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For years it has been well known that pregnant women need folic acid for the baby’s development. That’s the main reason for prenatal vitamins.
Iron is also required for your baby’s development. As much as one third of a mother’s iron goes toward development of the baby, mostly during the third trimester. As a result, many pregnant women develop very low iron, even though their hemoglobin level is normal.
Very low iron causes pregnant mothers to have fatigue, and in severe cases, ice craving.
Studies have shown that babies born to iron deficient moms may have impaired neurologic development. Also, very low iron poses risks of pre-term labor and other complications, as well as the possibility of requiring a blood transfusion at the time of delivery.
There is no way to know that your iron is low without testing the iron level (ferritin), but most pregnant women do not have their iron tested. The main reason for this is the misunderstanding that iron level and hemoglobin level are the same.
In fact, most obstetricians only test hemoglobin at 26 weeks. It is important to have your ferritin tested at that time in addition to the hemoglobin, because the third trimester is the time that iron is needed the most.
If your iron is found to be low, you may need an iron infusion. Oral iron supplements are unlikely to provide enough iron for you and your baby, and they often cause queasiness or constipation. When your doctor tells you to try oral iron, they may not realize how limited it is and how unlikely it is to help you. If you’re pregnant with very low iron, you do not have time to wait to see whether oral iron will work.
Iron infusions have become easier and are now widely accepted as a treatment for pregnant women. The benefits include providing iron for both mom and baby, and minimizing the possibility of needing a blood transfusion at the time of delivery. Iron infusions are now provided safely and easily in women’s health infusion centers. You do not need to see a cancer specialist for an iron infusion.
Our mission at Heme Onc Call is to identity and treat all pregnant women who need iron. We plan to improve the health of pregnant women and the development of their babies.
Pregnant women are advised to request iron testing (ferritin) at 26 weeks. Ask your obstetrician about iron testing, or contact Heme Onc Call for a televisit appointment to plan iron testing and treatment.
Heme Onc Call is a telemedicine-based hematology practice focused on women’s health. Call for a next-day hematology telemedicine appointment, 786-567-8310, or visit hemeonccall.com.
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