RESUMO
This study presents a composite picture of haemoglobin (Hb), serum level of iron (SI), total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and percent iron saturation of transferrin in women during different trimesters of pregnancy and postpartum period. The results were correlated with age and parity. A total of 75 subjects, 15 from each trimester and 15 postpartal, were studied and compared with 15 nonpregnant normal subjects. Signs of increased iron demand, increased iron turnover and obvious iron deficiency, were demonstrated throughout pregnancy, by decrease in haemoglobin, SI, percent iron saturation of transferrin and increased TIBC; especially in older age group and multigravidae. SI, TIBC and percent iron saturation of transferrin are more sensitive indices of iron status and provide us an opportunity to replenish iron stores of an iron deficient pregnant mother at an earlier date thus preventing anaemia.