Iron Issues

I am 30 weeks along. A few months a go some of my tests showed that I was anemic. My doc put me on an iron supplement but a month later on my next appointment she didn't even check my blood to see if it was helping. So a few days ago I went and got on WIC, they took an iron level test and told me that it was very low. Shouldn't the supplement bring it up? Why isn't my doctor concerned about checking my levels?

[lovefamily]

I had the samething.  Low iron and a little anemic.  I take my prenatal at night and my iron in the morning.  My Doc hasn't checked my blood again either.  I can give you a couple of tips to help the iron absorb better in your system.  Take the iron on an empty stomach at least two hours after eating or even taking an antacid.  That's why I take it first thing in the morning.  I know my tummy is empty.  Then do not eat for 1 hour after taking it.  If you drink orange juice that is okay or eat fresh fruit, it will help the iron to be absorbed better because of the vit. C.  Do not lay down for at least 20 minutes after taking the iron.  You could get an upset tummy or reflux.  Iron busters is anything with caffiene including some decaf drinks like coffee, and tea.  They still carry a small trace of caffiene.  Also, ciggarette smoking can deplete the body of vit. C which helps iron to be absorbed, hence drinking orange juice.  Hopefully this isn't an issue for you and your baby.  Definitely no eggs, milk, antacids, or wheat products for the 1 hour period after taking iron.  I have struggled with low iron a lot.  I'm not much of a meat eater so always have to take it.  Another tip is to cook food in iron skillets.  I hope that helps.

[Darkestlight]

Yes, the supplement should bring it up. You need to ask your doctor why they didn't recheck you. Tell them it was checked by WIC and is still very low. If it's extremely low you might need iron shots temporarily and higher iron pills to bring it up. It can be dangerous if it's too low. I would call your doctor. They will probably want u to come back in and give some blood.