The title might sound lighthearted, but I am actually dealing with a serious medical condition. I think I have mentioned before that I am anemic. This is not unusual for me during pregnancy. That’s why I crave ice like an addict. In fact it’s not that uncommon for any pregnant woman to have a dip in red blood cells during this time. The problem is that despite taking all the prescribed supplements, upping and even doubling the dosage of supplements my iron levels continue to drop. Right now my blood count is an 8.3 and it should be twice that amount. I am really close to needing a blood transfusion and since I loose a lot of blood during birth it’s just not looking good.
After months of supplements it’s safe to say my body just isn’t absorbing the nutrients through the pills. So my mom hit up the health food store and stocked me up on everything the midwife recommended.
I am eating iron rich foods at ever single meal and then some. I am drinking all kinds of crazy things that I have to forcefully swallow. I am eliminating or decreasing a lot of things that block absorption (like milk which is probably a big culprit since I love milk).
The more I research the more overwhelmed I am. I was going to explain why iron absorption is so complicated, but that would be really boring. Let’s just say it is a big balancing act! So I am doing the best I can and I’ll have another test in a week for my 38 week check up.
So that’s the bad news. The good news I got another test result back today and I am GBS negative!!! With the boys I was positive and had to have antibiotics and an IV which is not fun for water birth, even if it is capped off. So I was really relieved by this news.
Anyway, I just wanted to give a brief update and ask for your prayers. I will let you know next week what the test results show. Thanks for being so supportive during this time.
I think writing about my 38 week check up is what put 38 weeks in my head. That or just pregnancy brain. I don’t think anyone expects a mother of almost four to keep up with what week of pregnancy she is in am I right? All that to say that photo is WRONG I am just now 37 weeks 😉
Sending a hug and praying my friend!
Praying for you. My midwife mentioned my iron was a little low, but nothing to worry about and i still worry. I hope you will have good news at your next appointment.
I will be praying for you. My iron levels were low my last visit. I had no idea that milk hindered absorption! I love milk too. And crave ice like crazy. Congrats (or praise the Lord) on being GBS negative. I know what you mean about having to do antibiotics with a water birth. I was positive for my last two pregnancies (and am positive now too).
You’re in the home stretch! Can’t wait to see pics of that beautiful baby!
Maybe this is part of why God planned for her to come early? You may touch on this later, but did you end up needing a blood transfusion after your delivery?
That’s true. I did 🙁 but you know what, it could have been worse. I have had such a tough recovery this time and I have a whole list of prayer requests. So if you want to remember me as you are praying I appreciate it. I will post specifics when I know a little more. I have lab work done this Monday.