antenatal screening programme

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Anaemia

Iron deficiency (ID) occurs when the body’s total iron levels are too low. If left untreated iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) can develop, a condition characterised by a lower number of healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin. This causes weakness, breathlessness and reduced energy.

It is quite common during pregnancy when a woman needs more iron and other vitamins.

Read more about iron deficiency anaemia on the NHS website.

UK NSC screening recommendation Based on the last UK NSC review of this condition that occurred in March 2026.

Screening is not currently recommended for this condition.

A population screening programme for IDA in pregnant women is not recommended because:

  • there is an insufficient volume of evidence on the harms of untreated ID or IDA

  • it remains uncertain whether pregnant women with mild to moderate IDA benefit from treatment

  • limited evidence has been identified suggesting possible benefits of screening and treating IDA in pregnancy

Supporting documents from the 2026 review

Evidence map
This document investigates whether a more detailed review can be conducted based on the available evidence.

Coversheet
This document summarises the review process including the public consultation comments.

Supporting documents from the 2021 review

In 2021, the UK NSC did not recommend screening for this condition.

Evidence review
This document provides the evidence on which the current UK NSC recommendation is based.

Coversheet
This document summarises the review process including the public consultation comments.

Review cycle

Date previous review completed: 2026

Next review estimated to be completed: 2029 to 2030.

To see previous evidence reviews, visit the UK NSC archive.

Organisations interested in Anaemia

These organisations have expressed interest in this recommendation and may submit responses to evidence reviews.

List of organisations

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