Assessment of iron deficiency and anemia in pregnant women: an observational French study

Womens Health (Lond). 2016 Jan;12(1):95-102. doi: 10.2217/whe.15.91. Epub 2015 Dec 23.

Abstract

Aim: We explored the prevalence and management of iron deficiency and anemia among pregnant women in France.

Patients & methods: In this prospective, observational, multicenter registry study, randomly selected investigators (gynecologists/obstetricians/midwives registered in the CEGEDIM(®) database) assessed pregnant women presenting for a consultation. Participants completed a questionnaire at study inclusion.

Results: A total of 1506 patients were enrolled by 95 investigators. Overall, investigators estimated a moderate or significant risk of iron deficiency in almost 60% of women. The overall prevalence of anemia (15.8%) increased with longer pregnancy duration. Medication (mainly iron-based) was prescribed to 57.3% of patients.

Conclusion: In French clinical practice, the estimated risk of iron deficiency and prevalence of anemia during pregnancy align with expectations and are managed according to national/international recommendations.

Keywords: anemia; iron deficiency; oral ferrous sulfate; pregnancy; prevention.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / epidemiology*
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / prevention & control*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Ferric Compounds / therapeutic use
  • Ferrous Compounds / therapeutic use
  • France / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / epidemiology*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / prevention & control*
  • Pregnancy Trimesters
  • Prenatal Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Prevalence
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Ferric Compounds
  • Ferrous Compounds