Vitamin B12 deficiency

[Browneyed Girl]

Hi, I've been told today I have a vitamin B12 deficiency and was wondering if anyone had any experience of this in pregnancy? The NHS website says it can cause neural tube defects similar to lack of folic acid and my doctor wasn't overly reassuring that anything like this would have been picked up by now (he said scans will pick up defects that are 'big' or 'gross' but they're not 100%). I'm shared care so have booked into see the consultant next Thursday. In the meantime I am a bit panicked though

 

[JJ Mum]

Ive no advice but great it's been spotted now, have they given you supplements to start?
I would say they were most inportant in the first trimester and if you'd had a deficiency then it would have been picked up at booking in bloods? How many weeks were you then? Hopefully the consultant will be able reassure you , don't worry xx

 

[Browneyed Girl]

Hi, they don't routinely test vitamin B12 so it's not done at booking in or week 28. The midwife said they only test for it normally if your iron is low but mine was ok. I've only been tested for it because I saw the cardiologist this week and he ran some tests - lucky he did really! I'm vegetarian so it could be to do with that, if it is diet I can just take supplements which they've given me now but if it's an absorption problem I will need injections for life!! I need a full blood count to determine this.

Apparently the neural tube develops in the really early weeks of pregnancy which might be why they don't test for B12 at booking in as it would be too late?

For anyone in ttc reading this, it can also cause infertility especially in vegetarians and vegans as B12 is derived from meat and animal products. Makes me wonder if that's why I couldn't conceive all along!

From what I've read breastfeeding while deficient can cause developmental problems with the baby as well so I'm glad it's been picked up.

Hoping the consultant will be more reassuring than the GP. The midwife I spoke to said it's highly unlikely there's any problem with the baby as I've had 4 scans on the NHS so that's made me feel a bit better. Thanks JJ xx

 

[bubblegum 1987]

Hi there, I suffered from low B12 before I fell pregnant. There is a 6 year age gap between my first child and this baby and in a way, I put it down to receiving B12 injections to build my stores up that I actually fell pregnant again. Your right they do not routinely check B12 levels at booking in appointments, I had mine checked because of previous deficancy.
I don't have much advice about B12 and pregnancy as my levels have been good throughout pregnancy, but it does have a lot to do with diet and and the meats and greens that you eat. I'm lucky I took a craving for salad through this pregnancy but i put it down to my body needing this.
My gp also explained that some people just don't absorb the b12 out of foods no matter how much they eat so it could also be down to that. Ask for supplements or the injections, they do the injections in loading doses and you get one every other day for a few weeks then it changes to every 3 months. I felt so much better after my injections and felt like I had more energy.
Hope you get it sorted ️xx

 

[Lolie14]

I'm also vegetarian so reading this made me panic a little. I'm 28+3. I've just checked the pregnacare plus tablets I've been taking and B12 is listed on them so hopefully I will be okay. Thanks for the heads up though!

 

[Balthazar1275]

I have had a b12 deficiency or (pernicious anaemia) for 9 years now. I get injections every 8 weeks and full bloods counts down every 6 months. Never had any issues carrying my little boy and all is great so far with this pregnancy. If you ever want to talk just PM me huni

Michelle x

 

[Browneyed Girl]

I have had a b12 deficiency or (pernicious anaemia) for 9 years now. I get injections every 8 weeks and full bloods counts down every 6 months. Never had any issues carrying my little boy and all is great so far with this pregnancy. If you ever want to talk just PM me huni

Michelle x

Thanks hun, I appreciate that. That's good to know that you have the injections during pregnancy and everything has been fine. I've started taking supplements prescribed by the doctor until we get the results of the blood tests back as if it's not an absorption problem the supplements should work.

One of the things that worries me is if my levels are still depleted when baby is born and I breastfeed the baby will then be deficient and that can be serious.

Can I ask what your level was when you were diagnosed and what sort of level it is now you're being treated? My level is 140 which the doctor said is slightly low but from what I've read this is very low? xx

 

[Balthazar1275]

My pernicious anaemia was detected through blood results done after suffering from palpitations and dizzy spells. I also had a heart scan and heart monitor fitted which showed I had a very fast irregular heart beat. My haemaglobin levels were dangerously low i think they were 7 when I was tested, they then carried out a shillings test to confirm pernicious anaemia.
If i rember rightly my iron levels were just over 100. I was then started on b12 injections every week for a month then every month for 6 months. Now I get the injections every 8 weeks and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.
At my last midwife appointment my haemaglobin was up to 14 and iron was 140 and ferritin was 11. I hope this helps

Michelle x

 

[Clementine]

Hi, just read your post, I also have pernicious anaemia for 10+ years, 140 is low, the consultant keeps me around 500 to 600, my B12 deficiency was caused by my underactive thyroid. If possible I would ask to be checked my Endocrinologist that should work alongside Maternity - as well as B12 they should also check your TSH and Free T4.

Try not to worry, they should be able to give you B12 injections & monitor your blood, I'm sure all is ok, my consultant told me that generally the baby takes what they need & that it is you that is left feeling the effects, have you been feeling really tired?

 

[Browneyed Girl]

Hi, just read your post, I also have pernicious anaemia for 10+ years, 140 is low, the consultant keeps me around 500 to 600, my B12 deficiency was caused by my underactive thyroid. If possible I would ask to be checked my Endocrinologist that should work alongside Maternity - as well as B12 they should also check your TSH and Free T4.

Try not to worry, they should be able to give you B12 injections & monitor your blood, I'm sure all is ok, my consultant told me that generally the baby takes what they need & that it is you that is left feeling the effects, have you been feeling really tired?

Thanks Clementine, I had my thyroid checked a couple of years ago when I was struggling to conceive and the tests came back normal. Would this be the TSH and Free T4 tests you mention or are these something different?

I'm hoping I'm deficient because baby has taken all it needs but I'll ask the consultant about that on Thursday. I have been feeling tired but I'm out the house nearly 12 hours a day and nearly 32 weeks pregnant so to be honest I don't think I'm any more tired than I'd expect to be. I am generally quite a tired person though and it does make me wonder if I've had it all along. The GP didn't seem that experienced with it and didn't ask me that actually - he just asked if I've had pins and needles or any loss of balance which I haven't xx

 

[Browneyed Girl]

My pernicious anaemia was detected through blood results done after suffering from palpitations and dizzy spells. I also had a heart scan and heart monitor fitted which showed I had a very fast irregular heart beat. My haemaglobin levels were dangerously low i think they were 7 when I was tested, they then carried out a shillings test to confirm pernicious anaemia.
If i rember rightly my iron levels were just over 100. I was then started on b12 injections every week for a month then every month for 6 months. Now I get the injections every 8 weeks and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.
At my last midwife appointment my haemaglobin was up to 14 and iron was 140 and ferritin was 11. I hope this helps

Michelle x

Hi hun, thanks for your reply about vitamin B12 injections. I tried to PM you but it said you don't accept them.

My test results showed I don't have a problem with my intrinsic factor so it's probably pregnancy related deficiency. My consultant wants me to have the injections rather than take supplements though to ensure my levels are back to normal for delivery and after. The injections are 1mg of hydroxocobalamin every other day for 2 weeks (6 in total) and then another injection in 3 months. I start them today but I'm a bit nervous about taking anything in pregnancy. This seems like the current standard regime so I need to trust them but I still worry! Seems like a very high dose! Is this the same dose you take? How do you feel after an injection?

Thanks xxx

 

[Balthazar1275]

My pernicious anaemia was detected through blood results done after suffering from palpitations and dizzy spells. I also had a heart scan and heart monitor fitted which showed I had a very fast irregular heart beat. My haemaglobin levels were dangerously low i think they were 7 when I was tested, they then carried out a shillings test to confirm pernicious anaemia.
If i rember rightly my iron levels were just over 100. I was then started on b12 injections every week for a month then every month for 6 months. Now I get the injections every 8 weeks and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.
At my last midwife appointment my haemaglobin was up to 14 and iron was 140 and ferritin was 11. I hope this helps

Michelle x

Hi hun, thanks for your reply about vitamin B12 injections. I tried to PM you but it said you don't accept them.

My test results showed I don't have a problem with my intrinsic factor so it's probably pregnancy related deficiency. My consultant wants me to have the injections rather than take supplements though to ensure my levels are back to normal for delivery and after. The injections are 1mg of hydroxocobalamin every other day for 2 weeks (6 in total) and then another injection in 3 months. I start them today but I'm a bit nervous about taking anything in pregnancy. This seems like the current standard regime so I need to trust them but I still worry! Seems like a very high dose! Is this the same dose you take? How do you feel after an injection?

Thanks xxx

Yes this is the exact dose i am on, 1mg injections of hydroxocobalamin every 8 weeks though as i simply cant last 3 months inbetween injections as i get extremely tired, get more frequent palpitations and increased breathlessness. i had reservations about having these injections while TTC then while pregnant but honestly i havent had any issues.
Just to prepare you though try not to get the injections in your bottom, they hurt like hell. I prefer mine in my arm and then alternate arms for each injection. Your arm will cramp up for a wee while after as they inject into the muscle rather than a vein but honestly i dont think about it anymore its just one of these things that have to be done and unfortunately for me i have to get them for the rest of my life.
so pleased its just pregnancy related for you and once baby is here safe and sound you will be back to your old self.
I will change my message staus so you can messgae me anythime. If you have any further questions.
Let me know how your getting on huni x

michelle x

 

[Browneyed Girl]

Thanks hun, I will definitely try and get them in my arm in that case. I don't fancy 6 painful injections in my bum!!

It's reassuring to know that you've had the same injection while pregnant and all has been ok so thanks for confirming. Sorry that you need them permanently though. Given that it's just as bad as being iron deficient I don't understand why it's not routinely tested for in pregnancy!

Did you speak to your doctor about ttc/pregnancy whilst taking the injections if you were worried?

Thanks xx

 

[Clementine]

Just to add more reassurance I get the injection once a month (even though it's supposed to last 3months) I know both times I was pregnant the consultant said it was ok to get them whilst pregnant.

Like Baltazar said get them in your upper arm - they sting a little as its going into the muscle but nothing too bad.

You should feel like you have more energy afterwards xx

 

[Balthazar1275]

After we had our 3rd miscarriage I was worried that it was due to the pernicious anaemia and getting the injections but my GP, haematologist and Gynae Consultant all reassured me it wasn't due to this at all.
We then went on to have a very healthy pregnancy and my little boy is absolutely fit and healthy. No issues with this pregnancy so far either.

Michelle X

 

[Browneyed Girl]

Thanks both of you - that's really reassuring I had my first injection today and I think I got lucky as it didn't sting much and my arm has been fine since. Fx the others are the same xx

 

[Balthazar1275]

Thats great news, now you have the 1st one out the way the rest will be just as easy.

Michelle x

 

[Browneyed Girl]

Thats great news, now you have the 1st one out the way the rest will just as easy.

Michelle x

Thanks for your advice hun, you've really helped xx