Daily iron needs in early pregnancy?

• A. 0.8 g/day
• B. 7.5 mg/day
• C. 15 mg/day
• D. 2.0 g/day

Answer: (A)

Iron needs rise in pregnancy to support the expanding maternal blood volume and to provide iron stores for the growing fetus. In early pregnancy, the typical daily requirement is about 30 mg of elemental iron per day, with prenatal vitamins commonly containing around 27–30 mg daily. The goal is to meet roughly this amount through a combination of diet and supplementation, rather than relying on the much smaller nonpregnant intake or extremely large daily doses. To optimize absorption, take iron with vitamin C-containing foods or beverages, and avoid taking iron with calcium-rich foods or supplements close to the same time. Regular monitoring of iron status (e.g., ferritin) guides adjustments.