Effects of iron deficiency on neonatal behavior at different stages of pregnancy

Animal and human studies have shown that prenatal and postnatal iron deficiency is a risk factor for behavioral, emotional and cognitive development. The aim of this study was to determine the associations between iron status of pregnant women and the behavior of their newborn, taking into account the timing in which the deficit occurs. This study was conducted in Spain (developed country) where: the general population is well-nourished; during pregnancy routine obstetrical checks are carried out; and pregnant women are systematically iron supplemented. A total of 216 healthy and well-nourished pregnant women and their term, normal weight newborn participated in this study. The neonatal behavior was assessed by the Neonatal Behavior Assessment Scale (NBAS). The results showed that in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, iron deficiency was a weak and significant predictor of the NBAS autonomous nervous system cluster score, and in the third trimester, this condition predicted the NBAS motor and state organization clusters score and the NBAS robustness and endurance supplementary item. In conclusion, iron deficiency during pregnancy is related to the neonate's general autonomous response, motor performance and self regulation capabilities.