Iron preparations for iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy: which treatment is best?

Abstract

Iron deficiency anaemia is a common clinical problem in pregnant women worldwide. It affects around 15–20% of women in high-income countries and up to 50% in low-income and middle-income countries.1 Iron deficiency anaemia is a risk factor for postpartum haemorrhage, blood transfusion, infection, preterm birth, small-for-gestational-age babies, difficulties with breastfeeding, impaired quality of life, and, in severe cases, maternal death.2 Oral iron supplementation is the first-line treatment during pregnancy, although gastrointestinal side-effects can lead to suboptimal patient adherence.