There is an increased demand for iron and folate during pregnancy. Should these
needs not be optimally met, serious physical and intellectual consequences may
ensue for both mothers and their babies.
Key messages
􀃎Daily iron supplementation improves maternal haemoglobin levels and
prevents maternal anaemia, but probably has little or no effect on the
incidence of low birth weight and premature delivery.
􀃎Daily iron and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy probably improves
maternal haemoglobin levels and prevents maternal anaemia, but may not
have any influence on the incidence of low birth weight and premature
delivery.
􀃎It is not known whether intermittent iron supplementation improves maternal
haemoglobin levels or prevents maternal anaemia.