UK Guidelines on the Management of Iron Deficiency in Pregnancy

The 2019 UK guidelines on managing iron deficiency in pregnancy highlighted the high prevalence of anemia among pregnant women and its adverse outcomes. They recommended using low serum ferritin levels (<30 µg/l) for diagnosis, with oral iron supplements (40–80 mg of elemental iron) as the first-line treatment. For severe anemia or poor response to oral iron, intravenous (IV) iron therapy was advised, with options like iron sucrose, iron carboxymaltose, and iron isomaltoside. The guidelines stressed the importance of compliance and correct administration, and called for further research to optimize management strategies. Prevention and individualized care plans were also emphasized.