mid-pregnancy toxo/iron test

[Magali]

After declining the GD test, I was told that there are 2 other tests (iron/toxoplasmosis) that my Dr. had scheduled me for. My stress level is thru the roof during the days before and after my prenatal checkups and I do not want to go for anymore tests/Dr. visits (unless my of course I have a problem). How important/not important do you consider these tests?

[lillymonster]

Personally I think finding out iron level is important. I felt really weird later in my pregnancy last time and couldn't figure out why. Not tired, but out of breath and my legs felt so heavy. I was anemic. So I think that is important for you to test because you can have low levels for a while before you feel crappy and then you have to take iron for a while until you feel better because it takes a while to build up again.

For the toxo - are you around an outdoor cat? Do outdoor cats come into your yard where you garden? Also from what I have read you can get it from handling raw meat of infected animals - don't know how rare or common that is in the US but that is another way to get infected.

I don't know about both, I say getting the toxo wouldn't hurt, but I would get iron levels checked, even if you take iron. Sometimes iron is poorly absorbed so you should mention you are taking iron of your levels are low.

[MaerynPearl]

If you have to pay out of pocket, dont do the toxo one... if it is paid, its a very nice thing to know that you already have the antibodies and do not have to worry about raw meat/cat feces (even if you garden outside, you could come into contact with it!)

[shoefairy3]

I'd do the iron one.

[lisalulu]

That's the iron test where I found out about being anemic as well. I'd lean toward doing it just in case.