Antenatal Optimization of Maternal Anemia Leads to Decreased Risks of Maternal Morbidity

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Our review focuses on the appropriate use of intravenous iron to increase the likelihood of achieving target hemoglobin levels prior to delivery to reduce maternal morbidity. RECENT FINDINGS: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a leading contributor to severe maternal morbidity and mortality. Prenatal treatment of IDA has been demonstrated to reduce the likelihood of adverse maternal outcomes. Recent investigations of intravenous iron supplementation have demonstrated superior efficacy and high tolerability for the treatment of IDA in the third trimester, compared against oral regimens. However, it is unknown whether this treatment is cost-effective, available to clinicians, or acceptable to patients. SUMMARY: Intravenous iron is superior to the oral treatment of IDA; however, its use is limited by the lack of implementation data.