Why have I been advised to have an iron infusion (Monofer)?
You have been advised to have an iron infusion because your blood count has shown you are anaemic with low iron levels.
Pregnant women need more iron to provide for the needs of their growing baby and many women become anaemic as a result. Anaemia can make you feel very tired, lacking in energy and in severe cases dizzy and breathless.
In many cases anaemia is easily treated by changing what you eat and increasing the amount of iron rich foods and also with iron tablets. However some women are unable to take iron tablets or their blood count doesn’t improve. If this is the case your doctor may recommend an injection of iron instead.
It is important that anaemia is treated during pregnancy since you are more likely to need a blood transfusion after birth if you remain anaemic. Monofer is also sometimes offered after birth to treat anaemia.
How will I receive my course of iron?
You will be given a date and time to come to the Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU). If you are already on the antenatal or postnatal wards the iron infusion will be given there.
Your temperature, blood pressure and pulse will be checked.
A cannula (drip) will be put into a vein in your hand. A small amount of blood will be taken from this and then the iron infusion started. The infusion takes twenty to thirty minutes.
Once it is finished your temperature, pulse and blood pressure will be checked again.
After treatment you will be asked to stay for thirty minutes to make sure that you are well before you leave.
What follow up will I have?
Most women just need one iron infusion. The blood count usually takes about two weeks to improve so you will be asked to have your blood count checked by your community midwife after three weeks.
You will be given a follow up appointment in the antenatal clinic or daycare unit. Occasionally a second iron infusion is needed.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects with Monofer are uncommon and if they do occur are usually mild and get better without the need for treatment. Possible side effects include flushing, itching and rashes, feeling sick, headache, stomach upset and chest/back pain with shortness of breath. Muscle or joint aches can occur in the first few days but symptoms usually settle.
Rarely leakage at the cannula site may lead to permanent discolouration of the skin. The infusion should be stopped immediately if there is any pain/discomfort/discolouration at the cannula site and the cannula resited.
More severe reactions to intravenous iron medications such as allergic ‘anaphylactic’ responses are rare.
The doctors and midwives treating you will be happy to provide further information about Monofer, anaemia and your treatment if you have any concerns or questions.
