Pregnancy: Iron Deficiency – Nursing Essay
Women who become pregnant are at high risk for iron deficiency. Iron deficiency tends to occur due to the high demand of fetal and material tissue growth during a pregnancy (1). Pregnant women with low iron intake are at a higher risk than those who receive the recommended daily value (4). Vitamin C helps the body to absorb natural and supplemental iron intake. Studies have show that patient who have not taken routine iron supplements during there pregnancy may be at risk for preterm deliveries and caesarean sections. Macroscopic abnormalities of the afterbirth were also more common in these patients.
Routine iron supplements in women with initially normal hemoglobin levels seem to be a safe strategy for preventing prenatal complications (2). On the other side of this study are patients receiving too much iron in order to eliminate iron deficiency. A patient that is taking an iron supplement may increase the H and H in the body which can result in fetal growth restriction, preterm delivery, and preeclampsia. (3). In conclusion Iron supplements are a resourceful way for pregnant patients who are iron deficient to increase there daily value. However, these supplements are only for those patients which have a deficiency, for too much may result in pregnancy complications.