• Preterm delivery, low birth weight, malaria reactivation during pregnancy (mother) [ Time Frame: Until birth ]
  
• Preterm delivery , low birth weight, malaria reactivation during pregnancy (mother) [ Time Frame: Until birth ]
  

• perinatal mortality, complications during pregnancy and birth [ Time Frame: pregnancy and neonatal period ]
  

Aim of the study:

Comparison of two policies of iron administration during pregnancy in regard to health of the mother and infant and program feasibility. The two groups compared are:

1. Routine iron prophylaxis
2. Screening of anaemia and therapy with iron

Study groups:

Routine group: Hb measurement on first visit, 60 mg per day of ferrous, sulphate (combination with folic acid).

Screening and therapy: Hb measurement on each visit, Hb >9g/dl Þ only folic acid, Hb <9g/dl Þ 60/120 mg per day of ferrous sulphate (+ folic acid)

Methods:

A pragmatic randomised controlled trial with non-blind design. Total intended sample size is 4000 women. Hypothesis: group 2 will have better health outcomes. Study site: Mozambique, Maputo City. Women are randomised individually and allocated into two different policy groups; 1) Routine iron prophylaxis, 2) Screening and therapy for anemia.

The recruitment of pregnant women will be done in two health centres, one in Maputo city and one in Maputo Province. The women are followed in prenatal visits and until delivery.