Who Knows about anemia?

Question

My doc's office just called and told me my hemoglobin is 8.1. It was 10 at last check in March. Since then, I've become pregnant (I'm 3 months along now.) and they said that's probably why it has dropped. The increased my Nifirex to twice daily instead of once a day, plus I take my prenatal. They said if they don't see an improvement, we'll think about a transfusion.

Is that standard practice or a little bit hasty? I really don't like the idea of someone else's blood in me. Is pregnancy a valid reason to cause such a drop in a short amount of time?

I've had symptoms since my last pregnancy (I have a 9-month-old as well) and the levels were a little low at that point and they started me on iron supplements. I've continued taking the supplements, continued having the symptoms regardless, and now it's dropped two points in three months' time. I'm not experiencing blood loss or anything, so where is the blood going?

Answer 1

I had severe anemia before my hysterectomy because of loss of blood. I don't know why pregnancy would cause your hemoglobin to drop; it's usually caused by blood loss. Maybe it's because you're sharing your blood with your child.

Taking vitamin C with your iron supplement will allow it to absorb better. See if that helps.

At any rate, it is dangerous to allow severe anemia to go untreated. Your doctor knows how to weigh the risks of the anemia and a blood transfusion. Talk to him or her about it.

Answer 2

Yes, pregnancy affects every part of your body, especially your blood production. If you are asymptomatic, without symptoms, I would just increase your iron and go about your happy pregnant way until your next visit. If you begin to feel weak, call your doctor immediately. Good Luck!