low blood count

ladies, hope everyoen is doing well.
I just had a question for you. I went to see my Dr. last week and he had me do some blood tests...the nurse called me yesterday saying that i had low count on iron and they want me to take iron supplements. She didnt gove me chance to ask more questions so i'm gonna call their office again today, but i would love to know from your experiences what's the effects of low iron on my babies, isnt it too late to take supplements now that i'm on my 7th month. please, any input will be apreciated.
love,
IE

[Christie2004]

It's not too late, and actually the risk of anemia is more for you than for the babies.  Anemia is very common in women carrying twins.

You want your blood counts built up as much as possible by the end of the pregnancy, when you will encounter blood loss at delivery.  Also, anemia can contribute to fatigue on your part, both now and after delivery.

Usually you will take the supplements 2 to 3 times a day, or as directed by your doctor.  Try to eat good amounts of iron rich foods, too.  Iron can be constipating, so use a stool softener if your doctor says you can, increase your fluids, and eat lots of fiber.

[Mediteranean Girl]

Thanks a lot Christie!!
I try to eat at least 2 pieces of fruit everyday and lots of calcium. I mean i try to balance all my meals but it doesnt seem to help much.
what food is most rich with fiber and iron?

[Christie2004]

Here's a good link, but it will be hard to ingest enough on your own to make a lot of difference now.

http://www.healthcastle.com/iron.shtml

Iron deficiency during pregnancy is very common, so don't worry a whole lot.  Do your best, as you've been doing!

[mgi]

CAUTION calcium  will inhibit the uptake of iron.  This could be why your iron is low.  Take your supplements near greeen leafy vegies - hit hard on spinch and broccoli.  Never take the supps near milk or cheese.  Do not take any calcium supplements.  Here are other great sources meat, liver especially (yuck)  peanut butter and dry cereal (no milk) a hamburger (no cheese)
also try using iron pans they will absorb the iron in its most usuable forma nd give it back to you in your food (ps my master's is in biochemistry can you tell?)
I had anemia with my first son - it was horrible,  I wished I had prpepared ahead.  Make sure you ask your doc for the straight iron  (they are caplets with small balls of iron inside)  your BMS will be rusty - don't be alarmed
good luck

[Still_AndiJ]

Actually you have to watch spinach and brocolli, they both have calcium in them as well.

I was anemic with one of my pg and it lasted for months after the m/c. I took iron supplements 2 hours after eating anything w/ dairy. Sometimes I didn't feel well, so I took it with a slice of bread or some apple juice. Vitamin C really helps with the absorption of iron. But don't drink calcium enriched OJ with it, defeats the purpose.

Good luck!

Andi