Why Taking Iron Pills and Malaria Medicine During Pregnancy Matters for Baby’s Birth Weight

In many parts of Pakistan—especially in southern Sindh and Balochistan—malaria is still a real threat during pregnancy. At the same time, many women don’t get enough iron and folic acid from their food. Both of these problems can lead to babies being born too small, which puts them at higher risk of getting sick or not growing well.

Here’s how it works—and what moms-to-be can do about it.

Iron and folic acid are two key nutrients every pregnant woman needs. Iron helps make more blood to support the growing baby, and folic acid helps prevent birth defects. When a pregnant woman takes iron-folic acid (IFA) tablets regularly—as health workers advise—it helps her baby grow properly and be born at a healthy weight.

But in malaria-prone areas, things get more complicated. Malaria infection during pregnancy can cause serious harm: it damages the placenta (the baby’s lifeline), reduces oxygen and nutrients going to the baby, and can even cause early delivery or low birth weight.

That’s why doctors recommend Intermittent Preventive Treatment in pregnancy (IPTp)—a simple, safe dose of anti-malaria medicine (usually sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, or SP) given at least twice during pregnancy, even if the woman doesn’t feel sick. This treatment clears hidden malaria parasites and protects both mom and baby.

Now, here’s the important part: iron and malaria medicine work best when taken correctly—but not at the exact same time. Iron can sometimes interfere with how well the body absorbs certain medicines, and malaria infection itself can reduce how well the body uses iron. So timing matters.

Health guidelines in malaria-risk areas (like parts of Sindh) now advise:

• Take IFA tablets daily, as prescribed.
• Take IPTp doses during antenatal visits, but not on the same day as iron—ideally, space them by 1–2 days if possible (always follow your Lady Health Worker’s advice).
• Keep taking IFA even after IPTp doses—don’t stop!

When women follow both treatments properly, studies show their babies are more likely to be born at a healthier weight. In fact, consistent IFA use combined with IPTp can reduce the risk of low birth weight by up to 30% in malaria-endemic zones.

What can pregnant women and families do?

1. Go to all antenatal check-ups—this is when you’ll get IPTp and IFA tablets.
2. Take IFA pills every day, even if you feel fine. Side effects like nausea can be reduced by taking them with food or at night.
3. Don’t skip malaria prevention—even if you’ve never had malaria, hidden infections can still harm your baby.
4. Ask your Lady Health Worker how to take both medicines safely. She can explain the right schedule.
5. Eat iron-rich foods like lentils, spinach, eggs, and meat (if available) to support your supplements.

By combining simple actions—daily iron pills and scheduled malaria protection—mothers in malaria-prone areas can give their babies a much stronger start in life. Healthy moms mean healthy babies, even in challenging conditions.