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What Does My Ferritin Blood Test Result Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 27 Oct 2014

Question: hello again!

i am 34 weeks today and had my haemogolobin test done and my hb is 10.4

my doctor told me to get FERRITIN TEST DONE

MY FERRITIN IS 5.8 NG/ML REFERENCE RANGE IS 4 TO 200 NG/ML
i am not able to eat any iron supplement as it is causing acidity and constipation so doctor told me to get drip or injection of iron
is it safe to have the injection?
‘is there any iron supplement that can not cause any acidity or constipatiuon?

my best regards

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
PROVIDE FEW DETAILS.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
It is good to hear from you again !.
First , please tell me a few things.
Are you a vegetarian or non vegetarian ?
Secondly, what iron supplements have you tried so far that are causing you acidity and constipation ?
ONce I know this, I can suggest a remedy for you.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (3 hours later)

i am a non vegetarian...

i had softron z and i cant take it along with neksium

also i want to know the sideeffects of injectable iron ?

my doctor told me to have inj orofer 3 amp iv i mean they want to give me the drip

is it safe for my baby if i have intravenus iron ?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
QUITE SAFE TO TAKE.

Detailed Answer:
Basically if you cannot take it with Neksium also, then there is no point trying to switch brands.
Intravenous iron is safe, and as effective as oral iron, and a perfect solution for patients who cannot tolerate oral iron , like you.
Sometimes there are side effects like allergic reaction to the injections, pain at the site of injection, dizziness etc.
In good qualified hands, this should not happen, as a careful test dose is given to check for undue sensitivity before giving the full dose.
I think it is a good solution for you, and you should go ahead with the treatment suggested.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (9 days later)

Hello doctor

Is it ok to sleep on your back at 35 weeks of pregnancy?
I mean I cannot sleep on left it right side most of the times anymore
I hope sleeping on my back won't harm ?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
TRY A MATERNITY CUM FEEDING PILLOW

Detailed Answer:
Hi, good to hear from you again .
See, basically the baby gets blood supply easily when the mother is lying in the left lateral position.
However, naturally, it is not possible to sleep that way all the time, particularly as pregnancy advances, and your abdomen grows and discomfort increases.
Sleeping on your back will not harm your baby.
However, sleeping on your back also is uncomfortable as the tummy presses on you.
Try buying a nice feeding cum antenatal pillow, which will help you to sleep comfortably on your side and will be useful when the baby is born while breastfeeding the baby.
Here is a sample -

http://www.johnlewis.com/theraline-original-maternity-and-nursing-pillow-ecru/p0000
Alternatively, prop up a few pillows and bolsters to resemble this and tuck yourself in sideways
In any case, sleep in the position which you find comfortable.
Even sleeping on your back is not going to harm your baby.
Take care !

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (31 hours later)

thanks for reply

i just had a CTG today and baby heartrate is between 128 to 170 bpm i mean very few times it went to 128 and again went up at 150 or 175.
is it normal?

secondly in my scan baby head circumference is perfectly ok but biparietal diameter is litlle less it is ( −2.5 percentile)
is it normal ?
thirdly i have severe restlessness in my legs ? what could be the reason behind it?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
HEART RATE IS NORMAL.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
The baby's heart rate can normally vary from 110- 170 beats per minute.
So it is perfectly normal to have those variations on the CTG.
Regarding the scan report, is this the same scan report that we have earlier discussed , wherein I told you that biparietal diameter is less, but overall head parameters are fine ?
If this is the same report, again, do not worry, overall cranial index and head development is okay.
If it is another recent scan, please upload the same for me to be able to go through it.
Restlessness is quite common near term.
This is because the uterus enlarges, puts weight on the lower part of your body, also it could be due to deficiency of certain vitamins.
Are you taking calcium and vitamin D supplements ?
You should be taking them.
Also, drink atleast 5 litres of water everyday.
If the restlessness is quite bothersome, go for a course of Vitamin B 12 injections, they will definitely help you ( Neurobion injection ).
Try and get somebody to massage your legs and calf muscles gently.
Place a hot water bottle underneath them while going to bed.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (41 hours later)

I went for my 36 week scan today
The baby weight is 2.35 kg..is it less for 36 weeks ?
Also again there are two loops around baby neck..
Should u opt for elective c section?
And when is baby full term 37 weeks or 40 weeks ?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
UPLOAD REPORTS.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again, as such there are no growth charts for weight and height of XXXXXXX babies.
Based on international charts, the weight is on the lesser side - 10 - 20th percentile.
Can you again upload the scan report please ?
Based on 2 loops of cord, you can go for a controlled trial of labour with careful monitoring of baby 's heart rate.
Full term is 40 weeks.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (6 hours later)

I just uploaded the report

Also hope at this stage till the labour starts two loops around the baby neck is no problem or risk ?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
WEIGHT IS ON LESSER SIDE.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I have gone through the report.
As I said, based on international charts, the weight is on the lesser side.
There is no cause for worry because the rest of the scan is completely normal, yes even the head parameters overall are fine.
Sometimes this maybe constitutional, for example, if the parents are small built, the child would not be expected to be very big.
So do not worry.
Till labour pains start, 2 loops of cord will cause no problem to you.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (28 hours later)

My doctor advised me to go for elective c section at 37 weeks I.e next week.
She told me it's precious pregnancy and we should not take chance as there are two loops.
Is it ok to deliever at 37 weeks ?

Also I would like to know if the baby lung development is complete at 37 weeks as I had an iui I know my exact date if Lmp I.e 11th XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
OK TO DELIVER, BUT I DONT SEE A REASON TO.

Detailed Answer:
It is okay to deliver at 37 weeks.
The baby's lung maturation is complete.
However , 2 loops of cord is not an indication for a straightaway C section.
If I had been your doctor, I would have given you a carefully monitored trial of labour.
However, I do not cast a doubt on your doctor's intentions.
She is just being extra extra cautious as IUI pregnancy is a precious pregnancy.
Any amount of time that the baby spends inside the uterus is crucial for its weight gain and overall development.
Unless something is wrong, there is no need to deliver at 37 weeks.
That said, your doctor is the best judge and you should have full faith in her decision.
Wish you luck.
It has been nice interacting with you throughout your pregnancy, and I wish you lots of luck and prayers for whatever comes next, in the wonderful journey of motherhood !
Have faith.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (42 hours later)

Thanks doctor

My doctor told me she would give some medicine for fetal lung maturation.
My question is

Is having two loops of cord considered medical emergency and 37 weeks c section is required ?
My doctor told me sometimes there is cord compression with two loops even before labour starts ?
Is it true?
I m really confused

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
NO EMERGENCY.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
Yes, it is common to give steroid shot to mothers to enhance fetal lung maturation when delivery of the baby is planned before due term time.
Regarding your other question, it is difficult to answer it without contradicting the decision of your doctor.
However, I do not wish to question her good faith, goodwill and knowledge.
However, two loops of cord round neck is NOT a medical emergency.
C section is NOT required for that indication.
Before labor starts, it cannot cause any problem.
I know it is a confusing situation for you, and I would just ask you to go along with the doctor who has treated you so far, as she is just taking no chances with you.
Scientifically speaking, there is no basis for a C section at 37 weeks, but practically speaking, she is being cautious.
I am attaching a few studies here, which will further convince you.
You will find the language very technical, just read the parts titled ' conclusion ' in each study , that will serve the purpose -
1. file:///C:/Users/aarti/Downloads/8622-31457-1-PB%20(1).pdf ( Read the Conclusion part ).
2.http://pjmhsonline.com/JanMar2013/cord_around_neck_and_its_fetal_implication.htm ( Read the Discussion part )
You can show your doctor these studies and ask her the reason for her decision.
Hope this helps you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (6 hours later)

thanks yo so much

i just had a scan today everything seems fine but the amniotic fluid is on higher side

the report says
THERE IS A MILD POLYHYDRAMNIOUS AND THE AFI IS 185 MM

I HOPE IT DOES NOT MEAN DOWN SYNDROME OR ANY OTHER PROBLEM WITH THE BABY??
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF THIS AND WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
PLEASE UPLOAD REPORT.

Detailed Answer:
Once again, I request you to upload the report .

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (10 minutes later)

I have uploaded the report

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
NOTHING TO WORRY.

Detailed Answer:
Please do not worry.
The report is normal.
The amniotic fluid is slightly high , that is all.
Just ensure that your recent blood sugars are normal.
Also, it is too late to diagnose Downs syndrome now.
It is diagnosed in early pregnancy scans.
As all of the earlier scans are normal, there is no question of any such abnormality in the baby.
Do not worry.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (47 hours later)

Hello again !

I got my blood sugar done and it is normal

But my weight is increasing by almost 760 gms to 1 kg daily

Also I had two scans in the gap of 5 days and amniotic fluid was normal 127 mm in 1 st scan and after 5 days it was 185 mm in next scan
Is it normal ?

I m going for scan tomorrow again to assess

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
LET ME KNOW WHAT THE SCAN TOMORROW SAYS

Detailed Answer:
This amount of weight gain is certainly more than average.
Is your BP normal ?
Were both the scans done at the same centre, by the same person ?
Because that is also very strange and unheard of, the increase in amniotic fluid to this extent.
Please let me know what the scan tomorrow says ?
What has been decided finally about your delivery ?
Did you discuss those evidences with your doctor ?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (1 hour later)

Yes blood pressure is normal
I will surely let u know about the weight gain and amniotic fluid gain

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
OK

Detailed Answer:
Okay, keep me posted.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (8 hours later)

I got the scan today from a different place

Amniotic fluid is 189 mm today
Report is attached and uploaded

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
REPORT IS OK

Detailed Answer:
DO not worry.
Fluid is on higher side of normal, but not abnormally high.
NO defect is seen in the baby and overall growth is fine.
So dont worry at all.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (2 minutes later)

Actually i m worried about head circumference
It was 319 mm in last scan and 300 in this one
Can it become less?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
NORMAL INTER OBSERVER VARIATION

Detailed Answer:
It cannot become less.
There is always interobserver variation.
Even if the same person scans twice, there is bound to be difference of 1 - 2 cm.
Think about it 19 mm is less than 2 cm, that much difference is normal.
It cannot become less that way.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (2 hours later)

Ok

So this growth is enough for elective c section as I m 37 weeks today or should I wait for another week or two for more growth
I hope fliud level or head circumference don't mean any defect like Down syndrome or other defects
Baby has just one loop now and ctg is good

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I CAN SEE NO REASON FOR ELECTIVE C SECTION

Detailed Answer:
As I have repeated earlier, I can see no reason for an elective C section.
IF your doctor wants to operate, you can go ahead with full faith in her decision.
There is no reason to suspect any defects.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (2 hours later)

i know there is no reason to do c section

but i myself am very scared because it is a precious pregnancy.
i mean is it ok or necessary to wait till 40 weeks or there is no harm in getting delivered at 38 weeks
i mean is 40 weeks wait worth it and really better seeing growth of the baby?

thanks a lot for help..

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
IT IS OK TO BE DELIVERED AT 38 WEEKS

Detailed Answer:
If you are so anxious, and your doctor also is insistent, there is no harm in getting delivered at 38 weeks.
Waiting till 40 weeks would add to the baby weight, but it is not worth all the tension and anxiety.
Keeping the precious pregnancy in mind, it is really alright to have the delivery at 38 weeks.
Dont worry, it is a good and safe decision
Wish you luck.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (7 hours later)

Thanks doctor

I am planning for 38 weeks
I m just worried about one more thing
I had some pain in my lower stomach and the nurse examined me internally
And used lot of betadine

I hope betadine won't harm anything If used internally ?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
BETADINE WONT CAUSE ANY HARM.

Detailed Answer:
Why did a nurse examine you ?
A doctor should have done it, this is such a precious pregnancy.
Dont worry about the Betadine, it should be used to avoid infection.
It causes no harm when used on the vulva and vagina.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (3 days later)

hello again!!

my doctor is planning a c section on 4th oct i.e after 3 days and told me to take a steriod named BETAMETHASONE 12 MG for two days prior to c section

are there any side effects of this inj?

is it safe for the baby?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
HOW MANY WEEKS WILL YOU BE ?

Detailed Answer:
How many weeks will you be on 4th of October ?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (3 minutes later)

i shall be completing my 38 weeks

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
NO NEED, BUT CAN TAKE IF DOCTOR INSISTS

Detailed Answer:
At 38 weeks, there is absolutely no need of steroids.
It is indicated when delivery is attempted before 37 weeks, to enhance baby 's lung development.
If she insists, no harm in taking it, because side effects are very rare and benefit to baby is more.
I wish you so much of luck with your upcoming motherhood !
Loads of blessings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (3 minutes later)

thankyou so so much....:)

my doctor told me to take this injection so i guess i should take it...

but i read somewhere that it can cause some heartbeat (heartrate) problem in the baby
also baby still has two loops ...

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
NO WORRIES

Detailed Answer:
No there would be no problems in the heart rate of the baby because of the steroid.
The two loops do not matter any more as you are having a planned C section, and are not going into labour at all.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (16 hours later)

thanks a lot
my c section is scheduled on 4th oct when i complete my 38 weeks
the baby has two loops again in my latest scan.
i shall again have a scan tomorrow...

if there are two loops the should i try for vaginal birth or should i go for c section only?
are there any side effects of c section for the next baby?

also are there breathing problems with baby delievered through c section?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
no side effects or breathing problems

Detailed Answer:
I already told you much earlier, that according to me, there is no indication for a C section.
I would give a trial of vaginal birth for my patient if she had 2 loops of cord round baby's neck.
There are no side effects of C section, the baby would be equally healthy, dont worry.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (3 days later)

hello doctor,

i am blessesd with a baby girl weighing 2.6 kg and she looks fine.

thank you so much for your support i am highly grateful...
god bless you and your family...:)
thanks a tonnnn

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
HAPPY FOR YOU

Detailed Answer:
Congratulations !!
Am very happy for you.
And am so humbled that you remembered me in this moment of happiness.
God bless you and your loved ones too.
Feel free to write in whenever you should need me.
Remember that these glorious moments of motherhood will never come back, including the sleepless nights and the wonder of raising your child - treasure them and enjoy them !
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar