Effect of Iron Supplements on Anemic Pregnant Women

Abstract

Iron is the most important component and its deficiency causes anemia that can be very dangerous for pregnant women as well as the fetus. The study was designed to identify level of anemia in pregnant women to find out the causes of anemia and to evaluate the effect of iron supplements on anemia during pregnancy. Study was conducted in district Mianwali, Punjab, Pakistan for a period 6 months on antenatal women. 50 pregnant women of the 2nd trimester were selected for study, detailed history and questionnaire regarding socio demographic characteristics were conducted before study. Iron supplements were prescribed to the antenatal enrolled women after 1st hematological incidences. Mostly women prescribed with iron supplements that contain the equivalent of 60 mg iron and 250 µg folic acid. A blood sample was collected before and after the study (9th month of pregnancy). Patients received the iron supplementation for six months from 2nd trimester to onward then CBC results compared between before and after supplementation, which show significant difference between two values that show that iron supplements have considerable effect on anemia. Diet plays an important role in the maintenance of good health during pregnancy. The effect can be enhanced by taking iron supplements properly.