Conclusion
Study results revealed a high prevalence of LID in early pregnancy with one fourth of the sample having ferritin levels in the iron deficiency region. The presence of raised RDW, hypochromic microcytic red cells, and pencil cells acted as indicators of LID. It is recommended that to identify pregnant women with LID, blood film, Hb level, and RDW could be measured as basic screening tests. Serum ferritin test could be recommended as an affirmative follow-up. The step-wise testing suggested in this study is a cost-effective procedure, especially suitable for resource-strapped obstetrics and gynaecology clinics in developing countries.