Reference Ranges for Iron Tests in Healthy Pregnant Women During the First Trimester and Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Without Anemia

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to establish reference ranges for iron-related biomarkers such as serum iron, ferritin, total iron-binding capacity TIBC, and transferrin saturation TSAT in healthy pregnant women during their first trimester. It also seeks to determine how common non-anemic iron deficiency NAID is among this group by carefully selecting participants to avoid factors that might affect iron levels. The study focuses on early pregnancy, a critical time for fetal development, to help improve iron deficiency detection before anemia develops. Pregnant women in their first trimester will be observed, including those who take iron supplements and those who do not. Data collection involves measuring hemoglobin and iron biomarkers at enrollment. The study is cross-sectional and observational, taking place at antenatal clinics from March to June 2025. Participants will be grouped based on iron supplement use to compare the prevalence of NAID and establish reliable reference intervals for iron status during early pregnancy. Participants will provide clinical data such as age, gestational age, body mass index, blood pressure, and body temperature. Blood tests will measure hemoglobin and iron markers. Researchers will analyze these results to calculate reference intervals and determine NAID prevalence, defined by specific ferritin and TSAT thresholds with normal hemoglobin levels. The studys findings aim to support better early detection and management of iron deficiency in pregnant women, with all data collected confidentially and ethical approval in place.

Iron Status of Non-anemic Pregnant Women in First Trimester