[Pregnancy and iron supplementation--are the official guidelines followed?]

In the present study we have examined to what extent the national recommendations concerning iron supplements during pregnancy are being followed. 222 women in childbed were interviewed within one week after delivery concerning their intake of iron and other dietary supplements. We found that no more than 1/4 of the women were using iron supplements according to the national recommendations and that the advice given by doctors, midwives or public health nurses varied considerably. 70% of the women were recommended to take iron supplement, but no more than 66% of them were given specific advice as to which iron preparation they should take, or in what doses. The specific advice that was given varied. 93% of the women who were advised to take iron supplement followed this advice. More women took low-dose iron preparations, while more doctors recommended high-dose preparations. Only 30% of the women thought that iron supplement is vital for all pregnant women. We also found that many of the women (59%) took one or more dietary supplements, alone or in addition to iron.