Iron supplements made me so ill :(

[calm]

Not sure if this has happened to anyone else.

I was given some iron supplements the other day. Its not because I've been proven anaemic, just "in case". I was told to take them with orange juice and without any dairy products. I did, and about 4 hours later I started to get the most horrendous cramps, never had anything like that. I got the impression it was gas/acid/stomatch related, though still so uncomfortable and in pain I began to wonder if I was having contractions. I then had some diarrhoea and lots of gas, and then some more, and finally after DH had gone bed I was promptly very sick in the living room (couldn't make it to the toilet it was so abrupt. I also have to add I've actually only vomited once in the whole pregnancy though I do get nausea a lot). In the middle of all of this the babies seemed to kick as normal, and I've got a doctor's appointment for today. I'm sure its the iron supplement as I read up on how you can react to it and it was exactly what happened to me. My mayor concern at the moment is dehydration as I seemed to lose so much liquid when being sick so I'm going to try and drink plenty until the appointment . So glad to feel better today even though I feel a bit rough still I think I would rather drink liquid poison that those iron drink things today. If I need iron I will have to try a different tablet! Anyone else have such awful reactions?

 

[Gregsprincess]

I've only taken iron when its included in the prenatal vitamins and I found if I hadn't eaten a decent meal before taking them I would get horrific stomach cramping and the watery mouth like I was going to vomit. Looked on Dr Google (possibly the worst thing) and it seems to be a common reaction to iron supplements Im sure its also not good to take a supplement unless you are deficient especially with iron so perhaps thats why you've had such a severe reaction. Hope you feel better and get some answers at your appointment today

 

[Pinkie 33]

I had to take iron after the op to remove molar pregnancy. They gave me stomach cramps and horrendous constipation, it was so painful and I took myself off them. If its just for a precaution, maybe you could eat extra iron-rich foods? My Mum says that in the 'good ol days' she drank a pint of stout a day for iron! Hope you feel better soon x

 

[Unexpected212]

I'm anaemic and if I take iron I projectile vomit it after no matter what I do so I feel your pain

 

[Hoping4Four]

I hate iron supplements too, they give me awful constipation. Instead I use Spatone iron water, which is a natural alternative. They're little sachets of spring water that has a naturally high iron content.. You just add to it a glass of fruit juice (orange is best, I find) and you can't taste it. I have two a day but I'm anaemic.. One would probably do if you're not

I ordered mine from amazon but I think you can get it from most chemists. I've had absolutely no side effects from using it.

 

[ItsJana]

I am taking a high dose iron supplement and at first I had problems with it too. Your body will get use to it though. Never take it with just juice make sure you have a full stomach (after lunch, dinner etc) and it should settle much easier.

 

[jamesmomma201]

I take mine at night, about an hour after dinner, and i haven't had any problems.

 

[calm]

thank you girls! It turns out I am anaemic after all, so will be trying a different iron and on a full stomach. The OB/GYN told me to take them before eating, but if they make me that ill there is no way I am going to do that!

 

[immie]

Yes! I got put on iron just over a week ago and was taking them for 3 days before I took myself off them again. They made me constipated but with diarrhea at the same time, sounds strange I know. And I got constant stomach cramps and felt nauseous and pretty much stayed in bed for 2 days straight. I am only mildy anaemic so I've just come off them. It's better to be a little low on iron than low on everything due to diarrhea and vomiting so decided they weren't worth it xxx

 

[nesSAH]

I am anemic and I had to take iron supplements for DD1 &2 pregnancies.
Unfortunately I've never had any issues with my supplements.

Try taking on an empty stomach first thing in the morning and then use the bathroom after.

Or else, take it before bedtime with orange juice. Vitamin C helps your body absorb it better. It also helps not to take it with your regular prenatals.

So sorry it bugs your stomach... maybe your body does not need that much? How many milligrams are you taking?
I use Palafer (300 mg of Iron Fumerate) a day first thing in the morning.You could also take them every other day to let your body adjust.