Abstract

Iron-deficiency anemia is the most frequent form of anemia in pregnancy and can have
serious consequences for both the mother and fetus. The majority of women do not have
adequate iron stores to meet the dramatic increase in requirements during the second and
third trimester of pregnancy. However, there is increasing evidence that intravenous iron is
more effective, provides more rapid haemoglobin correction, corrects iron stores and is
better tolerated than oral iron in treating iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy. The
reported prevalence of anemia in this study is high and routine screening of pregnant women
is highly recommended and further studies to explore during pregnancy is a public health
problem in developed and developing countries. Pregnant women are at risk of developing
anemia due to increased nutrient needs which include iron, folate and Vitamin B12 and
haemo-dilution during pregnancy.