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.

[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

[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