Maternal anemia and the risk of preterm birth: a meta-analysis.
J Matern Fetal Neonatal MedSep 3, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchObstetrics & Gynecology
Parviz Karimi, Zahra Nourollahi, Mohammad Mehdi Nourollahi et al.
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In 30 seconds
This meta-analysis examined the relationship between maternal anemia and preterm birth risk across 60 studies involving 2,119,392 pregnant individuals. The analysis found a significant association, with a pooled odds ratio of 1.28 (95% CI: 1.20-1.36, p < 0.001), indicating that maternal anemia increases the risk of preterm birth, particularly in the third trimester.
Key findings
- Maternal anemia was associated with a pooled odds ratio of 1.28 for preterm birth.
- The association was strongest in studies from Asia (OR = 1.30) and Europe (OR = 1.24).
- Anemia assessed in the third trimester had an odds ratio of 1.65 for preterm birth.
- No significant association was found for anemia in the second trimester (OR = 1.10).
Why it matters
Understanding the link between maternal anemia and preterm birth is crucial for clinicians, as it highlights the need for early screening and intervention to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.