During pregnancy, the developing fetus obtains all its iron from the mother. At birth in humans, the neonate has a total of about 1g of iron. The mother can provide up to 600 mg of iron from cessation of menstruation and from increased absorption, with about 300 to 400 mg coming from maternal stores. It is clear, therefore, that maternal absorption, both before and after pregnancy, to build up and replenish iron stores respectively, and to provide iron directly for the fetus, is critical for normal growth and development.