Munich - Exhaustion and paleness during Munich - Exhaustion and paleness during are an indication that the mother-to-be has an iron deficiency, Germany's association of gynaecologists said.

Brittle hair and splitting skin in the corners of the mouth are other indications, said Christian Albring, president of the association. When there is too little iron in the blood the placenta and the developing child are not as well supported as when the mother has sufficient iron.

"This can negatively affect the development of the unborn child," Albring said. Pregnant women therefore must have their blood iron levels checked often during the prenatal care period. In cases of severe iron deficiency women must take an iron tablet daily or, if the deficiency is extreme, they must receive an intravenous injection of iron.

During pregnancy the iron requirement is especially great because the mother must produce 30 per cent to 40 per cent more blood in order to support the baby, above all in the last two trimesters.

The cause of an iron deficiency could be a purely vegetarian or vegan diet, regular blood loss through nose bleeds or impaired absorption of iron in the small intestines. An iron deficiency can lead to anaemia in mothers-to-be or mothers who are nursing.

Symptoms of the condition are headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath and heart palpitation that occur even with little activity. Women who experience these symptoms should see their doctor. (dpa) are an indication that the mother-to-be has an iron deficiency, Germany's association of gynaecologists said.

Brittle hair and splitting skin in the corners of the mouth are other indications, said Christian Albring, president of the association. When there is too little iron in the blood the placenta and the developing child are not as well supported as when the mother has sufficient iron.

"This can negatively affect the development of the unborn child," Albring said. Pregnant women therefore must have their blood iron levels checked often during the prenatal care period. In cases of severe iron deficiency women must take an iron tablet daily or, if the deficiency is extreme, they must receive an intravenous injection of iron.

During pregnancy the iron requirement is especially great because the mother must produce 30 per cent to 40 per cent more blood in order to support the baby, above all in the last two trimesters.

The cause of an iron deficiency could be a purely vegetarian or vegan diet, regular blood loss through nose bleeds or impaired absorption of iron in the small intestines. An iron deficiency can lead to anaemia in mothers-to-be or mothers who are nursing.

Symptoms of the condition are headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath and heart palpitation that occur even with little activity. Women who experience these symptoms should see their doctor. (dpa)