Studing the effects of iron supplementation on the amount of hemoglobin and hematocrit in pregnant women with Hb> 13.2g/dl

Purpose: In this study the effect of iron supplmentation on hemoglobin and hematocrit in pregnant women with Hb>13.2 g/dl was investigated.
Material and Methods: In this experimental clincal study, the effect of iron supplementation on hemoglobin and hematocrit in pregnant women with Hb>13.2 g/dl and Ferritin> 14.3 μg/l during the 13th- 18th pregnancy week was studied. Eighty seven women having the above conditions were selected in this study. Fourthy two women received one ferrous sulfate pill (50 mg Elemental iron) daily (study group) and 45 women received one placebo ferrous sulfate daily (control group) from the 20th pregnancy week. The amount of Hb and Hct during the 24-28 preganancy week and over the 32nd – 36th pregnancy week were measured.
Results: This study showed that in the second trimester the level of hemoglobin in the study group (13.41 ± 0.63) was significantly (P=0.000) different from that of the control group (12.59 ± 0.79). In addition, the level of hemoglobin in the third trimester in the study group (14.02 ± 0.63) was significantly (P=0.000) different from that of the control group (13.36 ± 0.57). The level of hematocrit in the second trimester in the study group (40.31 ± 01.81) was significantly (P=0.000) different from that of the control group (38.96 ± 2.5). Furthermore, the level of hematocrit in the third trimester in the study group (41.74 ± 2.2) was significantly (P=0.000) different from that of the control group (40.73 ± 2.19). There was not any significant clinical decrease in the level of hemoglobin and hematicrit during the pregnancy.
Conclusion: Using iron supplementation in women with a high hemoglobin level can inhibit the beneficial decrease of the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the second and third trimester and the routin administration of iron supplementation is doubtful.