Pregnancy iron ‘loss’ during

Iron deficiency is usually due to blood loss, or more rarely to inadequate iron uptake. During pregnancy, increased demand can also cause iron deficiency states. In severe cases, reduced hemoglobin synthesis can lead to anemia ( iron-deficiency anemia ). In these patients, the erythrocytes are smaller and have less hemoglobin. As their membrane is also altered, they are prematurely eliminated in the spleen. 

In all cases of iron deficiency anaemia it is important to diagnose the underlying condition, especially malignant disea.se. the presence of intestinal parasites or any other intestinal pathology which may cause chronic blood loss. Iron deficiency may also develop during pregnancy, even in well-nourished women, due to the increased iron requirements of the developing fetus. 

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