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Can I Take Iron Supplements For Low RBC Levels During Pregnancy?
Question: Hi
I am 4 weeks pregnant. The blood test shows lower than normal RBC (3.98) and Haemoglobin (11.8). Our doctor has not prescribed any Iron supplements which worries me. She also did mention the numbers are on the lower side but was not duly worried. Do you think if I require a supplement as what I gather is that the levels will drop further during the second and third trimester. FYI my Haemoglobin levels before I got pregnant was around 12.4 and RBC was 4.16. If you feel I need to take a supplement, could you please suggest the brand and the dosage. I am also taking Vitamin tablets though my doc has not prescribed it. I hope this is Ok as well. Please comment.
I am 4 weeks pregnant. The blood test shows lower than normal RBC (3.98) and Haemoglobin (11.8). Our doctor has not prescribed any Iron supplements which worries me. She also did mention the numbers are on the lower side but was not duly worried. Do you think if I require a supplement as what I gather is that the levels will drop further during the second and third trimester. FYI my Haemoglobin levels before I got pregnant was around 12.4 and RBC was 4.16. If you feel I need to take a supplement, could you please suggest the brand and the dosage. I am also taking Vitamin tablets though my doc has not prescribed it. I hope this is Ok as well. Please comment.
Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam, thanks for trusting health care magic.
I understand your anxiety about it but there is nothing to worry.
Though ideally the target Hemoglobin is 12 gms at the start of pregnancy but it is fine if it stays above 10 thorough out pregnancy and best if it stays above 11 gms.
At this early gestation iron is not all recommended and thus is never prescribed.
You just need to take good iron rich diet like green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits especially pomegranate and apples, sprouts and jaggery.
Just relax and get your levels repeated after 4 weeks.
All the best.
Regards
Dr Manisha
Nothing to worry
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam, thanks for trusting health care magic.
I understand your anxiety about it but there is nothing to worry.
Though ideally the target Hemoglobin is 12 gms at the start of pregnancy but it is fine if it stays above 10 thorough out pregnancy and best if it stays above 11 gms.
At this early gestation iron is not all recommended and thus is never prescribed.
You just need to take good iron rich diet like green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits especially pomegranate and apples, sprouts and jaggery.
Just relax and get your levels repeated after 4 weeks.
All the best.
Regards
Dr Manisha
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi,
thanks for the insight!
Can you please suggest if it is ok to take vitamin tablets ?
thanks for the insight!
Can you please suggest if it is ok to take vitamin tablets ?
Brief Answer:
Take only folic acid
Detailed Answer:
Yes dear you can take tablet folic acid and other micronutrients if you want.
But iron tablets and calcium is not needed as a supplement.
Take care.
Take only folic acid
Detailed Answer:
Yes dear you can take tablet folic acid and other micronutrients if you want.
But iron tablets and calcium is not needed as a supplement.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Deepak
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