Low hemoglobin and pregnant...

[Liamsmomma]

So I have always been anemic to some sort but during pregnancy i become normal. I am pregnant with baby number two. Since the beginning my levels have been low but as time has passed my hemoglobin has dropped to. 9 while my iron, b12 and folic acid levels are remaining normal. They are referring me to a hematologist but won't tell me why. I have heard this is normal in pregnancy but why do I have to go to the hematologist? Anyone go through this or can help me cause I need something to tell me why this might be. I do not like not knowing!

 

[GutlessWonder86]

A hematologist is an MD who can assist with your anemia. I have one due to being or was anemic and have a clotting disorder.

Instead of taking oral iron pills and liquid because it causes severe gut cramping (wound up in the ER for that) iron can be bypassed with an infusion that takes 1 1/2 hrs. long.

This way your hemoglobin will be normal and you won't feel tired either. Oh, it will take 2 infusions 1 week apart but don't worry about it. It's done as an outpatient setting usually in a hospital clinic or even the hematologist's office. You'll sit in a comfy chair, watch tv, you can eat what the hospital gives you and drink water/coffee/tea, bring your own for the MD's (I've been to both), bring a book or Ipod to keep busy or even sleep.

Personally, I prefer the infusions when I really need it because then my Crohn's doesn't get aggravated with the iron wreaking havoc on my stomach and small intestines.

Don't worry and congrats on your little one.

 

[CrohnsChicago]

Yes, I have heard a low hemoglobin is common with pregnancy but if you are known to be anemic prior to pregnancy and then it continues to drop during pregnancy, I imagine they are just providing you access to this doctor as a safety precaution in and monitoring of your blood levels in case they decide to drop some more unexpectedly.

Here is a site I found where some women discuss seeing hematologists during pregnancy. There aren't many responses but it hopefully it shows you that you are not alone:
http://community.babycenter.com/post/a22620395/referral_to_hematologist

Also heres some info on Iron Deficiency Anemia and pregnancy
http://www.babycenter.com/0_iron-deficiency-anemia-in-pregnancy_3073.bc

 

[CrohnsChicago]

I'm going to move your thread over to the TTC (Trying To Concieve) section and see if anyone there can chime in as well