Went to my 20w midwife appt this morning started discussing my blood results (pick up print outs later) with the consultant. My b12 was 212(200-900) and I told her my doc would do injections if I got an OK from a midwife. She said NO! The ranges are there for a reason. They only treat when b12 is 100 and wouldn't advise? Really? Surely this is way too low? Now my doc probably won't do them for me! Also my vitD is very low (get results later) so I'm supplementing. Now I'm no longer under consultant because my thyroid and everything is "fine" apparently. so am just being treated as a normal patient. I'll post my results later when I get them but just had to post and see this can't be right surely?
Written by
MuffinSx
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Though having said that labs in the US do tend to indicate the grey range overtly on test results - so may be getting through in some areas.
You could try supplementing for yourself - 1% of B12 is absorbed outside the ileum so high doses orally can work - failing that you could try nasal sprays, sublinguals or skin patches - basically trying to use a membrane other than the wall of the gut.
Sally Pacholok in her book 'Could it Be B12?' recommends supplementation for all pregnant women because of the need for B12 during pregnancy to ensure proper development of the foetus. Low B12 can also be a factor in pre-eclampsia. High B12 isn't a problem ... but don't forget about folate levels as well.
Have you googled the BCSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines? I think there is some mention of b12 deficiency in pregnancy in the document. I think the NHS is supposed to be following these guidelines. There might be some useful quotes you could give to your midwife. The BCSH Cobalamin Guidelines mention that it is possible to be symptomatic even if in normal range for B12.
The library section on the PAS website has a document about B12 deficiency in pregnancy. You need to be a member to access it. Membership is very reasonably priced.
You don't need to be a member to ring the PAS. If you leave a message they will get back to you. They might be able to tell you where to find more info on B12 deficiency and pregnancy.
I hope your midwife knows that a lack of B12 increases the risk of a baby having a neural tube defect eg spina bifida. This is mentioned on the NHS Choices website.
Patients need to provide a comprehensive medical history.
Have you asked whether you can have other blood tests eg Homocysteine? This test can be obtained privately if unavailable from GP.
The injections for you as an adult might be fine, but not be such a good thing for your baby. Watch how you go, try pigs liver regularly instead. When you have had your baby get your B12 checked, your going to need good levels then to cope, I din't have them, it wasn't spotted for 10 years later, I got a diagnosis of ME, but my husband had ended up looking after me and our daughter.
According to a book The VitaminAlphabet by Dr Christina Scott-moncrieff MB chb mfhom pigs liver is highest food for B12. All the book is quite an insight.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.