What if any, are the problems of taking so much iron, (even though I need it,) if I do become pregnant in the next month and can I continue with the iron supplementation during pregnancy?

Would you think it's better to wait a couple of weeks to try to increase my body's level of iron, before becoming pregnant? If I were to become pregnant quite soon, do you think there would be any harm to the baby if my iron level were rather low? Perhaps it might be an idea to have my iron levels checked again at some point in the near future.

The problems associated with iron supplements are usually caused when the supplement is an inorganic form of iron. These include digestive upsets and constipation. These problems are not associated with F.A.B., which is an organic form of iron and can be taken throughout your pregnancy.

My recommendation would be to work on increasing your iron level for 3 months and then have the level checked again before you become pregnant. To get a true reading you should stop taking any iron supplements for 3 days before the blood test. If you were to become pregnant before this time, it would not harm the developing baby as it would take all the nutrients that it needed to develop from you. This is why you need to build yourself up first. You could also use this time to improve your diet and get into some form of regular exercise such as swimming, yoga, walking or cycling. I sense that you are
ready to start your family but this time will pass quickly and it will benefit you both.

Congratulations on your pregnancy. You have had quite a wait for it to happen so I can understand your apprehension and desire not to put it in jeopardy. The information that we rely on when giving advice on which herbs are safe to use in pregnancy in mainly traditional or empirical. That is to say, it is information that has been passed down through the ages and is accepted as true rather than as the result of scientific research. Or the information may come about by observing the effects of a herb in various situations, also not very scientific. There are several herbs that are not appropriate for early pregnancy but useful in later pregnancy.

While it is true that herbal teas are from herbs they are not as strong as a tincture or an extract and it would therefore be difficult to cause any harm by drinking them. The herbs you have mentioned do not have any detrimental effects on pregnancy. Green tea does contain caffeine and tannin so I would suggest that you drink it only occasionally. I have not read any information that has indicated that dandelion should not be used while pregnant. The difference between using the root to the leaves is that the root is more beneficial as it contains the therapeutic properties of the plant. Its main benefit in pregnancy is that it tones the kidneys, eliminates excess fluid and benefits the liver. "Dandelion increases the activity of the liver, pancreas and spleen and aids in digestion of fats". (Nutrition Almanac. 4th edition. page 346). Even so, you would have to drink a lot of dandelion coffee to achieve the above effects. Enjoy your herbal teas and dandelion coffee and know that your baby is much better off than if you were drinking regular tea and coffee.

I am really worried I may be taking too much vitamin A.