Supporting Maternal Wellbeing, Healthy Pregnancy, and Neonatal Iron Stores
Dr. Shadi Saffari, Naturopathic Doctor ✨
Iron deficiency becomes increasingly common as pregnancy progresses, with studies reporting that approximately 50–80% of pregnant patients have low iron stores by the third trimester. A significant proportion of these patients—around 15–40%—develop iron deficiency anemia in late pregnancy. The risk rises as maternal blood volume expands and fetal iron demands increase, meaning that iron deficiency often worsens in the third trimester, even among those taking oral iron supplementation.
💉 Intravenous Iron in Pregnancy: Maternal, Pregnancy & Neonatal Benefits
More effective and faster correction of iron deficiency anemia compared with oral iron
Greater increases in hemoglobin and iron stores, improving maternal energy and resilience approaching delivery
Higher likelihood of achieving non-anemic status before birth, particularly when treatment is initiated in mid-to-late pregnancy
Improved maternal wellbeing, including reductions in fatigue and improved quality-of-life measures
Supports fetal iron transfer and neonatal iron stores at birth through optimized maternal iron status
Reduced risk of low birth weight with IV iron compared to oral iron (ferric derisomaltose specifically)
No increase in adverse pregnancy or neonatal outcomes observed across randomized trials
Generally well tolerated, with low rates of serious adverse reactions
🩺 When to Consider Referral for IV Iron
Consider referral when patients have:
Hemoglobin < 100–105 g/L, or anemia not responding to oral iron
Ferritin < 50 µg/L with symptoms or anemia
Poor tolerance or adherence to oral iron
Late pregnancy with limited time for oral iron to be effective
Significant fatigue or functional impairment related to iron deficiency
Malabsorption or inflammatory conditions affecting iron absorption
🌸 Support for You at Oak
If you’re experiencing fatigue, low iron, or want to optimize your iron stores during pregnancy, Dr. Saffari located in our Burnaby clinic can help.
We offer personalized assessments, guidance, and safe IV iron treatments to support maternal wellbeing and ensure your baby has healthy iron stores at birth.