RESUMO
To evaluate the role of iron supplementation in the improvement of hemoglobin level in the third trimester of pregnancy and in the prevention of iron deficiency anemia. This non-interventional descriptive study was conduced at Mother and Child Health Centre [MCH], Nishtar Hospital, Multan during the period from July 2003 to March 2004. A total of 100 women of variable age groups and of different socio-economic status with 5 months of pregnancy were included in the study. After history and clinical examination their hemoglobin level were. checked by photometric method. Then these women were provided iron supplement for three months and their hemoglobin levels were rechecked by same method and the results. were compared. Out of 100 women enrolled in the study the compliance of iron supplementation was seen only in 80 women. There mean hemoglobin level before iron intake was 8.8 gm/dl and 60 [75%] had hemoglobin level less than 10 gm/dl. Out of these 60 anemic women, 51[85%] were multiparae or grand multiparae. They mostly belonged to lower socio-economic status. Only 9 [15%] were primigravidae. Iron deficiency anemia is very common in pregnant women in Pakistan particularly in multiparous and grand multiparous women of lower socio-economic status. Improvement of diet especially enhancing assess to iron rich, foods and iron supplementation at least in third trimester can reduce the frequency of anemia in pregnant women