Can pregnant women take ferrous sulfate syrup?

Ferrous sulfate can be taken orally. It is a commonly used medication for treating anemia and is more readily absorbed than other iron preparations. However, during early pregnancy—particularly in women experiencing severe morning sickness or gastrointestinal symptoms—or in individuals with pre-existing gastric disorders, ferrous sulfate is not recommended. In such cases, intramuscular iron injection or dietary iron supplementation is preferred. This is because ferrous sulfate can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and exacerbate morning sickness, potentially leading to further loss of appetite. If ferrous sulfate is prescribed, it should be taken half an hour after a meal.