The KInd Life Community Forum
Use this space to share stories, exchange ideas, ask questions, and contribute to our growing community!
iron deficiency during pregnancy...approaching anemia
Started
by KK
on July 8, 2010
I've just found out from my OB that my iron is low. My hemoglobin is fine, but she said eventually I will become anemic. I have never been deficient in iron throughout my whole pregnancy , until now (I wasn't before, either...I've been vegetarian for over 3 years). She strongly advised me to take an iron supplement in addition to my regular prenatal vitamin with iron already in it (which I've been taking consistently even prior to my pregnancy). I know that blood volume increases dramatically during pregnancy, so naturally iron levels decrease as well (even in non-vegetarians). My OB is well aware that I am a vegetarian and did not recommend eating meat (Yay!). Any advice on bringing up my iron levels without eating meat?? (I know that I must consume iron-rich foods with vitamin C to improve absorption) Thanks!
I took Floradix Iron & Herbs for the last part of my pregnancy (should have been taking it the whole time, probably). I was a little on the low side prior to that and everything went great! My daughter is 7 months old now, beautiful, healthy, and perfect! ♥
Thanks for the input, Rachel! 
I hesitate to advise supplementation especially over the forum but also like the product mentioned above, Floradix.
I'm taking just a generic ferrous gluconate that my OB prescribed. Is that still okay??
Your next blood test will tell
I've had patients who have not responded to other forms of iron supplementation - even injections - respond really well to Floradix. Its a liquid iron supplement made from plants - look into it, it may be absorbed better by your body than the one you are currently taking.
Thanks, Ann! I will look into it.
My favorite resource to use during pregnancy is Aviva Jill Romm's Natural Pregnancy Book. She has been a midwife for years and I think just recently completed MD schooling as well. Anyhow, she has lots of herbal and dietary suggestions in her book for numerous pregnancy concerns. You might try nettle leaf tea, I think it is supposed to be a rich source of iron. I buy mine in bulk and it's organic from Avena Botanicals. Romm also recommends Floradix I think. But she has tons more suggestions in her book. You might try your library, my local has a copy of it.
23 Comments