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Should I go to doctor
I am a breastfeeding mom of 2 yr old. Nowadays I feel tiredness even after basic housework. I became breathless while climbing stairs. I always get irritated even on small talks. What test I should do.
Answers (14)
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I am Dr Shamoon. Yes, you should see a doctor - your symptoms are not just "mother's fatigue" and they deserve proper testing. In a 32-year-old woman still breastfeeding a 2-year-old, tiredness after ordinary housework, breathlessness on climbing stairs and a short temper together point most strongly to iron deficiency anaemia. Two years of lactation on top of pregnancy drains iron and vitamin B12 stores, and if your periods have returned and are heavy, the loss continues every month. Anaemia explains all three of your complaints at once, because low haemoglobin reduces oxygen delivery, and low iron and B12 also affect mood and concentration. The other realistic possibilities, which are easy to miss and easy to test for, are hypothyroidism (common in the postpartum period, and it also causes weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, constipation and low mood), vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiency, and less often diabetes or a heart/lung cause for the breathlessness. At 72 kg and 5'7", deconditioning may contribute a little, but a change from your usual baseline should never be dismissed as being just out of shape. Please also be honest with yourself about the irritability - postpartum depression and anxiety can persist well beyond the first year, and it is a genuine medical condition that responds very well to treatment, not a personal failing. A simple set of blood tests plus an examination and blood pressure check will give clear answers.
Next Steps
1) Get these tests (fasting, in the morning): CBC with peripheral smear, serum ferritin, iron studies, vitamin B12, vitamin D, thyroid profile (TSH, free T4), fasting blood sugar and HbA1c, and serum creatinine. An ECG is worth adding since you have breathlessness on exertion. 2) Have your blood pressure, pulse and weight checked, and get a clinical examination of your heart and lungs. 3) Do not start iron on your own before the tests, but from today improve your diet: dates, jaggery, green leafy vegetables, rajma, chana, eggs, chicken or fish, and a vitamin C source such as lemon or amla with meals to boost iron absorption. Avoid tea or coffee within an hour of meals - it blocks iron absorption. 4) Continue calcium with vitamin D as you are still lactating, and discuss the correct iron and B12 supplement with your doctor once reports are ready - all standard iron, B12 and vitamin D supplements are safe during breastfeeding. 5) Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep in whatever pattern you can manage, and 20 minutes of walking daily - it improves both stamina and mood. 6) For the irritability, note whether you also have low mood, loss of interest, poor sleep or crying spells; if yes, mention this specifically to your doctor as it needs its own treatment. 7) Recheck haemoglobin 6-8 weeks after starting treatment. You are welcome to consult me on Practo with your reports, or in person at Synergy Multispeciality Hospital, Miraj.
Health Tips
Word of caution: see a doctor urgently if you develop chest pain or tightness, breathlessness at rest or while lying flat, palpitations, fainting or near-fainting, swelling of the feet, very heavy periods with clots, black stools, or any thoughts of harming yourself. Do not treat prolonged tiredness with tonics, multivitamin combinations or energy drinks bought over the counter - it delays finding the real cause.
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kindly do connect and consult with me for better treatment plan and advice on your case via PRACTO app
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You can consult a physician in your area for a clinical examination, blood tests suggested by the doctor
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Get a test done of complete blood count . And check if hemoglobin and mcv is low then you may have iron deficiancy anaemia .
Next Steps
Go for blood report
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If you would like to discuss your concern in more detail, please feel free to contact me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine. Alternatively, you can connect with me through the Practo app for a detailed consultation
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Get Haemoglobin, blood sugar, thyroid function tests , x ray chest,done and share results.
Do you have family h/o asthma?
For now, start syp R.b. tone 5m.l every morning and evening for 2 weeks.
If breathlessness is more take tab acebrophylline 100mg one morning and one evening dailyfor 4 to5 days.
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Requires a proper assessment to understand the underlying cause and guide you.
Please book a consultation for a detailed evaluation, personalized treatment plan and further advice.
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Check cbc For HB ,serum ferritin ,serum iron vitamin b12 serum Tsh and vit D
If deficient in any of these take supplements Try to relax meditate and do breathing exercise for irritability
Next Steps
Take good nutritious food and try to sleep well moderate exercise also
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Ashita Kuruvilla
General Practitioner
8 yrs exp
Kolkata
Need few more details for further evaluation. Please consult
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Dr. Gaurav Jaiswal
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Jhansi
Avoid fried and spicy food
Water intake more
Green leafy vegetables more
Fiber meal
Do connect and consult
Will help you
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Practitioner
7 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.