Iron Tablets durning pregnancy

[angcaltam]

Does anyone know anything about not taking Iron tablets during pregnancy? I remember hearing something about it but not much. I'm TTC at the moment and need my Iron tablets to help me get up in the mornings. If anyone has any info about it please share it with me.
Hope to hear from someone soon.

[2girls&1boy]

Hi Katherine,

When I was pregnant with Grace I was told I had to take iron tablets as my count was quite low. I am not sure why you couldn't take them. My were called FGF for deficiency in both iron and folate.

Cheers
Paula

[AM]

I have heard from a lot of women that the tablets cause constipation, and I have always used the liquid form, and have never had any problems.

Are you referring to the recent news story about Iron sups somehow being bad for women ttc or pg?
Sorry, I didn't hear the full story, just a wee snippet.
I'm not worried, as I used my liquid iron with my ds, and no worries, so I'm happy to do it with this pg as well.

Angie

[aardvark]

I was put on Fefol, which is iron and folate at about 20 weeks in both previous pregnancies.

I thought an iron supplement was recommended from mid-pregnancy onwards, and while breastfeeding.

[angcaltam]

There was something on the news about it. I didn't get to see it all but people have said that they think it could be linked to tantrums in the child latter on or something like that.
But I don't eat enough meat to get the iron intake that I need so that is why I take iron tablets, one every night.
Maybe there might be someone that seen it that could let us in on what it was about.
Thanks for your fast response, and sorry about you having to join the TTC in August thread, hopefully I don't have to join you guys, but I should know by Tuesday if I'm joining you or not.

[Milly]

I was also put on Fefol and Megafol (0.5mg) with my first and Megafol (this time 5mgs) and Fefol again. However, I have been a lot more casual with the Fefol this time due to the old bowels. But I have still kept it up to some capacity. I take Elevit now that I am in my 2nd Trimester. It is a multivitamin and contains some iron.

Actually, I heard an interesting thing today. It is a good idea to keep your iron supplements up (unless your iron is too high and your medical practioner advises against it) during your pregnancy and after birth as this can help with breastfeeding and general recovery as because your body/uterus is cleaning itself out with the Lochia bleed, the Iron restrores this loss and gives you more oomph so to speak. It was very intresting. That is probably why multivitamins like Elevit that contain iron are a recommended suggestion for Lactating/breastfeeding woman as well as pregnant women.

[jarrahsmumma]

hi all ,
i used iron and folate supplements from 6 weeks with my pregnancy i had low iron and found no side effects, i think that i remember the doc saying you should not take them for a prolonged period (over 6 months i think ???)

hope that helps

peace
natalie

[AM]

On the subject of Iron replenishment after birth, nature provides the very best source of it.
Your placenta.
I plan to eat my placenta this time after my baby is born, as it has many benefits, and anecdotal evidence points to it reducing pnd, which I suffered from last time.

Angie

[Nickster]

I took ferrogradumet (2 x am and 2 x pm) as well as the Blackmore's Pregnancy and Breastfeeding vitamins throughout my entire pregnancy (and still am). The ferrogradumet was to help me as I had a low red blood cell (haemoglobin) count, which is something your dr/midwife should routinely check for you. Make sure if you do need to take an iron supplement that you take it to the hospital with you, I forgot and the subsequent birth and blood loss made my iron go to an all-time low, leading me to need a course of iron injections over 6 weeks after the birth (this was NOT pleasant as it caused the WORST constipation I have ever experienced, and I'm not going into details here!!!). It is very important that you continue taking your iron if needed, as low levels can cause depression.
As a further note, there are no behavioural problems whatsoever with my daughter, and I continue taking the iron tablets on medical advice, if that can assure you in any way.
ps. The ferrogradumet is also a lot cheaper than the liquid iron supplement, if that is a concern!

[sueliz]

Hi Katherine

I am about to go on Elevit, (am 9 weeks pregnant), as this has been recommended to me by both my ob and my sister in law, (I have been on just folate tablets up until now, but apparently my iron levels are a little low). I actually started to take it before I was pg as on the back it says ideally to be taking it a month before conception as well, but then went off it for a while as there was a severe shortage of it. If you do go on Elevit and you find some at your local chemist, be sure to stock up as there is a shortage on it in Australia.
Good luck with it all!

Cheers!
Sueliz

[angcaltam]

Thanks all,
You have all put my mind at ease. I talked with DH and we both agree that I should keep taking it until I fall pregnant and then when we go to the Dr to get it confirmed we will ask her.
Thanks once again.