How to improve my Iron levels.

[Nimra]

Here I am once again.
IRON . my life is revolving around this word 24/7.Iam thirty two weeks pregnant but and been on very good doses of Iron from five weeks but so far not noticeable improvement.
when I had blood tests at 27th week Hemoglobin was 104 but Iron levels were pretty low.
(This week Ob told me it seems Iron has dropped further.)

Since then Iam taking 10 mls of Floradix twice a day ( it works for two to three hours and then Iam again drain till I have next dose) and one Fefol at night with OJ and taking care of all elements for best Iron absorption.

But I am still ghostly yellow. dizzy, fainting, my lips turned chocolate brown and palms are so pale. i can't walk for more then even 5 minutes it drains my all energy which is already nonexistent.

Please guide me what I do. Doctors seems so unconcerned.every time they ask me to increase the dose but don't bother why these all tabs are not working.

I can't increase doses of Floradix its really very pricey and I can't afford more than a bottle a month.I really need some affordable solution.

I am sick of this all low energy and fainting period.While writing this I am crying Iam so unhappy with this all situation I so want to be energetic like other preggo women.

I wonder why docs don't consider Iron injections? are they very expensive? or have side effects.
Just depressed and very unhappy mum to be.

[Feijoa Mum]

You could try taking spirilina as well as the floradix. I would recommend the tablets though as it comes in powered form too but is revolting.
I have struggled to keep my levels above the magic 100 mark through this pregnancy but my midwife recommended taking these two together and it has helped.

You can get the tablets anywhere my local woolies has them as well as the chemists.

Good luck

[Inertia]

Vitamin C helps the body to absorb Iron better - I used the high dose C tabs, not the orange chewables. Also liquid Iron (tastes foul) is better absorbed by the body. Your pharmacist should be able to help with getting you the good stuff.

[Nimra]

Vitamin C helps the body to absorb Iron better - I used the high dose C tabs, not the orange chewables. Also liquid Iron (tastes foul) is better absorbed by the body. Your pharmacist should be able to help with getting you the good stuff.

I am already taking 300 mls of orange juice a day with my irons tabs and liquid iron.Yes I agree liquid Iron is good but my body needs a High boost to be on normal side.I would also try Vit C tablets.

[Khaleesi]

With the iron infusions/injections, only one of them is safe during pregnancy. They usually only do it with very low levels. Sounds like your doing everything you can to get your levels up so I don't have any advice but I hope you feel better soon, I felt like you during my last pregnancy.

[Olive]

remember to avoid dairy/caffine too hun when taking the iron low iron sux.
i found that Spatones was better than the normal liquid iron too, though they are exxy, around $30 for 30 sachets and you can take two a day, maybe see if its something you can get via prescription that way it may be cheaper.

[Nimra]

remember to avoid dairy/caffine too hun when taking the iron low iron sux.
i found that Spatones was better than the normal liquid iron too, though they are exxy, around $30 for 30 sachets and you can take two a day, maybe see if its something you can get via prescription that way it may be cheaper.

Thanks Olive,
what I read Spatone absorbs only 2 mgs of Iron only and floradix absorbs 15 mgs out of 20 mls. I ask my Gp if she can give me prescription. But she doesn't look in favor of liquid Iron last time she gave me Ferro tab. She said its best.I only managed to take one tablet it was making me dizzy and shivers in body

[Inertia]

I am already taking 300 mls of orange juice a day with my irons tabs and liquid iron.Yes I agree liquid Iron is good but my body needs a High boost to be on normal side.I would also try Vit C tablets.

Yeah, you need a fair whack of C.. the Iron bonds with the vit c and is absorbed with the C, which is absorbed more readily through the gastrointestinal system.

[BellyBelly]

I'm struggling with very low iron again (ferritin is 7) so I am tired all the time, its so hard - the pregnancy ailments and side effects article has been updated with more info, check it out, some good suggestions from Nicole, BB's naturopath. She's helping me up my iron at the moment, I am on Floradix and she's also giving me something else since its so low. I'm also eating more protein, eggs for breakfast etc which might be an idea for you too.

Pregnancy Ailments & Side Effects During Pregnancy

[Nicole Tracy]

Hey Nimra,

Sounds like you're doing lots of the right things to increase your Iron levels - you must be feeling very frustrated (and exhausted!) I am really happy to help you further if you would like. You are welcome to send me a personal message, or call my clinic and we can have a quick chat on the phone Monday morning.

By the way, the Ferro tabs are a high dose of Iron, but they are really difficult to absorb and the type of Iron used in them often causes constipation. The 'practitioner only' brands of Iron tablets that are available to naturopaths are much kinder to the digestive system, contain other co-factors to assist absorption, really work to build up Iron and ferritin levels, and they are cheap too. I can help you out with some if you message me.

Hang in there - You can get your energy back!

xxx

[Kirley64]

Hey, I can totally sympathise with you on the low iron. Levels were normal at 6week blood test however they are only just above the 100mark at my 28 week blood test as well.
My doc said for me to do the iron tab and vitamin c thing - but she is also going to send me for another blood test in a couple weeks; apparently my hospital has some sort of thing they do to give mothers iron (i'm not sure on specifics at this stage) in the couple weeks before they give birth. Maybe it's worth asking about??
The exhaustion does suck alot - however my doc said as long as i'm trying everything i can to get it back up, don't worry about it as this thing at the hospital will work.

[Nimra]

Hey Nimra,

Sounds like you're doing lots of the right things to increase your Iron levels - you must be feeling very frustrated (and exhausted!) I am really happy to help you further if you would like. You are welcome to send me a personal message, or call my clinic and we can have a quick chat on the phone Monday morning.

By the way, the Ferro tabs are a high dose of Iron, but they are really difficult to absorb and the type of Iron used in them often causes constipation. The 'practitioner only' brands of Iron tablets that are available to naturopaths are much kinder to the digestive system, contain other co-factors to assist absorption, really work to build up Iron and ferritin levels, and they are cheap too. I can help you out with some if you message me.

Hang in there - You can get your energy back!

xxx

Dear Nicole
Thanks for a great help I have sent you massage.I believe with your help I will manage to get back to normal life.

For belly belly ( Moderator of website)
your article was a great help to me.Iam already following most of the advices written in article for Iron absorption.
I have also included 2 eggs every day in my diet from 5 weeks and I have noticed the day I miss eggs or a read meat or for 2 hours delay in floradix dose I feel insane.I feel like my head is in screw gauge and pressure in my head just kills me till my floradix works.

my special thanks is to all sweet ladies who just took time and shared their views with me.At least this is the only best forum I have found where people believe on me. Unlike hospital doctor (specially one!!) who never believes me never bother to look at my blood results until I was in emergency dept. with sever anemic symptoms.

Luv and hugs to you all
Nim

[surprised]

Hi Nimra,

Glad things are finally starting to come together for you.

Just thought I'd mention B12. I tend to be low in this, which affects my iron as well. I've been taking 2x ferro grad with C iron tabs and floradix each day (isn't the floradix interesting in taste???!!!!). But I've also been having a b group vitamin, and didn't really start to pick up until I did.

Hope that helps!

[Nimra]

Hi Nimra,

Glad things are finally starting to come together for you.

Just thought I'd mention B12. I tend to be low in this, which affects my iron as well. I've been taking 2x ferro grad with C iron tabs and floradix each day (isn't the floradix interesting in taste???!!!!). But I've also been having a b group vitamin, and didn't really start to pick up until I did.

Hope that helps!

Hi surprised,

My dose is so Identical to yours.
I take Fefol at night and two doses of Floradix ( it tastes so fishy even in OJ)On top of Natures own vitamin B complex (Doctors never bother to check my B 12 at all I hate Public Obs so unconcerned behavior ) and my pregnancy multivitamin.

I am really sick of all these medicines and been regularly on them from 6 weeks. so far have noticed v little improvement.

There is a question with you. Have u noticed any blood pressure change with Floradix.
when i drink it my Blood pressure elevates to 105/72 or more usually it was low.

Once at night I was v tired sick to death I took extra dose of fefol and my Bp was shotup to 119/89.
Do u think too much iron has any impact on BP?
but its not something my Iron levels are improved Iam still pale deadly yellow woman.

[surprised]

Hi Nimra,

Sorry to hear you're still not 100%. My BP has been really constant the whole way through (I am 40+3 today), but that's an interesting hypothesis. Would it be worth a trip to your GP to try to get to the bottom of it all? You don't want to be feeling like this when you've got a little one to look after (actually, you don't want to be feeling like this full stop!).

Have you ever looked into coeliac disease? Can cause malabsorption problems.

If I think of anything else I'll let you know... don't give up, your health is worth fighting for

Surprised xo

[Just Me]

Hi Nimra,

I too have low iron and I'm not pregnant anymore. I had it with DS (my levels got down to 98 and that doctor started talking blood transfusion - I'm not really sure what it all means but it was pretty intense. I was so tired, I didn't care) and I totally understand how you feel and breastfeeding has also knocked me about a bit with my iron levels. They are still not great and while I am still breathless a lot, it is a bit easier without a baby pushing on my lungs.

I don't have a lot of advice but I was wondering if you drink much tea? Tea contains a highly condensed quantity of natural tannin which over prolonged use can cause anemia. Lots of thing contain tannin (like caffeine as suggested by someone else previously) but tea leaves are notorious. Orange flavouring/colouring in fruit drinks also contains tannin. It is important not to have tannin with meals or around the time of iron supplements because it can inhibit iron absorption

I don't know if that info helps much, but it's something to think about.

I hope your iron gets under control soon, it's not much fun.

[Nimra]

Hi Nimra,

I too have low iron and I'm not pregnant anymore. I had it with DS (my levels got down to 98 and that doctor started talking blood transfusion - I'm not really sure what it all means but it was pretty intense. I was so tired, I didn't care) and I totally understand how you feel and breastfeeding has also knocked me about a bit with my iron levels. They are still not great and while I am still breathless a lot, it is a bit easier without a baby pushing on my lungs.

I don't have a lot of advice but I was wondering if you drink much tea? Tea contains a highly condensed quantity of natural tannin which over prolonged use can cause anemia. Lots of thing contain tannin (like caffeine as suggested by someone else previously) but tea leaves are notorious. Orange flavouring/colouring in fruit drinks also contains tannin. It is important not to have tannin with meals or around the time of iron supplements because it can inhibit iron absorption

I don't know if that info helps much, but it's something to think about.

I hope your iron gets under control soon, it's not much fun.

Dear Just Me.
i really do all care for Iron absorption. I only drink tea in the morning and still nothing working for me on Saturday I had to rush hospital my condition was worsening.I had hot flushes and dull vision my heart was blasting I went to hosy and was told seems my Hemoglobin dropped further.

They told my blood will be rechecked at 36th week and all those medications are the only option. I even asked them what if my iron levels that low by birth time. How I will cope with labour and midwife said umn then we might suggest you to switch to Spatone at 36th week.
Iam also facing chest pain too
I am stressing how i will survive this all hell .When no one looks so concern with my fainting, and bad energy levels.

[Khaleesi]

Nimra with both my pregnancies i've had low iron & hemoglobin. My levels usually sat around 4-7 for iron & 70-80 for hemoglobin.
I know how hard it is & i really hope you can find something to help you out