Normally iron is started around the 12th or 14th week because taking it in first trimester can make morning sickness much worse. Your gynac will decide the exact week based on your hemoglobin level.
I'm in my 5th month now and my doc started mine from 14th week after my nausea settled. Are you also feeling very constipated after starting iron? It's so annoying.
In my hospital, the dietician and doctor gave me a full chart around the 14th week when they prescribed iron. Just message your hospital coordinator or doctor's assistant, they are usually very quick to guide on this.
With twins, my doctor started iron early because my body needed double the work! Still, eat beetroot and spinach too because tablets alone are not enough for the constipation we get, haha.
Usually doc starts it in second trimester after seeing CBC test. Better to get these blood tests done at a government lab to save some cash, and don't buy the expensive brands, ask for standard generic ones.
I am actually trying to conceive and was wondering about this too. Do we have to do blood tests first before doctors prescribe iron, or is it common for everyone?
Arre, I forgot to take my iron tablets half the time because of exhaustion! But seriously, start only when doc says, usually 2nd trimester. Now I'm staying awake all night with baby anyway, lol.
My mom used to give me beetroot juice and palak soup along with the iron pills my gynac started in the fourth month. Staying ghar pe really helped because family takes so much care of your diet.
Honestly, please wait for your blood test reports and check with your doc. I had severe low HB later on, so they had to monitor me very closely. Don't start any supplement on your own.
During my IVF journey, every medicine was carefully timed. My doctor started iron around week 12 once the initial critical phase passed and blood work was done. Please speak to your care team first, they know your body best.
