im due for my homebirth in 2 weeks, had my bloods done and my hb was 10.4 been put on iron pills, mw hasnt said anything about not being able to have hb due to anemia, never heard that before, my last 2 pregs left me really anemic with an even lower hb, but i still had great homebirths. just had to carry on with the pills after the birth.

I had a HB below 10 for my last hb. I took spatone, ate loads of leafy greens and red meat, and (this is the important bit) "forgot" to go for a follow-up blood test.

There is no evidence that low hb is even slightly risky in birth. Check out homebirth.org.uk

thank you. Hopefully I will manage to bring up my iron level before my due date. As I really would like a HB.

Also, the red meat is highly recommended and green leafy vegetables like spinach.  Mw said to be red meat at least 3 times per week if I could manage it.  Try to have fresh juice, like orange juice when you have your iron enriched foods as it helps you absorb them.  Staying away from caffeine, and fizzy drinks will also help as apparently they depleat your stores.

Lindsay

xxx

I think my consultant said to me that the cut off where I am (North Bristol) was 10mg, possibly 10.5mg.  I am currently at 11mg and enjoying the spatone too   It may well be different in other areas, as everything else seems to be.  I'm sure as well that if your levels dipped lower that you could still argue your case for a home birth, but that is purely a personal decision.

Hope that helps!

Lindsay 34 weeks lemon bump no.2

xxx

I am 36 week and Hb=10.6mg/L so borgerline for HB now. Just been prescribed iron tablet and will have blood test again in 10 days time. I also taking Spatone as advised by midwife. Eating loads of red meat.Is there anything I can do apart from that? Have you guys heard of a cut off point of Hb when you are adviced not to have Hb?