User:HannahMPH/sandbox

Some studies show that women pregnant during their teenage years can be at greater risk of iron-deficiency anemia due to an already increased need for iron and other nutrients during adolescent growth spurts.

Iron deficiency affects up to 52% of pregnant women worldwide. Iron deficiency affects maternal well-being by increasing risks for infections and complications during pregnancy. Some of these complications include pre-eclampsia, bleeding problems, and perinatal infections. Pregnancies where iron deficiency is present can lead to improper development of fetal tissues. Oral iron supplementation during the early stages of pregnancy is suggested to decrease the adverse effects of iron-deficiency anemia throughout pregnancy and to decrease the negative impact that iron deficiency has on fetal growth. Iron deficiency can lead to premature labor and to problems with neural functioning, including delays in language and motor development in the infant.

Hepcidin
The hepcidin protein in the human body is related to iron-deficiency anemia. Decreased levels of serum and urine hepcidin are early indicators of iron deficiency. Hepcidin concentrations are also connected to the complex relationship between malaria and iron deficiency. Some studies indicate that children and pregnant women with iron deficiency are at decreased risk of being diagnosed with malaria.