I didn't even realize how much other stuff was being tested at the time of blood draw. I knew they tested for HIV (a state of TX thing), but wasn't aware of the rest...
My nurse, who sent me the results, just said "Your labs look wonderful!" Then, after looking I see that my RBC's are low (pretty sure that indicates anemia). I wouldn't say I'm constantly tired or dragging, but when I do get tired it hits me like a ton of bricks.
I know that anemia is very common during the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy, but I'm just surprised she didn't suggest doing anything about it. Maybe my RBC's are not so far below normal range to warrant any iron supplements or dietary recommendations?
Even though my prenatal (New Chapter Organics Perfect Prenatal) contains only 18 mg of iron (100% DV), I know it's lower than other prenatals out there. Still, I'm scratching my head as to how I can possibly be deficient in red blood cells/iron with the amount of spinach salads, beans, 2 whole eggs every single morning, red meat sources, and dried fruit that I consume. The only other thing I know to do is start consuming Vitamin C along with those iron sources so that they're absorbed more effectively. I will have to ask about this at our perinatologist apt. next week and see if I should be taking an iron supplement. I'm certainly open to any feedback if anyone has experience with this.
Either way, just happy I PASSED the oh-so-scary glucose test!!!
Definitely weird that she didn't mention it, but it is just barely under, so maybe it's not worth worrying about... maybe it fluctuates??? Either way, HOORAY for passing the glucose test! You should eat one of your healthy cookies to celebrate! I'll eat a bowl of ice cream to celebrate in your honor! : )
ReplyDeleteNot to worry! I have M&M's ice cream sandwiches and banana peanut butter Ben & Jerry's Greek Frozen yogurt here at the ready! hehe
DeleteI don't know about any of this really BUT I am super happy you passed the glucose test!! I 2nd what Amanda said and will have ice cream in your honor! :)
ReplyDeleteSpoons up everyone! Cheers!
DeleteI'm going to need you plan my meals for me until I deliver my babies. . . haha.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on passing your glucose test!
Thank you!
DeleteAnd side note, why on earth did I not realize you had an active blog? Was it private before or something? I've now added you to my blog list and will be following along!! :)
Congrats on passing the glucose tolerance test. My OB does not provide test results unless you specifically request them....they should know this drives a recovering infertile CRAZY!! I've been trying to be "low key" and trust them....but your example points out the exact reason why I like my own lab results! Please post what the Peri says about iron/vitamin C supplements.
ReplyDeleteI hear you. I'm trying to be a good little low maintenance OB patient, but I keep and track all of our medical records. I learned a long time ago to always ask for them, because stuff does get missed. And with two parents who died young, I do like to compare seemingly unimportant blood values over time. Will def update any recos from the peri!
DeleteCongrats on passing the glucose test. I admire the fact that u are on top of ur medical stuff. Better to be aware than unaware.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jo Jo. Just seen too many mistakes to fully trust the "everything looks good" delivered by word of mouth.
DeleteOh Em, I am always so happy to read more good news about your pregnancy. Congrats on passing your GD test. Hoping the rest of your pregnancy is just as smooth.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! Yes, smooth and uneventful is the goal!
DeleteLooks great to me! I wouldn't worry about your RBC's yet, it can indicate a problem if your other labs are also bad but one low reading doesn't indicate a problem :) Congrats on passing!
ReplyDeleteI love having nurse friends! Thank you Elizabeth for commenting! I'm going to at least try to do the Vit C thing when eating meals high in iron, and this may also be a good excuse to eat a couple extra hamburgers. I'd rather not add in additional supplements or change my prenatal if I don't have to.
DeleteYay for passing the glucose test! And yes, i'd definitely mention this to your dr at your next visit... even give them a call if you don't want to wait. The one thing I've learned thru this process is that you are your only advocate so it's better to check and be safe than be sorry.
ReplyDeleteYep, they are out today, but will ask my peri at apt. next week. In mean time, I have an excuse for more spinach salad bar trips to Jason's Deli!
DeleteSo happy that you passed!! My iron is low too so I take an iron pill every morning on top of my prenatal vitamin every night. It is still low but my doctor says not to worry. You are doing great!
ReplyDeleteSo interesting even the iron supplement isn't raising yours above normal. It really does seem to be common during the 2nd and 3rd tri. Noticed that Standard Process makes a supplement called Ferrofood (whole foods based iron supplement that also contains Vit C). So, maybe if they recommend taking one, that is an option. I really do not like taking synthetic supps. If nothing else, I say we just eat more cheeseburgers! haha!
DeleteSo glad you passed!!! Praise Him!!
ReplyDeleteSeriously! One less thing to worry about!
DeleteSo glad you passed!! Things are just flying by for you!! I can't believe you'll be holding your little Preston by the end of the Summer!!! YAY!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Suzanne. It's totally nuts I know. I can't wait to celebrate your impending arrival of a baby too. Praying so hard this cycle worked for you!
DeleteI also had low iron with this last pregnancy. Apparently it was never an issue with my first (or perhaps my levels were borderline and it was never mentioned). My doctor's midwife recommended a liquid iron supplement, which is supposed to be easier on the stomach, but I was not able to find it. I ended up going with a slow-release iron supplement that was recommended to me by a pharmacist at Walgreens. She also stressed the importance of taking the supplement at night, instead of the morning, which is when I took my prenatal vitamin. My doctor agreed and said it was easier on the stomach to space out the iron through the day. I was also told to add fiber gummy supplements to my diet to counteract any ill side effects for all the extra iron. I was already on Miralax, so luckily the addition of the fiber gummies was all I needed to stay, you know, regular. LOL! Hopefully you won't need to worry about it, but it's easy enough to address and treat. And like you said, a great excuse for extra burgers and spinach!!
ReplyDeleteAll great pearls of wisdom Danielle! Thank you for chiming in!
DeleteYay! Congrats on passing. I've been anemic on and off most of my life. I think think some people just get that deficiency…diet aside.
ReplyDeleteMy mom was too Jessah. I guess most people don't even know about it since they don't often get checked for that.
DeleteWoo hoo! I remember being so excited to pass, too. That is pretty cool that they gave you a full report like that, I've never seen that before.
ReplyDeleteVery happy I don't have to do anything more on that front for sure. I'm sure you can relate to that little weight that's lifted, knowing no more tests, no visits to a dietician, no pricking your finger 4 times per day, etc. Phew
DeleteDon't know if u can get it in your country but a natural iron supplement called Spatone is what I had to take on top of my prenatal vitamins in the last trimester. On a side note, and not great news but I was told eating sugar depletes iron stores! So I was happy taking Spatone and eating my cake too! Yay! X
ReplyDeleteVery interesting on the sugar. I never knew that. Thanks for the tips Amy!
DeleteYay!!! I'm so happy that you passed the glucose test!
ReplyDelete