This study has been conducted to evaluate ferro-kinetic behavior in pregnant patients receiving oral iron, and those not receiving oral iron as compared to a group of normal, non-pregnant, control females, by determination of their serum iron and iron-binding capacities. | Also, an attempt is made to evaluate the ferro-kinetic status of infants born to mothers receiving supplementary iron and those not receiving supplementary iron. | Iron deficiency states in pregnancy are more common than has previously been recognized and the role of routine iron administration to these patients has become increasingly important for the proper management of the obstetric patient. The expression of "physiologic anemia of pregnancy" appears to be no longer tenable and new criteria for adequate obstetric care must be considered. | There is a distinct paucity of material regarding what effects the material iron status may have on the fetus. | It is hoped the results of our investigation may throw further light on the maternal value and fetal effects of oral iron administration during pregnancy
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