Hi everyone! I've been anaemic my whole life, but I've never asked the doctors much about it. I'm planning to ask my doctor next time I see him, but that's not for two more weeks. So, my questions are: How low is too low for hemoglobin levels? And what are the risks to the baby if the levels get too low?

I know that hemoglobin levels between 12 to 16 are ideal and I think under 11 is considered anaemic. I'm normally in the 9 to 10 range, but at 28 weeks my levels are at 8.0 (I think that's the lowest I've ever been). I'm already taking iron pills in addition to my prenatal vitamins (325 mg twice a day). My MIL insists that I would need a blood transfusion if my levels went any lower than 8.0; my mother says it's under 7.0; and somebody else says it's under 6.0. Then I read on some random website that any pregnant woman going into labor with an 8.5 or lower would need a transfusion. My mother (who has a tendency to get me worried needlessly) says that for levels under 7.0 there's a risk for the baby to suffer some kind of retardation (but her hemoglobin level got down to a six-point-something when she was pregnant with me, and I turned out just fine).

Since both my mother and MIL are not the most credible sources, I'm keeping a positive attitude and I'm not overly worried, but I was wondering if anyone else had any other info to share. I haven't been able to find much on the web, so any info would be appreciated. Thanks!

~Jessica~

When I was preg. with my first child I was told I was at 7, I didn't need any transfusions or anything, the doc just told me to keep taking the iron pill and try to eat as much iron fortified food as possible.  After having my son my levels dropped a little more, but at my 6wk postpardum checkup they were back up.  I've never heard about any risk to the baby if they get too low.  Hope this helps.