Maternal Anemia and Risk of Adverse Birth and Health Outcomes in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the relationship between anemia in pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes. The authors found a higher risk of low birthweight, preterm birth, perinatal mortality, and neonatal mortality for anemic pregnant women. They also found a higher pooled anemia prevalence in South Asian, African, and low-income countries, compared to upper-middle-income countries, and other Asian countries. The proportion of adverse outcomes due to anemia was higher in low-income countries and the South Asia region.