What is the primary role of iron supplements during pregnancy?

Iron supplements during pregnancy primarily serve to prevent or treat iron-deficiency anemia. During pregnancy, the body requires increased amounts of iron to support the developing fetus and to accommodate the increased blood volume in the mother. Iron is a crucial component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to both the mother and the fetus. Insufficient iron can lead to anemia, which is associated with fatigue, weakness, and adverse effects on both maternal and fetal health.

While iron supplementation can potentially enhance energy levels by preventing anemia, the principal purpose is to specifically address iron deficiency. Additionally, reducing pregnancy complications and enhancing fetal growth are broader outcomes that can result from treating iron-deficiency anemia, but they are not the primary aim of iron supplementation itself. Therefore, the most accurate description of the role of iron supplements based on their direct function in pregnancy is their use in the prevention and treatment of iron-deficiency anemia.