----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, April 02, 2004 9:55
AM
Subject: [ozmidwifery] B12
Hello,
what do midwives, nurses, naturopaths etc out
there think about having vitamin B12 shots at the end of my pregnancy. I have
always been told I have a B12 deficiency but have been previously unaware of
the actual levels until results almost a year ago showed a reading of around
400 (anything over 250 is normal anything under 170 low and inbetween is well
inbetween.) I had bloods taken at 28 week pregnant - now 31 and the results of
my B12 came back at 212. My GP has recommended 2 intramuscular shots prior to
the birth, which I was fine with until I got the script filled and read the
leaflet that says that B12 shots are contraindicated in pregnancy and that B12
does cross the placenta. It says that B12 should not be used to treat anemia
in pregnancy. I am not anemic my hemaglobin levels were fine and hadn't
dropped much since the start of the pregnancy however my iron store is down to
4. (it was 23 a year ago). For this I am taking floradix and have upped my
pregnancy multi and take it in conjunction with ascorbic acid.
I guess I am in need of some direction, Firstly
is there an issue with the baby receiving B12 in such a way or at such a
level? and Is it really important for me to get my B12 levels up? If so for me
or the baby or both? What are the consequences if any of not having the
shots? Is anyone familiar with B12 issues?
By the way years ago I had a schillings test
which I think concluded that I was unable to efficiently absorb B12 from food
sources into the blood.
I am breastfeeding my 3 year old approx once a
day.The other thing the leaflet says is, "USE IN LACTATION"
Hydroxocobalamin is distributed into
breastmilk. Therefore it is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers unless
the expected benefits to the mother outweigh any potential risk to the
infant.
The prescription is Neo-Cytamen '1000'
(Hydroxocobalamin Chloride - Vitamin B12)
I will do some more research and further discuss
this with my care providers, but thought someone might have some information
or an opinion on this this, all responses will be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Rochelle.
