Iron Levels In Pregnancy

What is an Iron Levels in Pregnancy Chart?

An Iron Levels in Pregnancy Chart is an accessible and beneficial tool that assists in the monitoring and tracking iron-related parameters in pregnant patients. This is a particularly important parameter to track as iron assists in producing red blood cells and the movement of oxygen to the body's organs and tissue. While the patient is pregnant, iron requirements increase to assist in the health and growth of the fetus, as well as to increase the pregnant individual's blood volume. 

Charting for this particular population typically includes sections for the gestational age and pregnancy history and the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels component. By looking at the protein hemoglobin, efficient oxygen-carrying can be monitored, and the hematocrit levels indicate the percentage of the blood volume that contains the red blood cells. 

Iron levels in pregnancy charts will break down the measurements of serum iron and ferritin (the protein that stores iron) and look at the measurements of the body's ability to effectively transport iron in the blood (total iron-binding capacity). An in-depth and insightful medical resource is formed by collating this information and symptom identification in a cohesive way through the Carepatron iron charting template specific to pregnant individuals. 

Furthermore, the iron levels in the pregnancy chart hold valuable information on the reference ranges for the recommended iron measures, and from this, issues and further treatment plans can then be identified. Measures outside the recommended iron-related parameters in pregnancy may indicate the need for supplementation or dietary changes. It's important to note here that iron supplements are commonly prescribed to pregnant patients to prevent or directly treat iron-deficiency anemia. 

How Does It Work?

Below are six easy steps that integrate your free printable iron levels in the pregnancy chart for precise and accurate monitoring during this crucial time;

Step 1: Gather the Resources

First, download our digital and printable iron levels in pregnancy chart by searching for “iron levels in pregnancy chart” on Carepatron’s template library via our website or app, or simply click here!

Step 2: Patient Assessment

Carefully and accurately fill in the patient's name, date, and known information about the patient's gestation period. Collect key medical history, such as any previous iron-related issues and dietary habits. Spotting or any menstruation activity during the pregnancy should also be recorded.

Step 3: Laboratory Testing

Use the filled-in template to easily and seamlessly create a request for the necessary laboratory blood tests. It is crucial that results on serum iron, ferritin, total iron-binding capacity, and hemoglobin levels are highlighted and specifically asked for. These results can then be transferred to the chart to compare the recommended reference ranges easily.

Step 4: Investigation and Interpretation

Conduct a thorough evaluation of the results, mark which aspects of the patient's iron levels need addressing, and identify if the total iron-binding capacity is normal, low, or high.

Step 5: Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

After looking at the test results and considering the patient's medical history and pregnancy status, a diagnosis can then be formed, and an individualized treatment plan can be instigated. It is at this step that, particularly in pregnant patients, iron-deficiency anemia will become apparent. Treatment may involve a dietician and nutritionist, supplementation, or other specialist recommendations to ensure a healthy patient and baby.

Step 6: Follow-up and Progress

The iron levels of pregnant patients need to be regularly and closely monitored. By collating prognosis information on the iron levels in the pregnancy chart, a clear response to the treatment can be recorded and used for further decision-making. Conveniently and easily keep all medical notes, recommendations, and referrals on the chart to ensure a streamlined and well-documented aspect of care. This can be ensured and safely stored through Carepatron's clinical documentation software.

When Would You Use This Test?

All healthcare professionals involved in the pregnant patient's care plan can gain knowledge and insight from iron-level testing. It is typical for pregnant patients to have their levels checked at their first prenatal visit and again at around the 24 -28 week mark, making this chart particularly helpful in streamlining assessments over a period of time for each individual. Pregnant patients require twice the amount of iron compared to that needed by nonpregnant individuals, and because of this, iron-related issues are incredibly prevalent. Cohesive and clear documentation that holds historical information and the recommended benchmark levels is key. 

The iron levels in the pregnancy chart can be well utilized when assessing individuals who present symptoms related to iron deficiency. Frequent sickness or infection, fatigue, constant feeling of being cold, concentration issues, and weakness are all important factors to consider and indicate the need for this chart as it can assist with the quick diagnosis of maternal anemia. 

This chart should be activated during routine iron-level checks, especially in pregnant individuals whose weight is sitting below the appropriate average for their build and those with iron absorption issues caused by gastrointestinal conditions. This is a vital charting tool for managing and treating pregnant patients' iron levels, an important aspect of the health and well-being of both patient and child. 

What do the Results Mean?

A well-rounded understanding of what the iron level results mean for the patient is crucial. While all aspects of the patient's medical history and any comorbidities should be considered, below-average or above-average iron levels are a cause for concern, and treatment should quickly follow. According to the World Health Organisation (2001), anemia is present in pregnant individuals if:

• In the first trimester, if their hemoglobin is less than 11.0 g/dL.
• In the second trimester, if their hemoglobin is less than 10.5 g/dL
• In the third trimester, if their hemoglobin is less than 11.0 g/dL

Ferritin and full blood count (FBC) at the 26-28 week mark should sit above 50 umol/l; if it is less than 50 umol/l but greater than 15 umol/l, low-dose iron therapy such as ferrous fumarate tablets may be needed later in the pregnancy. 

Ferritin levels less than 15 umol/l but hemoglobin levels greater than 11.0 g/dL require immediate low-dose iron therapy with a reassessment in 4 weeks.

Iron deficient anemia is present and requires a high dose of iron therapy when hemoglobin is less than 100 g/L and ferritin is less than 15 umol/l. 

Results from the free iron levels in the pregnancy chart indicate that iron deficiency in a pregnant patient is serious and can increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight baby, infections, delayed healing, and postpartum depression. Quick and efficient diagnosis is paramount, as well as accessible education on the symptoms of anemia for the patient. 

Research and Evidence

Knowledge and research around iron deficiency are relatively new, with the development of iron being a crucial player in blood oxygenation coming into light in the 19th century. Recent works focusing on women's health, as showcased by the World Health Organization (2010), have linked low iron levels in women to an increased risk of iron-related anemia and highlighted the symptom pairings of fatigue, weakness, and intolerance to the cold.

Emphasis is placed on monitoring and treating low iron levels in pregnant patients, for it holds a great deal of risk should the patient develop iron deficiency anemia. As listed above, the risks can have long-lasting effects on the well-being of the child and the mother. Some studies have indicated that severe iron deficiency can increase the risk of infant death pre-birth or immediately after.  

According to the Mayo Clinic (2017), patients have an increased risk of developing anemia during pregnancy should they have two closely timed pregnancies, pregnancy with multiple babies, lack an iron-rich diet, have severe morning sickness, and have a heavy pre-pregnancy menstrual flow.  

Despite the risks, viable and tested ways exist to help prevent and treat the deficiency during pregnancy. Patients can reach the required 27mg of iron daily through supplementation and gain knowledge about iron-dense foods. Dark leafy vegetables, lean red meat, and fish can all contribute to the daily intake. Although iron derived from animal products is absorbed quickly, vitamin C is a recommended pairing to help enhance iron absorption in other forms. 

Effective treatment can vary from diet changes to oral tablet supplementation. For patients who suffer from gastrointestinal issues, iron that is delivered through an intravenous line may be best suited and can be decided at the discretion of the patient's healthcare team. 

References: 

Mayo Clinic. “Prevent Iron Deficiency Anemia during Pregnancy.” Mayo Clinic, 2017, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/anemia-during-pregnancy/art-20114455.

Stevens, Jaime. “Low Iron in Pregnancy: Spot the Symptoms of Anemia.” Www.nebraskamed.com, 16 Feb. 2022, www.nebraskamed.com/womens-health/pregnancy-birth/low-iron-in-pregnancy-spot-the-symptoms-of-anemia.

Te Whatu Ora. Iron in Pregnancy. 7 Aug. 2015, nationalwomenshealth.adhb.govt.nz/assets/Womens-health/Documents/Policies-and-guidelines/Iron-in-Pregnancy-.pdf. Accessed 6 Nov. 2023.

World Health Organization. “Haemoglobin Concentrations for the Diagnosis of Anaemia and Assessment of Severity.” Www.who.int, 31 May 2011, www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-NMH-NHD-MNM-11.1.