iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy

A 22-year-old woman is pregnant and at 14-week gestation. Her hemoglobin level is 9 g/dL. She asks why she could have iron deficiency when she is no longer menstruating. Which of the following is the best explanation?

• A.Occult gastrointestinal blood loss
• B.Expanded blood volume and transport to the fetus
• C.Hemolysis
• D.Iron losses as a result of relative alkalosis of pregnancy

( B ). Iron deficiency occurs in pregnancy as a result of the expanded blood volume and active transport of iron to the fetus.