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16 Weeks Pregnant. Have G6pd. Haemoglobin Decreased Since Pregnancy. Will It Starve The Foetus Of Oxygen?
Hi. I am 34-years old and 16-weeks pregnant and I have G6PD. My haemoglobin level has decreased since pregnancy and is now 9.8 gm/dl although I am taking supplements , including folic acid , Iron and Vitamin B12 and eating plenty of salad and fruit. My gynecologist prescribed more iron and vitamin B12, but I m worried about taking too much because I read that G6PD patients risk having too much iron. I m also not sure the iron will help since I understand G6PD is not just about Iron. I m worried the low haemoglobin is starving my fetus of oxygen. Help!
Thu, 7 Feb 2013
Hello
Thanks for your health query.
Since you are G6 PD deficient, your hemoglobin values will always be on the lower side.
Please take the supplements as advised by your doctor, since you are not at risk of iron overload as long as you stick to prescribed dosage, since extra demands for iron are made during pregnancy.
If you do not take the supplements, you will continue to have deteriorating hemoglobin and face complications of severe anemia.
Also, do not worry about the baby, because the fetus manages to extract nutrition from the mother's circulation as long as you are reasonably healthy.
Do not allow the hemoglobin levels to fall further, by taking adequate treatment as you have been advised.
Please get adequate genetic testing as the disease is heritable.
Avoid specific hemolytic drugs, infections, fava beans etc.
take care.
Thanks for your health query.
Since you are G6 PD deficient, your hemoglobin values will always be on the lower side.
Please take the supplements as advised by your doctor, since you are not at risk of iron overload as long as you stick to prescribed dosage, since extra demands for iron are made during pregnancy.
If you do not take the supplements, you will continue to have deteriorating hemoglobin and face complications of severe anemia.
Also, do not worry about the baby, because the fetus manages to extract nutrition from the mother's circulation as long as you are reasonably healthy.
Do not allow the hemoglobin levels to fall further, by taking adequate treatment as you have been advised.
Please get adequate genetic testing as the disease is heritable.
Avoid specific hemolytic drugs, infections, fava beans etc.
take care.
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