I got a call yesterday from my doctors office. They told me my iron levels are pretty low and I am anemic so I need to take iron. I have done some research and have read a few times in different websites that it can cause the baby to be born premature or give me a higher chance of needing a blood transfusion. Is there a way I can lessen the chances of giving birth early or needing a blood transfusion? What causes someone to be anemic when pregnant? I've been eating healthy (I thought eating plenty of iron), taking my prenatals, and exercising five days a week. Is it just another weird pregnancy thing that can happen? Or did I do/didn't do something to cause it?
I've just started taking my iron pills yesterday and my vitamin c supplement, but on the instructions it says to avoid antacids. Well I have heartburn 24/7 pretty much and I used tums. Since starting the pills I haven't taken any tums. What else can I take for this awful heartburn I have? I see my doctor on December 2 which is next week I believe and will ask her more, but I just want to know some stuff beforehand.

Will it go away after the pregnancy or will I remain anemic?