Iron deficiency anaemia is a common condition in pregnancy that can have significant adverse effects on the health of the mother and baby. First-line treatment is with oral iron supplementation. Sometimes an iron infusion is required if oral iron therapy has failed, is not tolerated, or if a more rapid response is necessary. Dr Andrew Thant provides a same-day iron infusion consult and procedure at Chevron Advanced Medical. We are located in the heart of Gold Coast on Chevron Island with free 2P street parking. (For a standard iron infusion when not pregnant, please click here.)
For doctors / referrers:
The patient must be at least 16 weeks gestation.
Your patient can call 07 5538 8811 to make a booking.
Please provide your patient with:
- A referral letter; and
- Recent blood test results.
Fees:
- Fee for iron infusion in pregnancy - $320. Medicare rebate is $125, resulting in a gap of around $195.
- You will also need to purchase Ferinject. The cost of Ferinject is determined by the chemist. If you don't have Medicare, please check with your private health insurance if they will cover the cost of Ferinject (which ranges from $7 with Medicare concession to $150 without Medicare).
For patients / referral:
Pregnant patients will need a referral for an iron infusion. Please see your GP or obstetrician to determine if an iron infusion during pregnancy is needed.
For a standard iron infusion if you are not pregnant, please see this page.
What to expect during your appointment:
- Dr Andrew Thant likes to run on time. If you are a new patient, please arrive 10 minutes in advance to complete the registration form.
- The doctor will insert an IV cannula into a large vein in your arm.
- The iron infusion should take around 30 minutes. Your vital signs and foetal heart rate will be measured before, during and after the infusion.
- You will be asked to wait for a further 30 minutes after the iron infusion. Please expect to be in Chevron Island for around 1 hour and 30 minutes. There is free 2P street parking.
FAQS about iron deficiency and infusion in pregnancy
Babies born to a mother with iron deficiency anaemia may be at risk of:
- Low birth weight
- Premature delivery
- Not having enough iron to sustain them through the early rapid stages of growth and brain development
Iron infusion risks during pregnancy:
- Anaphylaxis: this is a severe allergic reaction requiring the administration of adrenaline. Anaphylaxis during pregnancy may increase the risk of caesarean delivery.
- Delayed allergic reaction: this can usually be managed with antihistamines that are safe in pregnancy.
- Foetal bradycardia: this may require further monitoring with CTG at the hospital.
Iron infusion risks in general:
- Headache, nausea, dizziness, muscle aches. This can last for a couple of days.
- Skin staining at site of needle insertion, which may be permanent. The risk may be reduced by having a trained doctor who performs many iron infusions.