Iron content of intact placentas and cords.

l)e cent (If the wet weight of the organs. In a study of 143 German women, I\’Iischel4 found that the total iron ill the blood and tissue of the placentas averaged 1 l . 1 amid 4.2 mug., respectively, Tier 100 gin. of wet saniple. \Iore inforniation on the iron content of placelltas is needed in the evaluation of the iron requirement during pregnancy. The Inajority of investigations of this problem have been completed outside the United States, and few details of such factors as diet, prenatal medications and delivery procedures are ineluded, all of which mnay influence placental iroli losses. It appeared worthwhile, therefore, to collect intact placentas and their cords froni the delivery room of the State Uiiiversity of Iowa Hospitals in order to evaluate this iiiaterial ili niaternal iron loss.