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??
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?
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.
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!
Ferritin levels - very low.
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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!
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