The role of iron in oxygen transport, electron transfer, and enzyme activity is essential for cell function. During pregnancy, with the increase in the blood volume of the mother and the growth and development of the fetus, the demand for iron increases sharply. When the body′s iron storage and intake cannot meet the body′s needs, it will lead to a relative or absolute lack of iron and cause iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency during pregnancy is the most common cause of anemia during pregnancy and is related to offspring′s cognition, autism, and mental disorders. Anemia during pregnancy increases the risk of infection during the puerperium, abruption of the placenta, death of pregnant women, gestational hypertension, cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, fetal growth restriction, and preterm birth, etc, it endangers the health and safety of mothers and babies, so early diagnosis and treatment are critical. Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy is treated with oral iron and intravenous iron. This review summarized the diagnosis of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy, and discussed the adverse effects of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy on pregnant women and their offspring, as well as its treatment and prevention strategies.
