I have read many articles that says mothers who are malnourished are at risk having a baby with Spina Bifida, particularly because of folic acid and iron deficiency. I am 27 years old. I was about 5 to 6 weeks pregnant when my doctor took my blood test and found out that my red blood cell count is below the normal range, my doctor told me not to worry and “everything is normal”. However, I read that a low red blood cell count is caused by folic acid and/or iron deficiency, also spina bifida develops on the first 6weeks of pregnancy and is irreversible. My blood pressure was also low 90/60 and I think it is also connected with having a low red blood cell count, I am also a little underweight. Although ever since I was a teenager my blood pressure has always been low and since I do not feel any dizziness, I ignored it. When I felt dizzy for 4 straight days every afternoon, it was very unusual for me so I took a pregnancy test, that is when I found out I was pregnant, and for 5weeks already.. Has anybody experienced the same thing as I did and how did the baby turn out? ↓
I have not had this happen-but be sure to take your prenatal vitamins everyday. You will most likely have a NT scan around 13-15 weeks which would tell if the baby has spina bifida. Try not to worry to much and keep eating well as the entire first trimester is the most important. Did you ask the doctor what the chances are based on your levels? Good luck. ↑
I was exactly the same when I had my first dd. I was underweight, and have always dealt with low blood pressure, low platelette counts and low iron. Also had horrible morning sickness and dizziness with all 3 of my pregnancies. I made sure to take folic acid and prenantals and have a healthy diet with lots of iron rich foods. All of my girls were born perfectly healthy and in a healthy weight range, between 7.5-8 lbs. I don't think you have anything to worry about if you're doing all the right things and your Dr. says everything is okay. The only risk I had with the low red blood cell count was a increased risk of bleeding out after delivery whenI was pregnant with my 3rd. This really scared me, but I was reasurred that it rarely happened. I did bleed for quite awhile after my delivery with my 3rd, and it took a long time for the placenta to come out, but the Dr. stayed with me and reassured me that I was fine. And I was. You'll be fine too, it's hard to not worry about things like that when your preggo, but take it all one day at a time and you'll do great! Congrats! ↑
