What is the recommended treatment for iron-deficiency anemia in pregnant women?

Ferrous sulfate supplementation is the recommended treatment for iron-deficiency anemia in pregnant women because iron is crucial for the formation of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Pregnant women experience increased blood volume and a greater demand for iron to support the developing fetus, making them more susceptible to iron deficiency.

Ferrous sulfate provides a readily absorbable form of iron and is effective in replenishing iron stores and improving hemoglobin levels. This supplementation aims to prevent complications associated with anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, and impaired fetal growth and development.

While vitamin B12 and folic acid are important for overall prenatal health—particularly for preventing neural tube defects—neither directly addresses iron deficiency. Calcium supplements are essential for fetal bone development but do not play a role in treating anemia. Thus, supplementation with ferrous sulfate is specifically targeted to resolve iron deficiency in this population.