Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Elevated ESR Levels During Lactation Normal?
Question: I am breast feeding my 3 month old baby. My blood tests were all normal except for ESR. I am healthy and feel good but feel tired and dizzy sometimes. This may be due to exhaustion and lack of sleep. My ESR is 48. Is it normal for ESR to be elevated during lactation? It was between 60-90 during pregnancy.
Brief answer.....nothing serious
Detailed answer...
Hello,
I have read your query and understand your concern.
ESR in itself doesn't indicate any presence of disease.
It is found to be high in infections,inflammations etc.
It is quite common to find high ESR in pregnancy and lactation.
In addition anaemia can also cause high ESR.
Since you feel tired and dizzy,it may be due to anaemia also.
I would advise you to get serum iron levels checked up.
In case iron is found to be deficient then take iron supplement also.
Keep taking calcium and VIT B12.
There is nothing to worry.
I hope it helps,however you are most welcome to revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks.
Detailed answer...
Hello,
I have read your query and understand your concern.
ESR in itself doesn't indicate any presence of disease.
It is found to be high in infections,inflammations etc.
It is quite common to find high ESR in pregnancy and lactation.
In addition anaemia can also cause high ESR.
Since you feel tired and dizzy,it may be due to anaemia also.
I would advise you to get serum iron levels checked up.
In case iron is found to be deficient then take iron supplement also.
Keep taking calcium and VIT B12.
There is nothing to worry.
I hope it helps,however you are most welcome to revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you doctor, I have checked my hb. It is 12.4 g/dl....My lab report says the normal is 11-13 so I guess it is quite normal.
My RBC's (4.28 Mill/Cu.mm), WBC's (9000 Cu.mm) and platelets (363000 Cu.mm) are all in range too. My cholestrol (184 mg/dl), sugar (88 fasting) and blood pressure (110/80) is also normal.
I had my tests done because of weakness, slight headache and dizziness. I was also experiencing some numbness in my legs after delivery (but it went away after using B12, Now i am left with some muscle twitches every now and then). Is this muscle problem related to some nerve injury during vaginal delivery? (I had an epidural for pain during 2nd stage of labour). My gyneacologist says it will go away in 6 months. Should I continue using 1500 mcg of mecobalamine during lactation? Is it safe for baby?
My RBC's (4.28 Mill/Cu.mm), WBC's (9000 Cu.mm) and platelets (363000 Cu.mm) are all in range too. My cholestrol (184 mg/dl), sugar (88 fasting) and blood pressure (110/80) is also normal.
I had my tests done because of weakness, slight headache and dizziness. I was also experiencing some numbness in my legs after delivery (but it went away after using B12, Now i am left with some muscle twitches every now and then). Is this muscle problem related to some nerve injury during vaginal delivery? (I had an epidural for pain during 2nd stage of labour). My gyneacologist says it will go away in 6 months. Should I continue using 1500 mcg of mecobalamine during lactation? Is it safe for baby?
Hello,
Iron deficiency can occur even with normal hemoglobin levels.
Although your HB is normal but your iron can still be low.
To detect this,you must get the iron studies done.
Muscle twitchings can occur because of low iron,low calcium and even low low VIT D and has no relation with vaginal delivery.
Carry on with methycobalamine and is safe or your child.
Advice to you....
Get serum iron studies along with serum VIT D levels.
Thanks
Iron deficiency can occur even with normal hemoglobin levels.
Although your HB is normal but your iron can still be low.
To detect this,you must get the iron studies done.
Muscle twitchings can occur because of low iron,low calcium and even low low VIT D and has no relation with vaginal delivery.
Carry on with methycobalamine and is safe or your child.
Advice to you....
Get serum iron studies along with serum VIT D levels.
Thanks
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
