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Ferrous sulfate is the medication specifically indicated for the prevention and treatment of iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy. During this time, iron needs increase significantly due to the demands of the developing fetus and the expansion of maternal blood volume. Ferrous sulfate acts as an iron supplement that replenishes iron stores in the body, which is vital for the production of hemoglobin—the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

In pregnant individuals, adequate iron intake reduces the risk of maternal fatigue and supports fetal growth and development. The use of ferrous sulfate is well-supported by clinical guidelines, making it the first-line treatment to address iron deficiency during pregnancy.

The other options, such as calcium carbonate and folic acid, while important in prenatal care, do not address iron deficiency. Calcium carbonate is primarily a calcium supplement and can even inhibit iron absorption if taken simultaneously. Folic acid is crucial for preventing neural tube defects but does not contribute to iron levels. Vitamin B12 injections are essential for certain types of anemia, particularly those related to vitamin B12 deficiency, but they are not typically used for preventing or treating iron-deficiency anemia specifically in pregnancy.

Thus, ferrous sulfate is recognized as the correct choice for managing iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy, highlighting its