Dr. Appointment Update

I had my 29 week Dr. appointment today. The Dr. reviewed the results of my blood work from last week. The good news is that I passed my Gestational Diabetes test, the bad news is that my iron levels are dangerously low. I've had anemia all my life but when you are pregnant your body needs extra iron. I've been taking OTC iron supplements on a daily basis(35mg) but it's obviously not enough.

My iron level is currently 7.2. I found this online: Iron level of 7 is actually dangerously low... You could be damaging your heart and other internal organs from lack of oxygen. Low iron can lead to dizziness, confusion, being out of breath and being tired all the time as said above but also has many other symptoms, odd cravings, bleeding easily or longer from even small cuts. Your body isn't getting what it needs and your risking deadly consequences if you don't get it taken care of soon. A normal iron level is for males is between 75-175, women 65-165. A nurse wrote: I once had a woman walk into the ER by some miracle with an iron count of 6. She was near death.

My Dr called in a prescription so now I'll be taking Ferrous Sulfate (324mg) twice a day until I deliver and for several weeks after delivery. Anemia in pregnancy can lead to excess blood loss at the time of delivery, blood transfusion, etc. Ahhh!!

My iron levels were low when I was pregnant with Addison as well but I don't think they were in the 7's. I did have some excess bleeding after delivery with Addison but thankfully everything turned out fine. Keeping my fingers crossed!!

The Dr believes that Baby Boy has turned head down. He had a strong heartbeat and is doing well. Only 11 weeks to go!!