PG Friends, Remember to Get Your Labs Drawn!

Hi ladies,

I don't post much these days w/lots going on (both good and bad).  I think of you all often and try to read at least a few times a week.

I just wanted to remind you all to have your labs done regularly to check your vitamin levels.  Things can fluctuate quickly during pregnancy and it's important to stay ahead of any deficiencies.  While I thought I was doing a good thing by getting a copy of my labs and reviewing them, I stopped doing that in my 3rd trimester.  The bedrest and feeling like poo made me forget about keeping track and I *trusted* my health care professionals to check what needed to be checked.  Now I am severely anemic and struggling to get through each day.  My levels continued to drop during PG and my dr's just kept upping my iron, changing the form and scratching their heads.  It wasn't until the symptoms took over my life that I actually demanded help.  My stores are completely depleted.  It sucks and it could have been treated earlier had I kept on top of things.

Ok, down from my soapbox.  I don't mean to sound preachy, but if I can prevent someone else from going through this, I'd should it from the rooftops. 

Please, please, please be proactive and take charge of your own care.  Review your lab results and do some research on your own to find out what are acceptable levels.  Trust your instincts and get help if symptoms develop.

Hugs,

Always good advice!!

I hope that you are feeling back to yourself very soon!! 

Thanks, Jo!

It's a great reminder.  I too was lax in my 3rd trimester -- I didn't even go get my blood drawn let alone review the results.

Now I am low on everything from iron to D to zinc. 

It's good advice I wish I had followed!

Take Care and don't be a stranger ! 

Cindy

Can you give me input as to how frequently during the pregnancy the vitamin labs should be checked? My OB is willing to do whatever is needed, but my surgeon is not being at all helpful in telling me what to do and when. We just drew all the labs that would normally be done at my 1 year appointment, but how frequently and what do I need checked throughout the pregnancy?

Appreciate the help ladies.

Melissa

Hi!

I am not as far out from surgery as you (only 4 months post-op) so that could change the cir****tances. But my surgeon wants to see me and check full bloodwork every 2 months. And when I say full blood work...I mean the works, at least 6 tubes.

Depending on how far out from surgery you are, they should be checked every 1-3 months. I'll PM the specific tests I had done.

Thanks,
Jo

good post to remind everyone!!

My bariatric doc said to have my vitamin levels tested every 3 months during my pregnancy and I'm going to do it.  I just had my first visit today and they did a prenatal screen and a urine test.  I want to make sure I'm taken care of!!

Jo

Get on all the soap boxes you want...people need to hear it so they don't end up in your situation.

Hope your levels are back up and you are feeling better soon....and that the things in your life that are keeping you busy resolve themselves soon. 

This is quite helpful, actually and will talk to my bariatric surgeon this month at my 1 year followup.  Perhaps she can send along a note to my OB stressing the importance of it since my OB doesn't really think it's necessary...  My iron levels were checked when I had to have emergency surgery a month ago, and they 'looked good', but wtf does that mean?

It's frustrating when you have multiple doctors managing your care.