Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Can Low Hemoglobin Count During Pregnancy Be Compensated With Iron Rich Food?

Hi, I am 22 weeks pregnant and my hemoglobin count is 8.7. Doctor has advised to take iron supplements. But I am very irregular in taking tablets as they make me nauseous. Is there any alternative for this (maybe injections or if I can compensate it with iron-rich food)?
Fri, 20 May 2016
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
I understand your concern.
Hemoglobin levels what you are having of 8.7 is lower than normal.
It is essential to maintain hemoglobin level in pregnancy as well as lactation.
Hence, you need to be supplemented by both food as well as medications.
You need to consume iron rich foods. But it may not be sufficient enough to improve the hemoglobin levels.
Hence, you need to take iron orally in the form of capsules or injectable form for sustained improvement in the hemoglobin content.
Injectable forms of iron are available which can be given by deep intramuscualr route or intravenous infusions.
Another alternative is to get packed cell blood transfusion.
Take care of all the other antenatal measures.
Hope the information provided would be helpful.
All the best.
I find this answer helpful

2 Doctors agree with this answer

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Can Low Hemoglobin Count During Pregnancy Be Compensated With Iron Rich Food?

Hi, Thanks for posting in HCM. I understand your concern. Hemoglobin levels what you are having of 8.7 is lower than normal. It is essential to maintain hemoglobin level in pregnancy as well as lactation. Hence, you need to be supplemented by both food as well as medications. You need to consume iron rich foods. But it may not be sufficient enough to improve the hemoglobin levels. Hence, you need to take iron orally in the form of capsules or injectable form for sustained improvement in the hemoglobin content. Injectable forms of iron are available which can be given by deep intramuscualr route or intravenous infusions. Another alternative is to get packed cell blood transfusion. Take care of all the other antenatal measures. Hope the information provided would be helpful. All the best.