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

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.

Figure 1.

Iron deficiency risk by duration of pregnancy in the PRECAM study.

Figure 2.

Proportion of women with an estimated iron deficiency risk who were prescribed treatment in the PRECAM study.

Figure 3.

Medication prescription by (A) duration of pregnancy (n = 782) and (B) estimated risk of iron deficiency (n = 751).

Figure 4.

Reasons for prescribing iron alone, iron/folic acid combinations or food supplements with/without iron in 556 pregnant women in the PRECAM study. †Nausea, hot flushes, diabetes, asthma.