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Summary The incidence of haemoglobin and nutrient deficiencies during pregnancy was studied in 88 women of poor economic background and 88 from the middle economic class. Blood samples were taken in the first trimester before treatment, and after treatment either with iron, or iron plus folic acid. In the first trimester, the poor class patients had a statistically significantly higher rate of deficiency in all parameters except serum folate and total iron‐binding capacity (TIBC). At term, despite being treated in a similar way, the poor class patients were still at a disadvantage compared to the middle class. Despite iron therapy, the frequency of anaemia remained unchanged in both groups. It is concluded that a daily dosage of 130 mg. of elemental iron is insufficient to correct anaemia in pregnancy, and that iron and folic acid supplementation should be routinely administered throughout pregnancy, regardless of economic status.

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