Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy: A Narrative Review for Canadian Obstetrical Practice

Iron deficiency is the most common medical condition encountered during pregnancy and remains substantially underdiagnosed when screening relies on hemoglobin alone. Even in high-income countries such as Canada, iron deficiency affects most pregnant women. Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are associated with increased maternal, perinatal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality, including adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. This narrative review summarizes the epidemiology, physiology, clinical consequences, screening strategies, and management of iron deficiency in pregnancy, with a focus on implications for obstetrical practice in Canada.