What is the average requirement of iron in the third trimester ?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2023

Explanation

The iron requirement during pregnancy increases substantially to support both maternal and fetal needs.
During the third trimester, fetal growth is at its peak, and the fetus accumulates iron stores for early neonatal life. This increases the daily demand significantly.
The average daily physiological requirement for iron in the third trimester is approximately 6 to 7 mg, which fits into the 6-8 mg/day range.
This increased demand is necessary for the expansion of the maternal red blood cell mass and to compensate for blood loss at delivery.

Option A: This amount is insufficient for the high demands of the third trimester.
Option B: While iron needs increase in the second trimester, this range is lower than the peak requirement seen in the third trimester.
Option D: This range overestimates the average physiological daily requirement for iron during pregnancy.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Nutritional requirements during pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must educate pregnant women about the importance of iron supplementation to prevent maternal anemia and ensure adequate fetal development.
Iron-deficiency anemia in pregnancy is linked to adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and increased risk of perinatal mortality.
Screening for anemia via hemoglobin/hematocrit levels is a standard part of antenatal care, allowing for timely intervention.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key components of the question: 'average requirement,' 'iron,' and 'third trimester.'
Recall the physiological changes during pregnancy. Remember that maternal blood volume expands and the fetus grows most rapidly during the second and third trimesters.
Understand that nutritional needs, especially for iron, increase as the pregnancy progresses.
Evaluate the options based on this knowledge. The lowest value (2-4 mg/day) would correspond to early pregnancy, and the values should increase with each trimester.
Select the option that reflects the peak requirement, which occurs in the third trimester, to support maximum fetal growth and maternal blood expansion.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 80-94

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