I had severe anemia before I found out I was pregnant?

Question

Before I found out I was pregnant, I was severely anemic due to abnormal/heavy periods. I am worried that it might affect my baby throughout and maybe even after my pregnancy. What are some of the effects or causes that might might baby might possibly have due to that?

Answer 1

I, too, have been severely anemic since I was a teen. (In the words of one doctor, "You shouldn't be able to walk, let alone play volleyball."
Take your iron supplements. Your doctor will probably prescribe them for you anyway. You take these in addition to your pre-natal vitamins. The doc had me on one pill twice a day. I started at a hemocrit in the mid-twenties, and a hemoglobin of 8.something. By the seventh month, I'd made it to 30.2 and 10.1, which is still lower than normal, but better than I was. Your baby will draw the iron s/he needs, but it could leave you feeling SEVERELY fatigued. If you are severely anemic during the first two trimesters, it increases your chance of an early delivery or low-birthweight.
I suggest you get your HHC's done and take your supplements...make sure you are improving. If you are, that's great, b/c most women get MORE anemic during pregnancy.

Answer 2

Just eat veggies and all kinds of foods that are rich in Iron....or maybe you are already taking some Iron supplements.....Consult your OB for more infos. about your health.....t.c.