Here’s the reason.
A new study has found that up to 80% of pregnant women could face iron deficiency by the time they reach their third trimester, raising concerns about the health of both mothers and their babies. Despite this significant finding, current U.S. guidelines, such as those from the United States Preventive Services Taskforce (USPSTF) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), do not recommend routine iron screening during pregnancy. However, researchers from the study are advocating for updates to these guidelines, suggesting that mandatory iron deficiency testing be implemented even in the absence of anemia, along with recommendations for iron supplementation when needed.
The research, conducted by Dr. Elaine McCarthy from University College Cork in Ireland, highlights the critical need for increased iron intake during pregnancy. Iron is essential for both maternal health and fetal development, yet many women start their pregnancies with low iron reserves. This deficiency can lead to anemia and elevate the risk of complications like postpartum hemorrhage, depression, and low birth weight. Even in cases where anemia is not present, insufficient iron levels can negatively affect the child’s neurodevelopment.
At present, routine iron testing is not required during pregnancy in the U.S., unless a woman is diagnosed with anemia. This contrasts with international recommendations, such as those from the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, which advise iron screening during the first trimester. The study stresses the importance of early detection to prevent iron deficiency and its associated risks.
McCarthy’s team studied nearly 650 pregnant women in Ireland and discovered that while none of the participants were iron deficient in their first trimester, 80% became deficient by the third trimester. Women who took iron supplements earlier in pregnancy had a lower likelihood of developing a deficiency. The researchers also suggest using both hemoglobin and ferritin levels to measure iron status, as ferritin provides a more accurate reflection of iron stores.
As a result of this study, experts such as Dr. Michael Auerbach and Dr. Helain Landy from Georgetown University are urging U.S. health organizations to revise their guidelines to include routine testing for iron deficiency during pregnancy, even in the absence of anemia, to better protect the health of mothers and their children.
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