Nervous about hemoglobin levels

[Jeanne_L]

I just got a call from my midwife. My hemoglobin at 28 weeks is down to 10.2. She said if it drops below 10, I can't have a homebirth (state regulations, I believe). I've been taking Floradix for the past few months (though not every day) and trying to gets lots of iron rich foods... My hematicrit is down from 32.3 to 29.3 (I don't remember what my hemoglobin was at 12 weeks). I would be devistated if I can't have a homebirth! She said they'll test again at 36 weeks. Do I HAVE to test again? I feel really good... energy levels are fine, I'm walking an hour 4 times a week, sleeping alot, but...
This is the first time the possibility of not having a homebirth has occurred to me and I'm kinda freaked out!!!

[DesireeH]

That doesnt sound too bad to me. At 20 something weeks mine was 12.4 and hemocrit was 36.1 which doesnt seem that much higher than yours and the midwife said it was totally fine. I would just keep up with the iron rich food and keep doing what you are doing. I hope your levels go up or at least dont go down any lower. :hug

[ljpmom]

That doesn't sound bad to me either, mine was down to 8 something and I have to go back next week to check again. She didn't seem overly concerned. Started her iron etc to try and get back on track. I didn't ask her what would happen if I didn't get it up because I was to scared to hear what she would say. I have no intentions of going to the hospital to deliver. I hope your levels are rising!

[starparticle]

I would test again if I were you - most ladies number tend to rise a little towards the end (because you have "caught up" with all the extra fluid). At least, that is what has happened with me...

[StarCat]

I wouldn't worry. It should come up esp. with making sure you are eating right, etc. If it were me I would make a plan for just in case it doesn't come up, that way you are totally prepared. Sometimes I feel like if I get completely planned for what I don't want, then A) it doesn't seem quite so bad or B) it on't happen because I'm ready for it. As if being ready for it will make it not happen but in my crazy little head it makes sense!! :)

[atozmama]

Were you tested with a finger prick? Those can be unreliable. Before a final desicion is made request a venipuncture test which is more accurate. I ran into that with one of my children, thier finger pric said anemic and a venipuncture the same day, only about and hour later, said she was fine.

[Jeanne_L]

Nope, not a finger prick. Two vials full of blood! (and I HATE getting blood drawn!) Thanks for the encouragement, everyone...