?
Arte - pmsl, no hypothetical due date. But we are in discussions - I just wanted to know my options.... No trusty independent birth centre here in Brisbane!
Thanks all for the info re:iron levels, mine were quite low during my last pregnancy so maybe that's why I lost a bit? I was on iron supplements though so I dunno...
Regarding iron supplements, some are ineffective at raising ferritin (iron stores). You need a high potency chelated iron supplement. There is a great one made by Metagenics. It is practitioner only, so you have to buy it from a Naturopath. Some health food shops that employ naturopaths will sell it over the counter. My ferritin levels were really low at 30 weeks. I started on the Metagenics tabs immediately, and by 36 weeks my ferritin levels had quadrupled. My haemoglobin levels had also increased. MNB, do you know what your platelet levels were like? It is also important to have good platelet levels to reduce the risk of PPH.
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