Maternal Anemia Prevalence and Determinants

Maternal anemia, defined by inadequate haemoglobin levels during pregnancy, affects an estimated 30–40 percent of expectant mothers worldwide, with the highest burden in low-income regions of Africa and South Asia. Its prevalence varies by geographical, socioeconomic and biological factors, rising in contexts of limited dietary diversity, micronutrient deficiencies and high rates of infectious disease. Key determinants include iron-deficient diets, low folate and vitamin B12 intake, high parity and short interpregnancy intervals, adolescent pregnancy, rural residence and poverty. Obesity and elevated body mass index (BMI) have emerged as complex contributors, sometimes correlating with both protection and increased risk of anemia through altered inflammation and iron metabolism. Educational attainment, employment status and access to antenatal care further modulate risk, while infections such as malaria, hookworm and preeclampsia exacerbate haemoglobin depletion. The global significance of maternal anemia lies in its association with preterm birth, low birth weight, perinatal morbidity and maternal mortality, making integrated nutritional, educational and socioeconomic interventions essential for maternal and neonatal health.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have quantified moderate-to-severe anemia in late pregnancy at around 14.5 percent in urban cohorts, using logistic regression to identify independent predictors. Multiparity (two or more births), elevated BMI (≥ 28 kg/m2), lower educational level and unemployment each increased the odds of severe anemia, underscoring the need for targeted screening and tailored antenatal interventions. Findings highlight that routine monitoring of haemoglobin among women with multiple prior births or high BMI, combined with policies to improve educational and economic opportunities, can reduce the burden of maternal anemia and its downstream consequences.

Maternal Anemia Prevalence and Determinants publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in maternal anemia prevalence and determinants across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Anaemia: A condition in which haemoglobin concentration falls below the threshold required for adequate oxygen transport in the circulation.

Haemoglobin: The iron-containing protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to bodily tissues.

Body mass index (BMI): A calculated ratio of an individual’s weight in kilograms to the square of their height in metres, used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity.

Dietary diversity score: A measure of the number of different food groups consumed over a reference period, reflecting the micronutrient adequacy of the diet.

References

1. Prevalence and determinants of moderate-to-severe anaemia in the third trimester of pregnancy: a multicenter cross-sectional study in Lagos, Nigeria. Scientific Reports (2024).
2. Hemoglobin Levels, Anemia, and Their Associations with Body Mass Index among Pregnant Women in Hail Maternity Hospital, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients (2023).
3. Prevalence of anemia and associated factors among pregnant women in Southern Ethiopia: A community based cross-sectional study. PLOS ONE (2017).
4. Inadequate dietary diversity during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal anemia and low birth weight in Africa: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Food Science & Nutrition (2023).