My doctor prescribed iron (hemacite) and prenatal vitamins. Why would he prescribe iron if its already in the prenatal? I really do not want to take the extra iron, since it makes me constipated. What is a girl to do?
Has he checked your iron levels yet? If they were low, (I don't think he would have failed to tell you, but you never know) this may explain the extra iron. However, I know exactly how you feel about them constipating you. I have that problem too. I would call and ask. There's really no sense in dealing with that constipation if you don't have to!
I agree with Siren, there is really no need to take extra iron and deal with the effects if you don't need to. Just let your doc know you don't want to take them unless you need too.
I agree you... although I can say I have been anemic since I was pregnant last year and once I stop the Iron I get VERY VERY tired and short of breathe...
So ask the doc about your iron stores and your H&H.. somestimes if your Hemoglobin/hematocrit is low they will put you on iron...
I took an iron supplement with my first pregnancy - it's what the doctor ordered so I did it. As far as constipation, I made sure to drink a lot of water and I ate fiber cereal daily. I had no problems. I just read in a baby magazine that kiwi fruit has a laxative effect - something to keep in mind if that awful C word starts.
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Eve 10/23/01
Babe #2 c-section 11/06
Hi Pecan
I have been anemic for a long time and I am taking both a prenatal and an iron supplement. I am right on the border line right now. At my next appointment they said that they may have me increase my intake to 2 pills a day just to be safe. So if they told you to take both your iron is probably low. I find that if I take the pill with OJ then I do not get as constipated as when I do not. I also take it in the morning with my breakfast so if works out very well. Good Luck!!
Prenatal & Iron 
