Iron deficiency doesn't hurt, isn't visible, and rarely gives warning signs, but its consequences can be devastating. Specialists are calling for the evaluation of ferritin levels before pregnancy and during each trimester of gestation. Worldwide, 40% of pregnant women are affected by iron deficiency. It is the 4th leading cause of years lived with disability and the 1st in women. It can be prevented and effectively treated with timely diagnosis and appropriate therapies. During pregnancy, the risk of obstetric hemorrhage, preeclampsia, premature birth, low birth weight, and irreversible delays in the baby's neurological development increases. A baby born to a mother with iron deficiency may have behavioral problems, memory issues, and delays in neurological development with irreversible consequences. The mother's life is also at risk. Iron deficiency is not a minor detail; it is a public health priority.
Specialists Call for Iron Level Evaluation in Pregnant Women
Iron deficiency in pregnancy can lead to serious consequences for both mother and child. Experts emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and regular monitoring of ferritin levels.
