Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Obstetrics and gynaecology
Iron deficiency in pregnancy: what you need to know
Recent articles on:
Health problems in pregnancy
Health problems in pregnancy
Abstract
Iron deficiency is common in pregnancy and has adverse effects for both the mother and child. It can and should be readily treated.
Key Points
- Ideally, iron status should be checked and optimised before pregnancy.
- Iron deficiency should be treated before anaemia develops: aim for a target ferritin level of 60 mcg/L.
- Not all microcytic anaemias are due to iron deficiency. Haemoglobinopathy, which has potential consequences for both mother and child, needs to be excluded as a cause of iron deficiency.
- Women should be educated about the side effects and interactions of oral iron replacement. This will increase the likelihood of them achieving adequate iron levels through oral replacement.
- Intravenous iron preparations are currently safer and more convenient for treating pregnant women with iron deficiency. Iron repletion before delivery is preferable, with a lower threshold to prescribe intravenous iron such as iron carboxymaltose.
Picture credit: © BSIP/Diomedia.com
Purchase the PDF version of this article
Already a subscriber? Login here.