A pregnant patient with iron-deficiency anemia should receive which counseling and treatment?

• A. Iron supplementation; dietary iron; vitamin C to enhance absorption; counsel on constipation and stool color changes
• B. Iron-free diet
• C. Vitamin B12 injections only
• D. Folic acid only

Answer: (A)

Iron-deficiency anemia in pregnancy is best addressed by restoring iron stores through supplementation, while also using dietary iron and strategies that enhance absorption and minimize side effects. Oral iron helps replenish iron stores and raise hemoglobin, and including iron-rich foods supports ongoing intake. Taking iron with vitamin C improves absorption of non-heme iron from foods and supplements. Because iron can irritate the gut, it’s important to counsel about potential constipation and the normal change of stools to a darker color; practical tips include drinking fluids, staying active if possible, and taking iron with meals if needed to reduce GI upset, while noting that darker stools are a common and harmless effect.

Iron-free diets do not treat the deficiency, and vitamin B12 injections or folic acid alone do not correct iron-deficiency anemia, though folic acid remains important for fetal development. If a patient does not tolerate oral iron or has a severe deficiency, other options like intravenous iron may be considered under supervision.