Things were going fine and...

Now I find out I'm severely anemic...I'm now 30 weeks pregnant and I have already been worrying about this pregnancy as I did with my first two. I just got finished reading up about being severely anemic during pregnancy and found some terrifying things.

First off let me start by saying that when I asked my doc should I be concerned she said "well its not a life or death kinda thing". So with me bein scared to take pills I decided to look up the folic acid and iron pills she prescribed me and with those my main concer is the constipation caused by iron supplements bcause I already had a scary case of constipation with this pregnancy and with me any gastrointestinal issue sets my anxiety off so the las thing I wanna do is make it worse. The problemcame when I started reading about severe anemia during pregnancy. I read about people needing blood transfusions (most of them weren't pregnant at the time). I also read that it can cause pre-term labor, low birth weight and stillbirths. I'm freaking out. I did read that it can cause palpitations, dizziness, shorthess of breath and some other issues. The thing is I've had those three issues with my anxiety so should I assume that it was me being anemic all along?? But how could this be when I've had my blood drawn at least 20 times since these symptoms started. I'm now wondering if this issue isn't resolved could I bleed to death or possibly need a transfusion during delivery??? I'm just so scared...

Hi N.B.! I am sorry that you are feeling so frightened about this right now. First off let me assure you that anemia is pretty common in women of child-bearing age. You are not going to need a transfusion, and nothing catastrophic is going to happen as a result.

You do however need to take your suppliments. Since you are worried about the constipation, here are a few ideas to try. TG is right about the colace. You may have even taken this after your first two babies. They often give it to women after birth to make going that first time easier. It doesn't stimulate the bowels like a laxative, so it won't disrupt your system and make you anxious:) You can also try a fiber suppliment that you can mix right into your food or drink. Just remeber that fiber is only as good as the water that you drink with it! Fiber bulks up the stool, and if you don't have enough liquid to bind with it, the opposite effect can happen. Also psyllium, whole grains,beans/legumes, fruits and vegetables are all great, natural food sources of fiber.

Foods that are rich in iron are: red meat, egg yolks, spinach/collards (dark leafy greens) prunes/raisins/dried apricots (dried fruit) beans/lentils/chick peas (hummus!)

Also, if you can eat foods high in vitamin C, you will get the maximum absorption of your iron:)

Try not to worry. Will your dr. re-check your levels after you have been on the suppliments for a while? I would hope so. I think that you should be able to take care of this with the iron pills, and the nutritional changes no problem.

Let us know how you are doing and feeling soon mamma:)
Take care,
S.C.

Good Morning Nelle,

My Dr. recommended FiberCon for me to use daily for constipation. FiberCon is a bulk forming fiber therapy therapy that is safe, gentle and has natural action of fiber in a convenient caplet to help you relieve constipation.

Benefiber and Metamucil are 2 products that come in a mixing powder form which you can mix into anything you choose - orange juice, water etc.

I would ask your Dr. if using these products would be OK for you to use.

Big Breath and know we are all here to support and help you through.

Gentle hugs to you,

Kitt