Comparative Evaluation of Intravenous and Oral Iron Therapy on Maternal and Fetal Outcomes in the Management of Anemia During Pregnancy

Background: Anemia in pregnancy remains one of the most prevalent medical conditions affecting pregnantwomen worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Iron deficiency is the most common cause, leading toadverse maternal and fetal outcomes if left untreated. Oral iron supplementation has long been the standardtherapy; however, intravenous iron therapy is emerging as an effective alternative, particularly in cases where oraliron is poorly tolerated or ineffective.Aim and Objective: The present study was conducted to compare the clinical outcomes of anemia treatmentduring pregnancy using intravenous iron therapy versus oral iron therapy, and to assess their efficacy in improvinghemoglobin levels, maternal well-being, and fetal outcomes.Materials and Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics andGynaecology at Dr.Sonelal Patel Autonomous State Medical College, Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, India from oneyear. Pregnant women diagnosed with moderate iron deficiency anemia were randomly assigned to receive eitherintravenous iron sucrose or oral ferrous sulfate. Hemoglobin levels were recorded at baseline and after 4 weeksof therapy. Maternal side effects, patient compliance, and fetal outcomes including birth weight, preterm delivery,and APGAR scores were also documented and compared between the two groups.Results: Both treatment groups showed significant improvement in hemoglobin levels after 4 weeks of therapy.However, the increase in hemoglobin was higher in the intravenous iron group compared to the oral iron group.The intravenous group also demonstrated better patient compliance and fewer gastrointestinal side effects. Fetaloutcomes including birth weight and APGAR scores were better in the intravenous group, with a lower incidenceof preterm delivery observed. No major adverse events were reported in either group.Conclusion: Intravenous iron therapy is a safe and effective alternative to oral iron supplementation in thetreatment of anemia during pregnancy. It offers superior hemoglobin correction, improved compliance, fewer sideeffects, and better maternal and fetal outcomes. Intravenous iron may be especially beneficial for women who areintolerant or unresponsive to oral iron therapy.