[Study of the iron status of a population of pregnant women].

Serum ferritin, haemoglobin, erythrocyte constants, serum iron and the fixation capacity of transferrin were determined in 233 pregnant women consulting a maternity clinic in the Paris area. 1 metropolitan frenchwoman out of 9 and almost half of the immigrants were found to suffer from anaemia at term. A virtual absence of iron reserves (serum ferritin less than microgram/l) was found in 20% of the metropolitan women during the 3rd month of pregnancy, in 60% during the 6th month and in 75% during the 9th month. The figures were 60%, 100% and 90% respectively in the immigrant group. Considering the anaemia-related risks and the eventual repercussions of iron deficiency on a pregnancy, the health of the mother and the foetus, a systematic increase in iron as of the 2nd trimester of pregnancy is recommended.