The burden of anaemia remains unacceptably high during pregnancy. Over a third of women are anaemic by their third trimester of pregnancy. The most common cause is iron deficiency. One key factor is rising iron requirements throughout pregnancy. There are risks associated with anaemia for the mother and infant. Anaemia in the first and second trimester has been significantly correlated with low birth weight and pre-term birth, and is associated with impaired neurological development of the baby. It also increases the risk of intrauterine fetal death, and the likelihood of the mother requiring blood transfusions during or after delivery.This study is a prospective cohort study, which aims to better define the natural history and understand how to use oral iron therapy for iron deficiency anaemia in pregnant women. This includes documenting the impact of treatment on anaemia symptoms, side effects, and the level of success of iron therapy using several haematological tests. Pregnant women will be invited to participate in this study and treated using a treatment schedule as described in national guidelines. Additional blood samples will be taken for subsequent detailed analysis of pathways of iron metabolism to better predict the response to oral iron therapy during pregnancy.
Age range
18 Years – 45 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
An increase in haemoglobin of at least 10g/L
Timeframe: 2 to 4 weeks after the onset of iron therapy.