An increase in blood volume and red blood cells is observed during pregnancy. Since the increase in blood volume is higher, there is a slight decrease in blood values called hemoglobin during pregnancy. Hemoglobin values below 11 in the first 3 months of pregnancy, 10.5 in the second 3 months, and 11 in the third 3 months are interpreted as anemia. However, a blood value below 30, in which we evaluate iron stores called ferritin, indicates that iron stores are decreasing. Even if blood values and iron stores are normal, iron need increases during pregnancy. The iron requirement for the mother's and baby's red blood cells increases. The baby needs iron in its placenta. Therefore, pregnant women with normal iron stores should take approximately 30mg of iron supplements daily. Since this amount is contained in many vitamin drugs used during pregnancy, pregnant women with normal iron stores and blood values do not need to take extra blood medicine if the vitamin drug they use contains sufficient iron. Therefore, there is no need for every pregnant woman to use blood medicine during pregnancy. Having iron and blood levels within normal limits during pregnancy is important for the mental development of the baby, especially in the last months.
Iron treatment can be administered intravenously to expectant mothers whose blood levels are very low and who have difficulty in taking blood medication. This treatment will normalize blood values faster than taking oral blood (iron) medication. Patients who have difficulty using blood medications can use the medication one day and not use it every other day, instead of using these medications every day. Drinking blood medicine every other day increases the absorption of the medicine from the intestines. Although it is not clear whether intravenous iron therapy is safe during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, it may be preferred when administered after the 12th week.
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