very low iron

[YoungMom130]

I am 24 1/2 weeks and had my glucose levels checked. Everything looked fine but the doctor told me that my iron is so low that I need to take an iron supplement 3 times a day in addition to my prenatals. Is my low iron hurting my baby? I'll gladly do whatever the doctor instructs but can't help but be concerned, I try to follow all the rules.

[peekawho]

Its very common during pregnancy to have anemia, sometimes very significant anemia.  Be sure to follow your doctors advice about taking the iron supplements.

Its unlikely that your anemia is harming the baby, but you want good, healthy iron stores for delivery and shortly thereafter.

Good luck!  You may also want to take a stool softener, as iron can be quite constipating.

[surprisebaby]

PEEK--YES!!  Very constipating...

I went through increased Iron Supplements with my first preg., but, unfortunately, my body didn't absorb the increased amount.  SOOOO...the last 10 weeks, I looked forward to a weekly IRON SHOT IN THE BUM!!!  OUCH!!! The things we do for our children!  Hopefully you can avoid this....it was not FUN!

IF you like the following are a good source of IRON...

Liver  (YUCK!)
Spinach (YUCK!)
GREEN vegetables
Red Meat

Every little bit will help!  Best of luck to you!

[Atlanta Girl]

Careful on the liver. Too much vitamin A can hurt your baby.  I had to take iron supplements too.  How many mg of what type are you taking? I didn't take a lot with my supplements but I made sure I ate plenty of food that is a good source of iron everyday.  The iron from food is much easily absorbed anyway. Keep in mind that vitmain c helps your body to absorbed it and calcium impaired it. Therefore, don't combine a food that is a good source of iron with cheese or milk. Have a glass of orange juice!

[YoungMom130]

Even though I crave chocolate milk constantly, I've been drinking a glass of orange juice with my iron each time I take it (since reading this post- thank you!). I have been taking a prenatal that has 28 mg of iron and 3 times a day I take 45 mg iron supplement. I know this is gross, but I find myself burping the iron taste throughout the day and it's terrible! I've been eating a lot more fruit to help with the constipation and mother-in-law recommended eating 1/2 cup of raisins for iron each day, so I've been snacking on raisins like crazy! Trying to eat better but life has been SO STRESSFUL as of late- due to being matron-of-honor in sisters upcoming wedding (1 month and no bridesmaids dresses, caterer, table settings!!!!-EEK!), trying to find a house (have outgrown our apartment), and throwing a bridal shower this weekend. I hope that when we get through the wedding life will get back to normal and hopefully I'll start feeling bettter. I have been totally exhausted lately, and it's tough to keep up with a toddler!
Thanks so much for your advice, it's much appreciated!!!