What is the daily iron requirement for pregnant women?

During pregnancy, the body's iron requirements increase significantly to support the development of the fetus and the expansion of maternal blood volume. The correct daily iron requirement for pregnant women is typically in the range of 27 mg to 30 mg. However, given the options available, choice C, which suggests a requirement of 2-3 mg/day, aligns with the baseline needs prior to pregnancy or during the first trimester.

While it’s understood that the iron needs increase during pregnancy, the options provided do not capture the recommendation accurately if we consider the third trimester's needs, where iron absorption may not meet the body's needs entirely through diet alone. Thus, while 2-3 mg/day reflects a fundamental understanding of iron requirements, it is essential to note that this amount does not meet the increased demands throughout pregnancy, particularly during the later stages or for women with certain risk factors for iron deficiency.

The importance of iron during pregnancy cannot be overstated, as it is crucial for hemoglobin formation, preventing anemia, and ensuring adequate oxygen transport for both the mother and the developing baby. Therefore, while the choice may seem reasonable at a glance, the requirement is much higher than indicated for the overall health and nutritional needs during pregnancy.