Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2025
A Rat Model of Mild Intrauterine Hypoperfusion with Microcoil Stenosis
Published on: January 7, 2018
Association between anemia in pregnancy with low birth weight and preterm birth in Ethiopia: A systematic review and
Girma Beressa1,2, Susan J Whiting3, Melesse Niguse Kuma2
1Department of Public Health, Madda Walabu University, Goba, Ethiopia.
Insights
Anemia in pregnancy significantly increases the risk of low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB). This meta-analysis highlights the need for improved nutrition policies to combat maternal anemia in Ethiopia.
Area of Science:
- Maternal and Child Health
- Public Health Nutrition
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Anemia during pregnancy is linked to adverse birth outcomes like low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB).
- Evidence on the association between maternal anemia and LBW/PTB in Ethiopia is inconsistent.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis were needed to clarify these associations in the Ethiopian context.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize existing evidence on the association between anemia in pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes in Ethiopia.
- To quantify the strength and direction of the relationship between maternal anemia and LBW/PTB.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies retrieved from PubMed, Wiley, Cochrane, and Google Scholar.
- Included studies focused on singleton pregnancies, defining anemia (Hgb < 11 g/dl), LBW (< 2500 g), and PTB (< 37 weeks gestation).
- Fixed and random effects models were used; heterogeneity, publication bias, and evidence quality were assessed.
Main Results:
- Meta-analysis included 35 studies (14,319 participants) for LBW and 8 studies (3,265 participants) for PTB.
- Women with normal hemoglobin levels had significantly lower odds of having LBW neonates (POR = 0.22) and PTB neonates (POR = 0.22).
- Evidence quality was low for LBW and very low for PTB; findings remained significant across subgroup analyses.
Conclusions:
- Findings underscore the critical need to strengthen nutrition policies and interventions to prevent anemia during pregnancy in Ethiopia.
- Reducing maternal anemia is crucial for decreasing rates of LBW and PTB.
- Further research on effective interventions against maternal anemia is warranted.
Background:
Anemia in pregnancy has been associated with a number of adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight (LBW) or preterm birth (PTB). However, the evidence from primary studies on anemia in pregnancy with LBW and PTB is contentious. Moreover, a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize these findings have not been conducted for Ethiopia. This study aimed to synthesize the best available evidence and quantify the strength and direction of the association of anemia in Ethiopia.
Methods:
This review examined women with singleton pregnancies with low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB). We retrieved studies from PubMed, Wiley, Cochrane databases, and Google Scholar from inception to February 2, 2024. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines anemia in pregnancy as a low blood haemoglobin (Hgb) concentration below 11 g/dl or a hematocrit level of < 33%. When the newborn's weight was below 2500 g, LBW was considered. Preterm birth refers to the birth of a baby before 37 completed weeks of gestation. Meta-analysis was conducted using fixed and random effects models. The degree of heterogeneity, publication bias, and quality of the evidence of studies was assessed.
Results:
There were 35 and 8 studies, with 14,319 and 3,265 respondents included in the meta-analysis for LBW and PTB, respectively. Neonates born to women who had normal Hgb levels were less likely to be LBW [pooled odds ratio (POR) = 0.22, 95% CI: (0.17, 0.28); I2 = 80%] (low-quality evidence). Neonates born to women with normal Hgb levels had a lower risk of PTB [POR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.28; I2 = 19%] (very low-quality evidence). The effect size estimate remained significant after sub-group analysis based on study design and province, except in two retrospective cohort studies for LBW.
Conclusion:
The findings suggest major implications for strengthening the implementation of nutrition policies to prevent anemia during pregnancy in Ethiopia. Further research is warranted to assess interventions that are effective in combating maternal anemia to reduce rates of LBW and PTB.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:07Teratogenicity
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
01:19Rh Blood Group
01:27Disorders of Erythrocytes
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...