Iron levels. Again.

Yesterday I saw the midwife. And I got the results of the full blood count done 3 weeks ago. 10.6 for Hb levels, which according to the research I’ve read, puts me pretty near optimum levels for a good birthweight, healthy baby. So why does my midwife want my levels to be around 11?

I’m so tired of this. So tired of knowing more about the research on this than my midwife does. This is my fourth time approaching birth, though really only the third time of being this clued up. And each time I’ve had to educate another midwifery team.

It’s not difficult. It’s not rocket science. The research is available. It’s even part of the gold standard advised in this country that Hb levels aren’t the best way of judging anaemia, instead you should check Mcv (whatever that may be). I’m not anaemic. My blood has diluted nicely to support the placenta and baby, and I’m probably about ideal.

We will discount the weight gain though, as that does seem a little excessive.

I didn’t need this right now. Not that I’m sure anyone ever does.