Pernicious Anemia low and natural birth

[Ktothema]

Hi all,

I have a B12 deficiency and have been "diagnosed" with pernicious anemia. I say "diagnosed" as what I hadn't realised is that my previous GP hadn't run the appropriate tests. My new GP is convinced I have malabsorption issues of some kind, but is bound by the fact I haven't had the appropriate tests. So they won't give me the injection before 12 weeks is up. I'm due on 1st Oct, my nex jab is due after 27th Sep.

My problem is that the B12 just isn't lasting whilst I'm pregnant. I experience low symptoms around 6 weeks rather than 10. By the time of my last jab not only was I completely exhausted, had the fuzzies and suffering major migraines but I was suffering limb numbness, tingling, palpatations, nausea and dizziness. Going up a flight of stairs either made me collapse or vomit and just turning over in bed gave me terrible palpatations. All these symptoms disappeared within a week of having a jab.

I've been upfront with my midwives and consultants and said there's no way I'm going to be able to give birth in that condition. They originally offered me a top up jab, but are now saying they can't do that any more under NHS guidelines. So I've requested an elective csec. They are listening to me but are still telling me I should try a normal birth.

Am I really mad wanting a csec if I'm in this condition? My DD was emergency csec, so I know what it's like and am aware of the risks. Has anyone managed to give birth naturally during a B12 low?

Thanks and sorry for the long post.

 

[roz123]

hi, i just read your post, and i was wondering how you got on with giving birth with PA? iv had it for 3 years that i know of, and am now very anemic also, im 29weeks pregnant, and cant see how im going to get thro giving birth right now
really could do with some advice right now!

 

[Panster]

Hi

I was diagnosed about 3 years ago. I've continued to get my regular injections throughout the pregnancy and okay so far. They don't seem to think it'll cause any problem with labour but time will tell.

L

 

[roz123]

how far along are you if you dont mind me asking???
iv only had about 3 weeks through the hole pregnancy that iv been well enough to do anything in, at the moment i can hardly walk, i fall asleep about 4 times in the day time, my chest hurts and i find it hard to breath, im dizzy and light headed most of the time, im not coping much at all
the doctors and midwife i have, have never seen a pregnant woman with PA and havent got a clue, which i think is the only reason they are letting me have my injection early. the only thing the doctors seem worried about is my blood pressure and the chest pains iv been getting, but i think that is only due to the anemia level of 4 that i have at the moment.
i just wish i knew more people that have gone thro pregnancy and given birth, and felt like i did, at the moment you are the first people i have found with anythin similar to me.
thank you for your advise tho! it is lovely to know that there are others out there like me, to be honest i feel very alone at the moment with all this.

 

[roz123]

oh and just a quick thing, look up the gas and air stuff they give you for while your in labor, iv been doing loads of research and that seems to come up with a lot of side affects for people with PA
but i think it depends on the type they use, NO2 i think its called, but you would need to check!

 

[Ktothema]

Only just seen there were replies on this!

My ds is 4 months now and in the end I had an elcs. My GPS refused to give me any injections ahead of 12 weeks, and throughout pregnancy it drained so quick. I was collapsing and losing feeling in limbs and having palpatations loads. I was lucky to come across a registrar who's family member suffered so she fought my case for me. I know id never have had the energy or been in a decent state to give birth naturally. Like you, no one else had a clue what pernicious anaemia was and what it did to the body. The nurse who gives me my injections even thought it was stupid as if the baby drains and takes your other vitamins and minerals then why do they thinknB12 is any different.

Anyway, sorry I don't have any decent advice for you. Though have you tried sub linguals? I started taking them as a suppliment to the jabs and whilst it didn't alleviate the problems it did hold them off and make them less severe.

 

[roz123]

thank you so much for your sharing your experience, i had an appointment with my midwife this morning and am feeling very fed up, i keep asking questions to everyone and no one gives me a strait reply! i just feel very much alone with it all right now, cuz i can hardly walk or function to be honest, and i feel like my doctor isnt really interested
im glad everythin went ok with you and your little one!
i was also wondering if you found a doctor that knew anythin about PA and breast feeding? as iv been doing research and the PAS say that it can pass it on to the baby and then my doctor and midwife all say its rubbish, feel like i know more than all my doctors put together lol

 

[Ktothema]

I worried about breastfeeding too, and was told baby would be fine as he'd take my stores of it. My virtually non existent stores... In which case baby wouild become b12 deficient right? They really don't think or seem to care, almost like you make your symptoms up and fob you off. I have iron deficiency too and they're worried about my other vitamin uotakes so I chose to formula feed ds. I really chickened out on it all, but felt that of no one had any clue or weren't bothered I wasn't willing to take chances. Was right choice for me, but you need to go with what feels best for you.