low iron

I am 17 wks pregnant and just had some labs done. My calcium was low and so was my iron. I am taking calcium twice a day as well as a prenatal and multi so we just added an extra calcium. what I am worried about is the constipation that seems to come with an iron supplement, any recommendations for that that are pregnancy safe??  I was having enough trouble with being regular without any help...thanks!!

Can you tolerate fruit juice?  I know it is a lot of sugar, but if it gets things moving, I find it worth it.  With my last pregnancy, I drank 4oz of apple juice (watered down to make 8oz) twice a day and it really kept me regular.

Benefiber is my only solution, I have to take iron twice a day, nothing else works for me. 

I have to take Chewable Fiber pills or I wouldnt be able to go at all!  I take like 6 chewables a day some times nine And I still only go once a week. Plus I drink a crap ton of water

 

 

I doubled my iron when they tested me at 27 weeks and it came out low for the first time and I haven't had any added problems.  I do take colace daily--I take 2 but there is probably colace in your prenatal so I would check that before you add any.

I am in the same boat. I use Fruit, Nuts (Prunes, Dates, Raisins, Apples, Trail Mix) if you want natural. Otherwise I also use Miralax as needed....I just mix it in to my drink and it is clear and has no taste. I don't need much and not as harsh as other laxatives/softeners. Also try to get in as much fluids (water, juice,etc) as possible and not so much caffeine or high sugar drinks which can contribute to the issue.

I find that my bariatric advantage iron supplements seem to make me less constipated than others. Not sure if it is the same for everyone else. Plus I east a lot of fruit and veggies lately too. Been pretty regular.