Iron, folic acid, and vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy: patient compliance

Abstract

For over 20years, there have been many recommendations for iron, folic acid, and vitamin D supplements during pregnancy and periconceptional periods. Despite the recommendations, the deficiency rate remains high. A quantitative, prospective, descriptive, multicentric survey was conducted with new mothers (n=200) hospitalized in the postpartum department in three different levels of maternity hospitals. A questionnaire based on current medical literature on the topic was used to question pregnant women about their pregnancy and their periconceptional period. The purpose of this study was to record the compliance and the reasons of non-compliance of pregnant women concerning their intake of supplementary iron, vitamin D and acid folic during their pregnancy. Less than one out of two women reported having received a prescription for folic acid or vitamin D; and two thirds of pregnant women reported having received iron supplementation during their pregnancy. More than one in three women who had received a supplementation prescription reported not knowing the aim. The multiparity (p=0.03) and social assistance affiliation (p=0.05) are significant parameters influencing a poor compliance of supplementations. The supplementations during pregnancy and periconceptional period are still insufficient in regards to recommendations. Public health measures could be applied at a younger age through the establishment of nutrition courses.