Fetal effects8
Irrespective of maternal iron stores, the fetus still obtains iron from
maternal transferrin, which is trapped in the placenta and which, in
turn, removes, and actively transports iron to the fetus. Gradually,
however, such fetuses tend to have decreased iron stores due to
depletion of maternal stores. Adverse perinatal outcome in the form
of pre-term and small-for-gestational-age babies and increased
perinatal mortality rates have been observed in the neonates of anemic
mothers. Iron supplementation to the mother during pregnancy
improves perinatal outcome. Mean weight, Apgar score and
haemoglobin level 3 month after birth were significantly greater in
babies of the supplemented group than the placebo group.