Iron requirements during pregnancy

[Reet]

My iron levels came back at 114 when they were meant to be 115 or over... so only just under. The ob. told me they wld get worse and to take an iron tablet each day cos the 'little vampire wld just keep sucking the life out of me'.. and those were his words too! He suggested Fefol from the chemist and not to go with the supermarket iron tablets cos they only have 5mg of iron whereas the Fefol has a lot more. They were only $12 for 30 tablets.. i think im just going to take 1 every 2nd day.. hopefully that boosts me back up! Ive heard they can cause constipation which i so dont need so i better up the fruit!
Good luck kts!

[M D]

Thanks girls, I think a trip to the Chemist/Health Food shop is required.

Did either of you suffer many side effects and how long till you started to feel better?

[Arimeh]

I started taking iron tablets when I found myself being really lethargic and it was hard to move - a total effort.

I got ones from the chemist, and no constipation issues at all, but I do feel much better. I also introduced meat into our diet just two days a week because we were following a vegetarian diet before that.

[Heaven]

Nope, no constipation or anything here either

[Jaycee]

I would definitely start taking an iron tablet.

I am having to take 2 tablets a day as my iron levels were extremely low, if they're still as low at my next appointment I will need to have an iron transfusion.

I've had a little trouble with constipation, but that's more likely due to the fact that I need 2 tablets a day, but I have been able to combat the problem by taking some fibre tablets too and all is good

[M D]

AE & Jaycee - what brand do you take? and what dosage?

[emc2]

You could try googling lists of food, have a look at which foods have iron in them and which foods have vitamin C which helps you absorb iron.

[Jaycee]

I take ferro-grad C, it's got vitamin C in it, which helps to absorb the iron quicker. I take 2 tablets per day, but that is recommended by my midwife as my iron levels are extremely low. I'd suggest you only need 1 a day.