Pregnant & tired..part 2

How is iron tested?

Iron is tested via a simple blood test. This checks your floating and iron stores. The normal range of ferritin (protein that iron binds to)/iron stores is 20-120, ideally you would be 50+.

When is iron tested?

Typically your iron levels & stores are tested at around 28 weeks and possibly at the beginning of pregnancy and at the 36 weeks blood tests. As explained in the previous blog, they are retested at 28 weeks due to this stage of pregnancy is when your little one, steals the most iron from you to grow. However if your midwife or obstetrician deems necessary, you may have additional blood tests at different stages of pregnancy if low iron is suspected.

What are the symptoms of low iron levels?

• Tired or little energy

• Pale appearance

• Faint or dizzy

• Short of breath

• Headaches

• Palpitations

Treatment

Your midwife or obstetrician will prescribe you an iron supplement. Ideally we want your iron levels to rise up to normal before birth. Please take note if your iron supplement if causing constipation and ask if another supplement would be better suited.