Low iron levels?

[Ahurani]

I got the DR at work to write me a slip to get my iron levels done. Ive been feeling incredibly tired and bleh so I thought Id just give it a shot.

They came back as 10. Normal is between 13 and something (cant remember). She said to see the GP but mine is away until 17th January and my next hospital appt isnt until 31st Jan.

Ive only been taking my Elevit off and on because I kept throwing them up.

What should I do?

[tattoo_mama]

You can get iron tablets at the chemist just ask the chemist which ones are safe during pg

[human bean]

I was borderline low iron and my GP/Ob told me to take ferro-f-tab iron tabs, they were over the counter. I had been taking Elevit but he told me to swap to Blackmores so I didn't over do the iron.

Can you see another GP in the meantime just to be sure of the best course of action?

[skybie]

u can get pregnancy safe iron tabs at coles, blackmores brand, maybe try taking them and then review ur iron levels once ur gp is back

[feeb]

Ferro grad and take with OJ or buy the ones with Vit C in it.

[MrsFabuloso]

I always get iron deficient during pg, generally it's not something to worry about unless your levels don't come back up with supplements. I am taking ferro-grad c tablets, which is iron with vitamin c to help your body absorb the iron. You get them at the pharmacy for about $12-ish. I was taking them every second day 'til about 6wks ago and now I am taking them daily leading up to giving birth. The doc said to take it with a glass of juice which has vit c added. Don't have it with anything with caffeine in it because caffeine will stop the absorption a bit. You can also just make sure you're eating natural iron in meats, certain veggies (spinnach, dried apricots) , fortified cerials ect, eat them with vit c rich foods to help absorb it all....another way to help boost energy when pg, I find is to make sure you're eating plenty of vit b, so foods like wholemeal cereal grains, seeds, legumes, nuts... The iron tabs can make you constipated though, so make sure you're either eating planty of fruit and veg and drinking lots of water, or having something like metamucil to help keep you regular!!

HTH

[tattoo_mama]

Be careful with metamucil. If you dont drink enough water as it is, metamucil can actually clog you up more

[MissM]

I was borderline low iron and my GP/Ob told me to take ferro-f-tab iron tabs, they were over the counter. I had been taking Elevit but he told me to swap to Blackmores so I didn't over do the iron.

Can you see another GP in the meantime just to be sure of the best course of action?

My Dr just prescribed Ferro-F-tab as my only vitamin to take, as these are the most important ones (its iron and folate) It was via prescription though.

My levels were not low though.

I would probably see someone in the meantime just to get your levels up, I know its hard when you prefer a particular Dr

[Ahurani]

Hmm I'd rather just take the ferro f. I'm sick of taking tablets. If I just take the elevit would that be enough?

[MissM]

I wouldnt take the elevit if you've been throwing them up.

I'd find something else to take. Perhaps see a pharmacist and let them know your body rejects them, what else would they recommend. You can always compare the iron mg on the box

[Ahurani]

I don't think the elevit was making me throw up pregnancy did it all by itself lol I got sick of taking it then vomiting it up so I gave up.

[Early Kids]

I would be taking an iron supplement on top of the elevit (or another pregnancy vitamin), your levels are quite low. My dr's always prescribed ferro-grad.